Praise for Wickham Vineyard wines

11.23.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th May 2007

Liz Leffman and Lorely Burt MP praising WIckham Vineyard

Lorely Burt MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for small businesses, visited Wickham Vineyard in Shedfield on Friday May 18th, together with Meon Valley Prospective MP Liz Leffman.

Wickham Vineyard supplies the House of Commons with its house white wine, and is one of the most established wine producers in the UK. Liz Leffman and Lorely Burt were shown around the business by wine expert William Biddulph, who explained the business and its history, and finished with a tasting in the vineyard shop.

"Wickham Vineyard white is a very popular House of Commons house wine, and a favourite of mine" said Lorely Burt. "I'm delighted that the House of Commons offers English wine, and supports growing businesses like Wickham Vineyard."

Liz Leffman, herself a business woman, said "Small businesses like Wickham Vineyard are important employers in Meon Valley. Cutting the red tape that stops businesses like these from growing is a priority for me and for the Liberal Democrats."

Wickham Vineyard will be participating in English Wine Week, which takes place between May 28th and June 3rd.

Notes to Editors:

Lorely Burt is Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull. She was elected in 2005, and is Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for small businesses and for women and equality.

Wickham Vineyard is in Shedfield, which is in the new Meon Valley constituency.