The weather over the next fortnight is crucial in determining whether or not we will be able to drink good 2008 Kent wine.

After the wet summer more rainfall will mean a washout for winemakers.

Other Kent's farmers are already suffering as the wet weather has been bad for the grain harvest.

Last weekend's sunshine was welcomed by winemakers who are now hoping for an Indian summer to increase the sugar levels in the grapes before they are due to be harvested at the end of the month.

Ideal conditions for the next fortnight are plenty of sun and temperatures of 18C (65F).

Rain is vital early on in the season to make the grapes swell - but dry weather is now crucial.

"At this stage any damp or early morning mist as that will stop the sugar levels rising," said Tom Jinks from Biddenden Vineyards.

Over the next fortnight he will be monitoring the grapes closely.

"The optimum time to pick is when we think we have got the sugar level to the best possible point and the acidity level has dropped to produce a perfect equation of acidity level and sugar level," he said.

Once shunned by many, English wines have increased in popularity over the last few years.

Biddenden Vineyards specialise in both white and pink sparkling wines and supply several prestigious London restaurants, including several in the Conran chain and Vinopolis.