Owners Pernod Ricard Winemakers has announced the closure of the winery and cellar door by early next year.

Fourteen full-time and part-time staff will be affected by the closure which follows an operational review of the business.

Company spokesman Angus Barnes confirmed the decision to industry website, WBM.

"Regrettably, as a result of this review, we have made the difficult decision to close our Morris winery and vineyard before the end of 2016, and it is anticipated that the cellar door will close on January 31," he said.

"The reason for this closure is that despite many efforts over recent years, we have been unable to turn Morris Wines into a sustainable operation due to the ongoing decline in the consumption of fortified wines.

"We now need to prioritise resources to strengthen the long-term growth potential of our other leading wine brands.

The winery, cellar door and 80 hectares of vineyards will be put on the market in coming weeks.

But Pernod Ricard Winemakers doesn't intend to sell the Morris of Rutherglen brand.

The Border Mail is seeking further comment.