Frost Fan Project

Securing Investment to Protect Vineyards from Climate Risk

Service Areas: Funding & Grants | Business Growth & Diversification | Environment, Water, Energy & Land Management

At a Glance

Sector: Viticulture
Client Type: Vineyard Business
Services Delivered: Grant Funding, Business Development, Project Support
Key Outcome: Funding secured for innovative frost protection infrastructure

The Challenge

England’s climate creates excellent conditions for producing high-quality sparkling wines, but late spring frosts can pose a serious risk to vineyards. In some years, frost events have the potential to significantly reduce yields and impact business profitability.

An Essex vineyard identified the need to invest in more effective frost protection. Traditional methods of reducing frost damage were labour intensive, less environmentally friendly and increasingly difficult to justify as businesses sought more sustainable solutions.

The business needed support to identify funding opportunities and secure investment for an alternative approach.

Our Approach

ARC worked closely with the vineyard to develop a strong funding case for investment in a frost fan system designed to protect vines during critical periods of the growing season.

Our support included:

✅ Assessing project eligibility for grant funding

✅ Developing a strong business case

✅ Preparing funding applications

✅ Demonstrating environmental and business benefits

✅ Supporting the approval process

Results & Impact

✅ Grant funding successfully secured

✅ Frost protection infrastructure installed

✅ Reduced risk of crop losses

✅ Improved vineyard productivity

✅ Increased business profitability

✅ More environmentally responsible approach to vineyard management

✅ Long-term resilience strengthened

Why It Matters

Climate resilience is becoming an increasingly important consideration for rural businesses. Investment in innovative technology can help businesses adapt to changing conditions while protecting productivity and profitability.

This project demonstrates how targeted grant funding can support practical business solutions that deliver economic, environmental and operational benefits.