Ottery residents can now raise a glass to the Tar Barrels with a specially branded red or white wine, being sold to support the event.

The two Italian wines, a Rosso Puglio and Bianca Terre Siciliane, were selected by local expert Chris Piper of Christopher Piper Wines. They are said to be extremely drinkable and will appeal to most palates.

They are priced at £11 per bottle or £60 for six bottles. The Tar Barrels committee hopes to raise at least £4,000 through sales of the wines, which are available at the Volunteer Inn and the merchandise shop in Silver Street.  The committee has to raise about £80,000 each year in order to stage the event.

This year's Tar Barrels takes place on Saturday, November 4 - more details here: 

The landlord of The Volunteer Inn Mike Down said: “Each year we have to look at adding new ways of raising funds to keep the barrels rolling - and this idea looks like a potential winner!

“We’re hoping everyone will get behind this new fundraising stream – not only will people enjoy drinking these wines, but they will also make brilliant presents and raise awareness of our fantastic town.”

He said there are plans to offer the wines in gift sets that could include glasses etched with the Tar Barrel logo. “And we’re currently in talks with Lyme Bay Winery looking at the option of introducing some Tar Barrels spirits in the future.”