Jersey is an island situated in the English Channel, 20 miles (30km) off the west coast of Normandy in France. Despite their proximity to France, Jersey and the other Channel Islands are officially part of the United Kingdom.
There are very few vineyards of any size on Jersey and none which produce wine on a significant commercial scale. La Mare Wine Estate remains the only wine producer of note. The island's cool, moist, maritime climate is not well suited to quality viticulture, so only a small number of newly developed grape crossings are able to yield there – although achieving full ripeness is often a struggle. Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix (a crossing of Seyval Blanc and Bacchus) are the key varieties used.
Given Jersey's proximity to the Normandy coast, it is hardly surprising that the island and its people have inherited French culture and traditions. This is clearly visible in the base ingredients used in the local alcoholic beverages. Apples and honey are the mainstays, producing mead (hydromel in French), cider and apple brandies. Cider was once an important export, although the island's changing demographic and economic focus led to a dramatic decline in its orchards in the 20th century. This is now gradually being rectified.
Jersey measures only 12 miles across at its widest point and has a surface area of just 45 square miles (116 square km), shaped like an uneven rectangle. Its population hovers around the 90,000 mark, although the island has many part-time residents and holiday homes. The production of wine, beer and spirits on the island is strictly limited; what is made is mostly consumed locally.
