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About the South East Vineyards Association

What is it for?

The aim of the Association is to benefit its members by:

· Providing them with an opportunity to develop and exchange their knowledge and experience of producing and commercialising English Wine

· Representing their interests at national level within the United Kingdom Vineyard Association Council

· Promoting their vineyards, wineries and wines

· Providing opportunities for social interaction.

Who can join?

Anyone who has an interest in wine produced in the South East of England is invited to join, but the Association is specifically designed to meet the needs of commercial producers of English Wine and amateur vinegrowers and winemakers in the region. Membership is available to individuals, partnerships and limited companies.

What does it do?

· The Association holds regular meetings, which provide an opportunity for members to meet and exchange ideas on vinegrowing, winemaking and wine commercialisation. Sometimes a guest speaker will be invited, and there will be a wine tasting and a light meal (for which an extra charge is usually made).

· Organises the annual South East Vineyards Association (SEVA) wine competition, when commercial and amateur wines are tasted by an expert panel and awards made at a special meeting.

· Represents their interests on the Council of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA), which is the recognised industrial body that negotiates with DEFRA and other governmental and European organisations.

· Entitles the members to join the UKVA, which enables them to:

o Be registered onto the UKVA email list, which enables them to communicate easily with most of the wine producers in England and Wales

o Receive the Grape Press magazine, which comes out twice a year, and the annual UKVA vineyard pesticide guide.

· Maintains contact with other regional vineyards associations and with organisations concerned with viticulture and the marketing of wine.

· Promotes the members and their wines, for instance at regional agricultural shows.

· Maintains and develops the SEVA website, where members can promote their wines and exchange ideas on wine production and business.

· Holds regular subsidised social events, such as barbeques and the post-harvest party, at which members can meet, socialise and network, and enjoy food and drink.

· Develops opportunities for increased member interaction, including the SEVA website and the members email forum.

· 1. UKVA FEE -
UKVA all members £35 membership
UKVA Levy £6.24 per tenth of hectare unless on all members with planted vineyards (payable to a maximum of 7ha) unless exempt*
* Levy exemption - If the planted vineyard area is 0.1 hectare or less.

· 2. SEVA FEE -

SEVA Commercial Members - £43
SEVA Amateur** members - £18

** SEVA Amateur definition – This is restricted to those who do not derive, and do not intend to derive, an income either directly or indirectly from viticulture or marketing English Wine. If you do not qualify under this definition then commercial member rates apply.

Subscriptions are due on the 1st April each year. Those joining for the first time between the first of October of one year and the end of March the next year do not have to pay a further subscription until the second April following.

So why join the SEVA?

· To meet other people interested in English Wine in the South East of England

· To find out more about vinegrowing, winemaking and the commercialisation of wine

· To enter your wines into the regional and national wine competitions

· To have your views on national and international developments in wine taken into account

· To communicate with the English Wine community throughout the country

Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Nr. Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE.