Planned vineyard could spark 'growth industry'

Jacob Cherry is looking produce white, red and sparkling wine in Guernsey in the next few years

Plans for a vineyard and winery in Guernsey could "revitalise" the island's growing industry, a developer has said.

Sommelier Jacob Cherry has requested planning permission for the facility in the Torteval headland – which also incorporates a tasting area and pagoda.

He is in the process of selecting different grape varieties which will later be planted on vacant fields previously used for growing hay.

He said: "It's a crop that could revitalise Guernsey's growing industry – there are a lot of local farmers who seem to be producing local food again, thinking about food security."

'Foodie destination'

Mr Cherry said Guernsey was well placed to put itself on the culinary map for the high standard of local produce – to which winemaking could play a part.

"We hope this is another complementary product so we could potentially turn Guernsey into a foodie destination for tourists."

Mr Cherry added the project was sparked in response to changes in global temperatures – which has seen European winemakers plant in new areas.

He said: "I think Guernsey is in a unique position to capture a market that is in crisis due to climate change.

"We could create a decent product in Guernsey and a solid reputation for ourselves, as all of wine production moves further north."

The site is adjacent to areas popular with nature lovers and categorised as a Sites of Special Significance, because of their varied bird populations and native plant species.

Mr Cherry said the fast draining soil is "well suited" for growing vines and the plans will incorporate the reseeding of native plants on the fields used for production.

He added if the more than £1m business venture gets the go-ahead he hopes other island growers will follow suit.

The plans are currently in public consultation period which runs until 27 January.