The company, which bought the Spring Mountain vineyard from former premier Nick Greiner, said yesterday it had been ‘‘strongly supportive of the wine industry’’ and had joined the association ‘‘to demonstrate that our industry can coexist with viticulture, agriculture and other land uses’’.

But top Hunter vignerons said they had had enough of the company’s activities and voted recently to kick it out of the association, about a year after it joined.

AGL holds an exploration licence over the area and has begun buying properties, including the original Poole’s Rock vineyard.

Association president Andrew Margan said yesterday it had become clear that the coal seam gas and wine industries could not coexist and the uncertainty about AGL’s production plans had stifled investment in the vineyards.

Mr Margan said the company had addressed the association’s committee about why it should remain a member and had outlined its intention to relinquish some of the vineyard areas from its exploration licence when it applied for it to be renewed early next year.

‘‘It is not their bloody land to give back,’’ Mr Margan said. ‘‘The community is being torn apart by their presence.’’

An AGL spokesman said it had informed the Department of Trade and Investment it was preparing a renewal application.

He said AGL would continue to consult with local winemakers and the broader community.