Furiously budding plants a step towards Scotland’s first commercial wine

PLANS to produce Scotland’s first commercial wine have taken a vital step forward after the vines started “budding furiously”.

The appearance of the delicate pink buds is a crucial point in the development of the vines, which were planted in Fife two years ago and should produce their first grapes by 2014.

Owner Christopher Trotter is so pleased with the results he has doubled the number of vines to 200 in the garden of his home in Upper Largo.

The award-winning food writer hopes to produce the first of 2,500 bottles of dry, white Chateau Largo in two years’ time.

He said: “It has been a very good two years for Chateau Largo. The vines are all looking very healthy and we have now planted an extra 100, which means we have doubled the size of our vineyard.

“I am absolutely delighted that we haven’t lost any at all. There have been no problems over the summer and they are looking very, very, healthy. I’m sure global warming has played a role. It has certainly exceeded all our expectations and it’s a very exciting time for us.”

He added: “All the vines we originally planted are now budding ferociously. They are coping very well. It has been very rewarding and that is why we have decided to double the number of vines.

“I would say that global warming has played a part in the success of the project.”

It is believed to be the first time anyone has attempted to produce wine commercially north of the Border.