Twin billionaires to plant vines in the Channel Islands

Billionaire twin brothers David and Frederick Barclay, owners of the Daily Telegraph and the Ritz hotel in London, are planting their first vineyard on the island of Sark in the Channel Islands. They own the neighbouring island of Brecqhou and already own land on Sark which has a population of around 600 and offers residents tax-free status. The brothers have recruited Pomerol winemaker Alain Raynaud to plant up 5 hectares of vines on several plots around the island comprising Chardonnay, Chenin and Pinot Gris. Sark is on the same latitude as the Loire valley and the intention is to make top quality still and sparkling white wines to sell to tourists. Planting should begin in April 2010, with the first vintage in 2013.