England might not be on the same par as our European counterparts, but its burgeoning wine industry lords it over some of our loveliest patches of land, many of which are open for walks and tours. Autumn is harvesting season and the grapes are becoming plump and juicy and the vines big and green. Scientists young and old will be impressed by the biochemistry and environmental care that goes into making wine, and the vineyards below have experts on hand to explain viticulture. ZOË STRIMPEL

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Three Choirs Vineyard Estate and Hotel, Newent

Stroll amid 75 acres of vines in this award-winning single estate winery set in the bucolic Gloucestershire countryside. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy the vineyard nature trail, home to hedgehogs, birds, rabbits, badgers, and ponds with fish and fowl. Fine food is served in the restaurant or you can buy homemade preserves – some organic – in the shop to go with your wine. Daily guided tours take 30 minutes.

Cost Self-guided tour, £3.50; guided tour, £4.50.

When Tues-Sat, 9am-8.30pm; Sun and Mon 9am-5pm; daily guided tour 2.30pm.

Contact 01531 890223; www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk

PEMBROKESHIRE

Cwm Deri Vineyard, Martletwy

Set in Pembrokeshire National Park, on a 17th-century estate, Cwm Deri has 3,000 vines spread over 25 acres, some of which reach down to the shores of the East Cleddau tidal estuary. While you taste wine at 50p a pop, the kids can check out the pets’ corner, which has chickens, rabbits, guinea-pigs, goats and sheep. If you don’t feel you have stretched your legs enough taking in the vines, hop in the car to Lawrenny, where there are footpaths along the estuary.

Cost Walk and pets’ corner free.

When Mon-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Contact 01834 891274; www.cwm-deri.co.uk

EAST SUSSEX

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, Robertsbridge

This is gorgeous Sussex countryside and Sedlescombe is right in the middle, with views of Battle, scene of the Norman invasion in 1066. The vineyard tour takes up to an hour and includes a stroll through the estate’s ancient woodlands and a chance to spot many species of birds. The tour concludes at the winery.

Cost Adults, £5.50; children under 15, free.

When 10am-6pm, seven days a week.

Contact 0800 9802884; www.englishorganicwine.co.uk

KENT

Biddenden Vineyards & Cider Works, Biddenden

Stroll amid 22 acres of Kentish vines and inspect ten varieties of grapes. Guided tours take 45 minutes and can include a meal matched with wine or cider if you book in advance. The vineyard has also joined up with Kent and East Sussex railway, Pashley Manor and Bewl Water Cruises, so if you want a full day you can combine your vineyard tour with a cream tea on the train, a sailing trip on Bewl Water reservoir or a tour of Pashley Manor’s gardens.

Cost Self-guided tour free; guided tour around vineyard, adults, £4.50; children, £2.

When Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.

Contact 01580291726; www.biddendenvineyards.com

EAST DEVON

Blackdown Hills Vineyard & Winery, Monkton

Flat rows of vines banked by lovely rolling hills make for lovely views and a tranquil spot to ramble. Wander the vineyard and working fruit farm without a guide, or join a group to have the process of vine-to-wine explained and for a look at the winery (with tastings). Guided tours take two hours.

Cost £3 per person for an unguided walk of the fields and vineyard and tasting. By appointment only.

When Until October 10am-6pm (8am-6pm Fri and Sat).

Contact 01404 47442; www.blackdownhills-vineyard.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

Wickham Vineyards, Shedfield, Southampton

Roam around this 40-acre estate with an audio guide explaining the history of English wine, viticulture techniques and the day-to-day running of the vineyard. October is harvest month, but grapes will be nearing their finest now. There is also a nature reserve, seven-and-a-half acres of woodland and wetland, with a carp lake, which makes for good wildlife viewing.

Cost Nature reserve free; audio tours, adults, £3; children £1.

When Mon-Sat, 10.30am-5.30pm; Sun, 11.30am-5pm.

Contact 01329 834042; www.wickhamvineyard.co.uk

ISLE OF WIGHT

Adgestone Vineyard, Sandown

The Romans are said to have planted vines on this site. Either way, it is one of the oldest vineyards in Britain, first cultivated in 1968. Ten acres of gorgeous sloping fields make for an idyllic (unguided) walk. There are also guided tours of the cellars and winery.

Cost Tours, £3.50

When 10am-5.30pm, last tour 4.30pm.

Contact 01983 402503; www.english-wine.co.uk

For further information, visit www.englishwine producers.com ; 01536 772264

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