Bolney Wine Estate has merged with neighbouring vineyard Pookchurch to double the estate to 104 acres.

The merger is part of Bolney Wine’s strategy to further increase the production of its still English wines.

Bolney Wine Estate managing director and lead winemaker Sam Linter said: “Merging with Pookchurch’s vineyard has strengthened our business for the future. We’re really pleased to be formally one team.

“Both Bolney Wine Estate and Pookchurch vineyard share the same outstanding sandstone soils and aspect so there is a lot of potential for new single vineyard wines.

“By combining our vineyards we are in a powerful position to grow the brand and facilities across the estate.”

“It’s also an opportunity to increase research, development and benefit from greater economies of scale across the larger vineyard. We are now a significant rural business and employer in the local community”.

The merger adds around 67 acres to Bolney’s estate and is expected to produce an additional 200t of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Pinot Gris varieties.

Pookchurch vineyard founder David Wood said: “Bolney Wine Estate’s passion and culture are the perfect fit for Pookchurch. We’re delighted to be part of such a renowned brand and dynamic business.

“This is really exciting period of growth for us, by combining our vineyards we are in a powerful position to grow the brand and facilities across the estate. The merger firmly puts us within the top ten of English Wine brands.”

Next month, Bolney Wine Estate is expected to complete a new winery that will enable the company to increase production capacity to more than 300,000 bottles by 2022.