A community vintner based in southwest London has emphasized that “every borough of the city is represented in this wine.”

Richard Sharp, who co-founded the Urban Wine Company in 2009 after a trip to France, aimed to unite grapes cultivated in gardens and allotments throughout the capital.

Each September, group members gather to collect their fruit and combine their harvest before sending it to a commercial winery, where skilled professionals manage the winemaking process.

“This year, in 2025, we had an excellent harvest. As cities experience rising temperatures, we’re observing an increase in grape growth,” noted Mr. Sharp.

“A generally warmer climate is leading to a greater yield of grapes within the urban environment,” he added.

“However, there have been seasons where it has been excessively hot.

“We’re receiving more inquiries from individuals, indicating a larger quantity of grapes within this fantastic city.”

According to Mr. Sharp, all varieties of grapes from varying gardens and allotments are accepted for the community wine, which he described as “very inclusive.”

“It brings together a variety of grapes. Some members are familiar with the types of grapes used, while others are not. They all get blended, and the resulting wine is returned to our members.

“It’s a wonderful way to utilize local produce for local enjoyment.”

The result is both a still and a sparkling rosé, alongside a sparkling white and a red wine.

“Our pink sparkling wine tends to be the favorite, and that’s made entirely from urban grapes.”

Mr. Sharp mentioned that participants arrive using a range of transportation methods.

“They come on bicycles, via the Tube, by bus, or simply walk.

“During the harvest, there’s a delightful chaos, and ultimately, we create our London wine.

“If we were to label the bottle, you would find grapes from Lambeth, Wandsworth, Chiswick, Tower Hamlets, and Southwark.

“You could continue naming boroughs across London; every area contributes to that wine.”

Among the contributors is Ed Howden, whose Stockwell vines finally yielded grapes in September, six years after being planted on his rooftop.

He has two white Pinot vines that produced six bunches this year after “years of growth.”

He was inspired to plant the vines after learning about the Urban Wine Company.

Also contributing grapes is Vauxhall City Farm, which has had vines in place that predate the existing community garden and has been a part of the community winemaking since 2023.

Gardener Jessica Wiper mentioned that they achieve great yields because the vines are well established and the site benefits from being open and south-facing.

“Every year we come together to harvest, making it a lovely group activity.

“Sometimes the grapes can be tricky to spot, so it really requires time and patience to work beneath the leaves and start snipping.”