South East England

Along with many of its vinous colleagues, two of the south-east’s pioneers – Chapel Down and Sedlescombe – will be pushing the boat out once more for English Wine Week.

Chapel Down in Tenterden will be running three free tours a day all week, with booking essential, via 01580 766111. Awarded the Best Leisure and Tourism Business in Kent, it’s worth leaving time for a visit to Richard Philipps’ impressive restaurant. And look out – of course – for Chapel Down’s International Wine Challenge gold-medal winning sparkling rosé.

Make a date with The Wine Tipster at midday to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the Waitrose English Wine Week Seminar at the Art, design & a taste of summer festival at Blenheim Palace over the Bank Holiday weekend. With his natural blend of humour, knowledge – as well as instinct for the gee-gees and penchant for a fine drop – Neil Phillips never fails to entertain.

For an in-depth insight into one of the UK's most progressive wineries, treat yourself and book onto Bolney's new Come Vine with Me tour on Saturday 4 June. £95 for two, this includes a guided tour of the vineyard, a tutored tasting plus a food & wine matching masterclass.

Want to find out one of the techniques for ensuring a good harvest? Known as bud-rubbing – or bud busting if you’re from Down Under – it’s the removal of unwanted baby shoots around the base of a vine and Denbies in Dorking would like to share its skills with you.

Enjoy a glass of Bothy's wines as you watch the punts go by at the award-winning Cherwell Boathouse restaurant during English Wine Week. Established for over a century this well-known punting station sits in delightful meadowlands in Oxford.

01865 552 746, www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

Throughout the year, Biddenden is happy for you to wander around its 22 acres, and take advantage of free samples in its attractive shop. See its main entry for guided tour options, or join them on one of its free guided tour dates.

Dates are given below, the tours begin at 10am with a cup of coffee and a dose of history before you head out. A chance to taste completes the tour.

Head to Biddenden’s Vineyards to sample your way through the best that the county has to offer – and all in aid of charity! Each year Biddenden supports Kent Air Ambulance by hosting this event, with over 20 producers present who have won Best of Kent awards, from honey to chutney, pies to game, liqueurs to cider, beer and – of course – wine.