Pop legend Sir Cliff Richard's new release is set to hit the shops in a few weeks time, but you will need to head for a supermarket instead of a record shop to find it.

(Sir Cliff) loves Portugal and loves the idea of the rebirth of quality wine

Tim Stanley-Clarke

The first red wine from singer Sir Cliff's Portuguese vineyard is due to go on sale in Waitrose stores this summer.

The wine is called Vida Nova which is Portuguese for new life.

Tim Stanley-Clarke, who is looking after the UK side of the singer's wine project, said 27,000 bottles had been produced.

He said it would cost �7.99 a bottle, although Waitrose said it could not yet confirm either the price or the date the wine would be in its shops.

Sir Cliff bought the vineyard at Quinta do Moinha, in the Algarve, eight years ago and the seeds were planted for this wine three years ago.

Quality

Mr Stanley-Clarke said: "They were growing dates and fruits but Cliff suddenly thought he could make some very good wine in the Algarve."

Portugal's top wine-maker, David Baverstock, was brought in to supervise the project and the wine was bottled three weeks ago.

Mr Stanley-Clarke said Sir Cliff was very excited about it.

"He loves Portugal and loves the idea of the rebirth of quality wine and vineyards in the Algarve," he added.

Value

The wine, which has an alcohol content of 13.5%, was launched earlier this week by the singer at the London International Wine and Spirits Trade Fair.

The head of wine buying at Waitrose said: "We were offered the wine and as always we will taste and see if a wine offers quality and value."

"This wine was intriguing because it comes from the Algarve which is not known for quality wine, but this wine does have quality and offers reasonable value," he added.

Sir Cliff has now decided to invest in a winery, which will be built near the vineyard, in time for the 2003 harvest.