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Organic Welsh vineyard goes on sale for £3.4 million
Ancre Hill is up for grabs and its plum location in the Wye Valley has a climate “almost on a par with Essex”, says its owner.
Ancre Hill in Monmouthshire’s Wye Valley comprises around nine hectares of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Albariño vines, along with some hybrid varieties.
The south-facing property, which produces 30,000 bottles per year, has been Demeter certified organic and biodynamic since 2014 and is on the market for a guide price of £3.4 million.
Buyers can choose to buy the vineyards by themselves, or the entire property, which includes a four-bedroom house, and separate 2,564 sq ft farmhouse, or potential offers can incorporate both lots together.
Current owner Richard Morris, who brought Ancre in 1999, says there is a common misconception “that it always rains in Wales”. Speaking to The Times he said: “Actually, the climate compares favourably with the southwest of England. It’s up there with Hampshire and Sussex, and is almost on a par with Essex, which is generally regarded as the place to plant.”
His first vines went into the ground in 2006 and now Ancre Hill is considered one of the UK’s leading organic and biodynamic producers. Morris is keen to keep it that way.
“If somebody came along and didn’t want to be biodynamic and organic but mass produce with a lot of fertiliser, I wouldn’t sell the business to them,” he said.
According to the estate’s website, vines are grown at around 50 degrees Northern Latitude, without the use of insecticides, pesticides or herbicides, producing wines with crisp acidity and purity of fruit. Extensive canopy management is practiced, maximising air flow through the canopy and sun and light exposure to suit the season, further assisted by the Geneva Double Curtain trellising system designed for cooler climates.
Morris says there is the potential for future expansion of Anchre Hill with about 50 acres of pastureland on the farm, which is “ideal for planting more vineyards”. Existing stock, winemaking equipment and farm buildings, including a former cider mill, are also available to buy.
“I hope that in ten years’ time I’ll be having a nice lunch in a restaurant in London and there will be an Ancre Hill biodynamic, organic wine on the wine list,” Morris added.
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