News

The supply of wine bottles in the UK has not been significantly affected by an early harvest in France, despite concerns from some UK wine makers.

A good vintage in 2006, followed by an early harvest this year, has meant French vintners are rushing to get their hands on bottles so they can empty barrels in preparation.

This has prompted Sussex-based vineyard Bookers to say it had encountered difficulties with its usual supply of bottles.

It has had to purchase heavier bottles with a new shape, increasing "packaging, transport and storage costs" and compounding the problems of an "already difficult harvest" caused by this year's weather.

However, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said it was "unaware of a dramatic shortage", although it said fewer bottles could lead to higher prices.

A spokesman for O-I said that the increased demand in France had indeed tightened capacity in the market, but that UK vintners still had a substantial number of bottle makers to buy from. "We're certainly doing our utmost to ensure that customers are not affected," he said.