A millionaire has come up with a sparkling idea for his award-winning bubbly – to build his own multi-million pound winery.

Richard Balfour-Lynn, 55, who has collected worldwide accolades for his Balfour Brut sparkling rosé, wants to move production to Staplehurst, not far from his 16th century home.

The owner of the Hotel du Vin chain and Liberty said: “We have done quite a lot of design work on this and my intention is to build a really iconic winery. It will cost several million pounds.

“There are some fabulous architecturally-relevant wineries around rather than just industrial buildings where people make wine.”

He believes it will take six to nine months to obtain planning permission for the work at Plain Farm in Five Oak Lane. He has his sights set on making his first batch of wine in 2011.

The land is part of his 400-acre estate, which he has been gradually turning over to vines. He also makes award-winning apple juice.

Keen to stress his wine making is a passion and not a hobby, Mr Balfour-Lynn, who lives on the outskirts of Cranbrook, said his rosé “knocks the socks off many French Champagnes”.

The father of four has created the only UK vineyard dedicated to the creation of rosé sparkling wine. He is aiming to make 100,000 bottles a year.

The wine, which sells at about £34 a bottle, is currently produced at the Chapel Down winery at Tenterden.

Mr Balfour-Lynn has submitted a planning application to Maidstone council.

Nick Hebden, of RBA architects, said: “Our brief was to design a bespoke modern winery which would sit comfortably in the landscape. The design draws inspiration from the traditional vernacular of rural Kent, natural locally-sourced materials further enhance this new building.”

Kent is fast becoming a magnet for the production of wine.

Marden wine producer Nicholas Hall has planted up former orchards in the village and is already building his own winery. He too plans to sell sparkling wine with the Herbert Hall label, named after his great-grandfather.

Vineyards at Lamberhurst and Tenterden have been long-established and produce top class wines. Chapel Down has branched out further with new plantings on land at Blue Bell Hill.