Vineyard bosses say this year could become “another great vintage” after a harvest which was saved by a late flourish in October.

Gusbourne Estate said below-average temperatures and sunshine in August and September had delayed picking.

However a fair weather October helped grapes to ripen to the desired level of maturity following good weather in June which also ensured “a good yield of even ripeness”.

Bosses said the grapes quality has been excellent “with optimum levels of natural sugar and acidity, both of which meet our own exacting quality standards”.

The grapes were picked largley by people employed from Romney Marsh and the area surrounding its headquarters in Appledore.

Chairman Andrew Weeber said: “The exceptional quality of the fruit from the 2015 harvest is very exciting.

“Despite a somewhat delayed harvest this has been an excellent year at Gusbourne, which will add to our inventories of premium sparkling wine for future sale once the wine has been through our careful production and extended lees ageing processes.”