David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, is calling on HM Treasury to freeze or lower duties on small vineyards, such as Avalon Vineyard near East Pennard.

As well as Avalon, Mr Warburton's Somerton and Frome Constituency includes Barebones Vineyard and Smith and Evans Somerset Wine, both near Langport; Durslade Vineyard, Trendle Farm Vineyard and Hents Hill Vineyard, all in Bruton; and Wraxall Vineyard near Shepton Mallet.

Wine duty has risen by 39 per cent since 2010 and the UK pays 68 per cent of all wine duties across Europe and 43 per cent of sparkling wine duties.

Launching the British Small Vineyard Relief campaign, Mr Warburton joined Kevin Hollinrake MP in writing to the Chief Secretary of Treasury, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, calling for the reduction or elimination of duties on small vineyards, to offer them a substantial fiscal boost.

Mr Warburton said: "I'm told the Somerton and Frome constituency has more vineyards than any other constituency but one in the country.

"So we're lucky enough to be surrounded by these fabulous growth businesses making the best of our gorgeous countryside. But their taxes remain very high.

"I've long been campaigning for tax relief for small cider producers and microbreweries, and I'm pleased to say that since the introduction of Small Breweries' Relief, a huge number of microbreweries and cider producers have benefited. 

"The enormous variety of ales and beers in pubs and bars across the country is testament to the changes made at a fiscal level.

"Now I believe this is the right time to also show our support for British vineyards by extending relief to vignerons and vintners so that they can similarly benefit from the boost which has helped Somerset's cider and beer producers. I want the Treasury to act for us now."