Sark Vineyards closes blaming authorities

Sark Vineyards has announced its closure blaming resistance from the authorities, including a new tax on alcohol production.

The company says the 'unique' tax means the business is not financially viable.

They say they have faced 'obstructions' from their inception in 2010.

The vineyards have proved controversial, in part because of the amount of agricultural land that has been committed to wine-making.

Five years ago, around 100 islanders took part in a protest over the vineyards.

The wine-making production is led by Dr Alain Raynaud, a renowned wine maker who lives in Bordeaux.