South East England

Could Hampshire be the next hotspot for great English wine? This is your chance to find out. Six award-winning vineyards are getting together at the picturesque Jenkyn Place Vineyard, near Farnham on Sunday 13 July. Taste and meet the people behind Hambledon, Hattingley Valley, Meonhill, Danebury, Cottonworth and – of course Jenkyn Place.

Take a tour with Jenkyn Place founder Simon Bladon and his daughter Camilla around the gently sloping vineyards.

Forget the Busman’s Holiday, this is his nibs's Big Day Out.

Travel around some of Sussex’ finest vineyards amidst the charm of a vintage Routemaster bus.

You'll visit leading wine producers, including the likes of Ridgeview and Bolney Estate. There's a stop for a pub lunch or a Sussex-inspired buffet.

Saturday sees the flinging open of field gates and winery doors as Hogs Back’s latest major drinks player, Greyfriars Vineyard, holds its Summer open day.

Fresh from their success at the Sommelier Wine Awards – winning Silver for its 2011 Sparkling Rosé – and Decanter World Wine Awards too, Greyfriars is offering free tours and tastes of its news wine. So, as well as a chance to try the medal-winners, you'll be among the first to sample the 2011 Blanc de Blanc and the 2012 Rosé Reserve.

To celebrate English Wine Week Albury Organic Vineyard is holding a day of tours and tastings on Monday 26th May. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, check out one of England's newest vineyards, the home of rosé served to royalty back in the Jubilee year.

Sessions are available at 10am, 1pm and 3.30pm. Admission is £5 per person which will be refunded against the price of any wine you buy on the day. Booking is essential...

Not long now until Brighton & Hove kick off their Autumnal celebrations of all that's fun in food and drink. And you can join in. Whether it's fab ales, tasty ciders, new age gin or serious sparklers, the Festival helps you get to taste some of the region's finest produce. 

Always fun, always tasty, below are a few of my highlights. To catch up with all the events, head to the comprehensive Brighton & Hove Food Festival website to see what takes your fancy.

And follow the action on twitter, @brightonfood, and facebook - Brighton Food Festival

Head to the glamour of Brighton's Mayor's Parlour for a tea with a difference. The Mayor of Brighton, Councillor Denise Cobb, is opening the doors of the room normally reserved for receiving dignitaries, for a festive tea to raise money for her chosen charities in 2013, including the Argus Appeal, Age UK, The Martlets Hospice, Off The Fence, and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

Forget the sherry, Santa at Hush Heath is opening up the Balfour Brut for whoever makes it to their Festive Fizz weekends.

For two long weekends, the tours will be free – see times below – and there's a glass of pink fizz to sip with your mince pie.

What better way to celebrate the arrival of a much-cherished newcomer than with an Open Day? How about one which is in aid of MOVE, the charity dedicated to Hampshire's critically disabled youngters. 

Hattingley Valley is launched its long awaited 2011 vintage – a tasty, elegant number – with wine tours, vintage car displays, sheep races and much more.