English wine one of the fastest growing industries in UK agricultural sector

Soil type

“For sparkling wines, loam over chalk is usually favoured, but vines can thrive on many soil types, as long as soil is free-draining and matched to the appropriate root stock.”

Selling land is not the only option.

He said: “Many landowners have sites which would be perfect for a vineyard, but are not willing to sell the land for a variety of reasons.

“Vineyard operators are willing to look at alternative arrangements, such as long leases, grape contracts or joint ventures.

“A landowner entering into a lease agreement for a vineyard would typically need to be willing to grant a lease of 30-35 years, so it is a long-term commitment. However, rental values can be up to double what might be offered for the land, given in some cases it will be marginal arable ground.

“This can be the right approach for people who are not willing to sell, but are reluctant to take the level of investment required to enter wine production themselves.”

Setting up from scratch is not something everyone will be able to finance, he said. Vineyards have high up-front investment costs and it is seven or eight years before wine sales generate any significant income.

“It is a sector requiring deep pockets and a good business plan before diving in,” added Mr Mansel Lewis.

“HMRC has recently clarified that when it looks at eligibility for Agricultural Property Relief, its definition of agriculture includes growing vines for wine production, which should give landowners confidence.”