A VINE GROWS in LONDON

Is London the next Sonoma? Probably not. But nearly 15OO Bacchus vines were recently hand-planted at Forty Hall Organic Farm in the London borough of Enfield. It is London’sfirst commercial vineyard since medieval times. Bacchus grapes produce crisp light, white wines with Sauvignon Blanc traits of gooseberry and fresh grass. The hope is that the free-draining, gravelly soil at Forty Hall will become the “terroir” of London wines. The vineyard has been set up and funded by Capel Manor Horticultural College as part of a wider community project. It is slated to produce still and sparkling wines. The Forty Hall wine will be sold directly to consumers within a ten mile radius of the vineyard and all profits will go towards promoting sustainable urban agriculture in the local area.