A winery could be joining the Isle of Wight Distillery at the Wishing Well site at Pondwell. Vines have already been planted by Rosemary Vineyard and have started producing grapes. Now a planning application has been submitted, asking the Isle of Wight Council for permission to build a winery next to the former pub, now the home of Mermaid Gin producer, the Isle of Wight Distillery. Rosemary Vineyard and visitor centre is currently situated on Smallbrook Lane. However, the current site has planning permission for 140 houses. A few acres of vines have been planted at Pondwell site – a former campsite – but it is not as large as the former vineyard at Smallbrook. More vines are envisaged by the applicant. According to a design and access statement, the mixed agricultural and tourism development would help Rosemary Vineyard owner Conrad Gauntlett establish the replacement winery business, which would serve the proven demand for this type of niche tourism. A new eco-pod system was approved to be built as well on the Pondwell site, near Nettlestone, to expand the existing tourist attraction. A 2-bedroom flat is also proposed above the winery to serve as a managerial property to comply with licensing requirements. Comments on the application can be made until 14th April.