Work begins shortly on the next endeavour for the Californian vineyard, Carter Estates, owned by vintner Jim Carter.

Planning permission has now been secured for a project which has been on the drawing board for a number of years, which involves a 5,470sq ft wine production facility and tasting room and 42 vineyard villas.

Further to this, work is still on course for the February launch of an all-suite hotel, with meeting and event space, at the winery resort South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

This will feature 50 guest suites, complete with a fireplace and a deck overlooking the vineyards. “Only a few things help bridge the romance gap more than a good glass of wine and that is an intimate, elegant, romantic private roof top perch,” says director of sales and marketing, Crystal Magon. “Our new addition will include a custom-tailored 10,000sq ft rooftop garden, great for turning receptions, banquets and meetings from the ordinary into memorable high points.”