Drinkers hoping to buy Kent's favourite fizz this Christmas could feel flat on December 25 as supplies run seriously low.

Bottles of Chapel Down sparkling wine are in short supply after a lower-than-expected harvest left the award-winning Tenterden producer unlikely to meet seasonal demand.

Because of poor weather, last year’s harvest was 40 per cent down on previous years, although the company says quality remains high.

The bottles sell from around £16.99 to £29.99 and are also available as own label products in Marks & Spencer and Sainbury’s, as well as the vineyard’s own shop in Tenterden.

Frazer Thompson, managing director of Chapel Down, admitted he was frustrated by the shortage. "We estimate we could have sold about six times as much wine as we’ve been able to sell in the run-up to Christmas," he said.

"They reckon there are about 112,000 bottles of English sparkling wine available before Christmas of which about half are Chapel Down wines. The issue is - will we run out before Christmas?"

He warned that some key customers would be disappointed because "we obviously can’t supply everyone with the same level of wines as we did this year".

Mr Thompson added: "We haven’t sold out yet but grab it while you can.

"The safest place to get hold of it is here at Tenterden or buy direct. We’re trying to manage the supply so that it’s in as many places as possible and that we don’t let customers down, but it is tight.

"The later you leave it, the more chance there is of running out."

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