Wine

Chapel Down based in Tenterden Kent is one of the UK's longest established wineries and makes for a great day out. With its enchanting walled herb garden, extensive shop, in addition to its vineyards and wines, the little Kentish village of Tenterden has quite a draw in its midst.

Underneath – because that's where it all begins – there's a chalk seam akin to that found underneath Champagne which holds the key to the wines' quality and success over the years.

Within a mile of the River Severn lies Astley Vineyard, the home of Jonty Daniels and Janet Baldwin's bijou operation. Originally planted in the pioneering 1970s, at the time it was the most northerly English vineyard. When Jonty and Janet took over in the early 1990s, they continued their predecessors experimental instincts, always striving to produce wines that speak of both site and the vintage.

A visit allows a chance to taste and wander round the vineyards. Their wines are not available in supermarkets – they only have five acres – but are well worth seeking out.

Inspired by Worcestershire's most musical son, the composer Sir Edward Elgar, Sandy Barker has given his wines musical names. Producing over half-a-dozen wines, its tasting room and shop has been open since 1992, and its B&B has been awarded Silver Four Stars

So, why visit? Over to Sandy:

"As well as our small vineyard, we offer quality B&B between the iconic Malvern Hills and the pretty riverside town of Upton-upon-Severn."

Located in a beautiful spot in Devon with vineyards that slope determinedly down to the river Dart, there's something tranquil and carefree about the Sharpham Estate. Part of a 500-acre farm owned by the Sharpham Trust, this area has been farmed for 1000 years. The vineyard has been here for 20 years and produces a range of still and sparkling wines. It sits happily alongside Sharpham's award-winning creamery – check out the working dairy through the viewing windows.

a’Becketts is a family-run vineyard and orchard in a beautiful location making wine, cider and apple juice. Established in 2001 by Paul and Lynne Langham halfway between Avebury and Stonehenge, as well as its nine acres of vines, it has Wiltshire's last commercial orchard, with six acres of apple trees.

More cider apple trees have been added, and both cider and apple juice are produced. Although not registered as such, the fields are farmed organically.

The Langhams have also recently planted 10 different sorts of perry trees. All products are vegan-friendly.

Set in the heart of the Wye Valley, in an area of outstanding beauty, Richard and Joy Morris's vineyard is a young one. With first plantings in spring 2006 of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and red grape Triomphe, their first wine to be released created a stir with its awards – see below. Made at nearby Three Choirs Vineyard, the Welsh White has been joined by a 2009 trio of wines, including a rosé, and now a delightful white and rosé sparkler. Another site has since been planted, solely with Pinot Noir.

Perfectly located overlooking the Camel river, Camel Valley Vineyard is an inspiring example of the new wave of English wine. Founded by Bob and Annie Lindo in the late 1980s – he was a former RAF pilot – the last few years have seen it harvest almost as many awards as grapes.

A boutique vineyard in the truest sense of the word, visit Bothy Vineyard if you would like to see artisan winemaking done in a highly sustainable manner. Located in the scenic Vale of the White Horse, some seven miles south-west of Oxford, the vineyard was originally planted by the pioneering Roger and Dorothea Fisher in the late 1970s. Sian and Richard Liwicki took over in 2002, having previously been volunteers at harvest time.

With just five acres and a small but well-equipped winery, a visit gives a chance to speak to the Liwickis about their many environmental initiatives.