Who are they? The Hampshire brewer celebrated its quarter ce

Ringwood's beers are truly British, made from premium malted barley from Dorset and Devon, plus hops from Kent and Worcestershire.

"The rest is down to our famous yeast strain and the skill and dedication of our brewers," the company said.

Ringwood branched into wine production in 1997, when it bought the Château de Fayolle vineyard, just south of the Dordogne River, about 50 miles south of Bordeaux.

The vineyard produces white varieties of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, plus the three traditional reds from the region ­ Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Ringwood has made a huge investment in the vines in the past six years, replacing 2,000 posts in 1998 alone.

The brewery also owns seven pubs.

Main brands: Best Bitter (3.8% abv) is the top seller, but Ringwood said Old Thumper (5.6% abv) is its best-known brand ­ only it's strength and high duty stop it being a best seller.

Employees: 45 Output: About 18,000 barrels a year ­ or 30,000 hectolitres.

Don't mention: Progressive beer duty.

Ringwood's output is too high to make it eligible for lower duty payments, announced by the Chancellor last autumn.

"We fail to understand how the ceiling was set at 30,000 hectolitres," said managing director David Welsh.

"In no way could a brewery of that size be described as large."

Future plans: Welsh said they plan to expand their estate, with an aim of purchasing new pubs in and around the south coast.

"We have no number in mind, but we want to buy pubs that fit our profile.