THE legacy of murdered Whitchurch vineyard owner Charles Cunning-ham is to be auctioned off later this month.

All wine equipment and machinery which belonged to the 47-year-old owner of Wooldings Vineyard will be sold on 19 May. Mr Cunningham was robbed and murdered by two guides while on holiday in Indonesia last year.

His body was discovered in a ravine on the island of Lombok on 28 March.

Auctioneers say this year's crop has already been sold but Wooldings Vineyard and the family home will not be up for sale.

They still belong to the Cunningham family.

Richard Lyne, who worked for Mr Cunningham for four years, has been looking after the vineyard since last May.

He said: "Everything is being auctioned off, including wine-making equipment. The family still have the land.

"It has not been sold and the house is still occupied by the family."

The first vines were planted at Wooldings in 1989 and it expanded into 12 acres containing 15 principle grape varieties.

Wines produced at the vineyard have won numerous awards, including Seals of Approval and Bronze Medals at the International Wine Challenge held every year.

Wooldings also became the first vineyard in the country to be awarded the prestigious Quality Wine Marque in 2001.

Claire Prickett, of auction handlers Dreweatt Neate, said: "I don't think there is anyone with the expertise to carry it on. It takes quite a skill and you need the expertise to do the job."

The auction will take place at Wooldings on 19 May at 11am, with viewing and wine tasting on 17 May from 10am to 4pm and from 9am to 10am on the auction day.

Catalogues are available from Dreweatt Neate on 01635 553500 or 01635 553553.