Vineyard Frost protection at -4C, Mallard Point Vineyard, Lincolnshire, UK – August 2025 – CropAid AntiFrost and AntiHeat benefits
Posted on: August 23, 2025 • Posted in: Trial Results
Vineyard Frost Protection & Heat protection report at Mallard Point vineyard.
Client: Mallard Point Vineyard & Distillery – Linconshire, England
Products Used: CropAid® AntiFrost & AntiHeat
Period: April–August 2025 (Visit date: 21st August)
Sector: Viticulture / Specialty Wine Production
Background
Mallard Point is an award-winning, family-run vineyard and distillery in Stamford in Linconshire, England. Known for innovation and quality, the vineyard has faced a recurring challenge common to UK viticulture: late spring frosts and extreme summer heat, which threaten vine health, fruit set, and yields.
In 2025, CropAid International Ltd. partnered with vineyard owner Andrew Beamish to trial CropAid AntiFrost and CropAid AntiHeat across key grape varieties, including Cabernet Jura (CabJura) and Merlot. You can watch the video interview here.
The Challenge
- Frost risk: Late frosts on 7 May (-4°C) and 25 May posed a severe threat to vines during sensitive growth stages.
- Heat stress: Four heatwaves in total, during the growing season.
- Soil issues: The site is magnesium deficient, requiring ongoing fertiliser management.
- Previous seasons: In 2024, Mallard Point observed weak canopy growth, yellowing leaves, and patchy fruit development.
The vineyard needed a sustainable, non-synthetic solution to increase vine resilience, yield, and grape quality under these harsh and unpredictable conditions.
The Solution
Between April and August 2025, Mallard Point applied a program of CropAid biostimulants and is planning to continue its use.
- 3 applications of AntiFrost (including pre-frost protection).
- 2 applications of AntiHeat, with plans for more during subsequent heatwaves.
- Application rate: 1 L/ha in 200–300 L of river water via orchard sprayer, ensuring full canopy coverage.
The Results
Frost & Heat Protection
- No frost damage recorded during -4°C frost (7 May) or the late May frost.
- 4 Heatwaves caused minimal leaf yellowing, with vines showing strong resilience.
Vine Health & Canopy Development
- “We’ve never seen leaf health so abundant.” – Andrew Beamish
- Stronger, greener, darker leaves with enhanced canopy growth across all treated vines.
- Earlier and stronger lignification (woody stems), preparing vines for next season.
Yield & Quality
- Up to 50% increase in yield versus 2024.
- Cabernet Jura: immaculately clean crop, early Veraison (10 July), and predicted 2-week earlier harvest (16 September).
- Fruit size consistent across bunches – reduced incidence of “chicken and hen” uneven berries.
- Larger grapes and leaves.
Commercial Impact
- Ordered two new storage tanks to handle increased production.
- UK’s only red wine from Cabernet Jura expected in 2025.
- Andrew described himself as a “firm believer” in CropAid products:
“You’d be stupid not to try CropAid. It’s 100% obvious – why would you not be smiling to see vines as they are?”
Key Takeaways
- CropAid AntiFrost eliminated frost damage during two critical frost events.
- CropAid AntiHeat protected against heat stress, reducing yellowing and stress symptoms.
- Vine health improved dramatically, with stronger canopy, healthier leaves, and better lignification.
- Yields increased up to 50%, enabling earlier harvest and higher-quality fruit.
- CropAid solutions delivered results without any detrimental effects, offering a sustainable, commercially valuable tool for viticulture.
About Mallard Point
Mallard Point Vineyard & Distillery is a single-estate, family-run producer based in Rutland, forever linked with the historic Mallard Steam Train. From vineyard to glass, the estate is dedicated to producing premium wines and spirits that reflect the unique terroir of the English countryside.
👉 Visit Mallard Point
CropAid International Ltd. develops award-winning, Soil Association-approved biostimulant products that strengthen plants against frost, heat, drought, and stress. For over 20 years, we’ve helped growers worldwide improve yield, quality, and sustainability with innovative, natural plant solutions.
👉 Order your vineyard frost protection at CropAid.com
