Vineyard sale tempts wine lovers

An offer has already been agreed on nearly three acres of mature

woodland and grapevines near Combe Hay, Bath.

But if the exchange fails to go ahead next Tuesday, it will go under the hammer at the Francis Hotel in Bath at 6.30pm on March 2 with a guide price of 15,000 to 20,000.

The freehold land boasts "stunning views" in a conservation area with a pub nearby, according to estate agent Carter Jonas in Chippenham.

The land is a mixture of mature woodland, scrub and a well-tended vineyard established in 1986.

In a good year, it produces 1,000 bottles of wine from its Riesling grapevines.

Arthur Chambers, manager at Carter Jonas which is handling the sale, said: "There's not a large amount of vineyards in the country and they rarely come to the market.

"We have been surprised by the amount of interest generated by wine enthusiasts who want to grow their own grapes and make their own wine.

"The grapevines came over from Germany in 1986 as root stock. It's all been looked after by hand and it's pretty well manicured."