Lee Dyer, owner of the Winbirri Vineyard in Surlingham, Norfolk, has reported the theft of approximately 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of Bacchus grapes from his family-run vineyard. The incident, discovered on September 28 during harvest, involved two rows of vines, each about 120 meters long, being stripped of fruit. This loss is significant, representing around 400 bottles of wine that the vineyard will be unable to produce this year.

Winbirri Vineyard, established in 2007 by Dyer’s father, Stephen, was the first major wine estate in Norfolk and gained international recognition when its Bacchus variety was named the world’s best single-varietal white wine at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2017. The vineyard produces a Bacchus wine often likened to Sauvignon Blanc, known for its elderflower notes, retailing at about £114 for six bottles.

Dyer explained that such grapes are not typically sold or used for eating due to their smaller size and high sugar content, which are suited specifically for winemaking. He suspects the theft was carried out by individuals aiming to produce homemade wine, noting that selling these grapes commercially requires lengthy arrangements and reputable sourcing. “You can’t rock up to a vineyard and say I’ve got grapes to sell,” Dyer said, emphasizing that legitimate transactions involve paper trails and prior negotiations.

This event is not the first instance of theft from Winbirri; smaller incidents have occurred previously, including an episode last year when a group was caught with electric bikes and trailers collecting grapes. Dyer also reported suspicious visits by individuals asking unusual questions about bringing their own pickers or purchasing grapes, none of whom spoke with local Norfolk accents. He believes these visits were connected to the theft.

The vineyard, covering 33 acres and protected by some CCTV coverage, has now enhanced its security by locking gates and increasing camera surveillance. Dyer estimates the thieves worked efficiently and were well-prepared, likely numbering several people given the volume of fruit taken.

While the theft represents a financial and emotional setback—Dyer described the grapes as the “fruits of your labour” and highlighted the year’s promising growing conditions—the vineyard still expects a harvest of about 40 tonnes of Bacchus grapes alongside other varieties. The incident has been reported to Norfolk Constabulary, which confirmed receipt of the complaint, and has raised concerns about the potential for future thefts in the expanding English wine industry.