Ten Top UK Wine Tours

1. Biddenden Vineyards

Sample red, white, rosé and sparkling wine in the Kent countryside (bidden denvineyards.com) on tours during the growing and harvest seasons.

2. Bookers Vineyard

One of England's original vineyards, in Sussex (bolneywineestate. co.uk), turns out prize-winning pinot noirs. Tours and tastings offered.

3. Camel Valley

Cornwall's premier vineyard, near Bodmin (camelvalley.com), is a good reason to leave the beach. Try its sparkling wines on tours with tastings and gourmet barbecues.

4. Denbies Wine Estate

Open all year, Denbies English Vineyard (denbies.co.uk), near Dorking in Surrey, features an "Indoor Wine Experience" as well as an "Outdoor Vineyard Trail" done by train.

5. Leventhorpe Vineyard

England's most northerly vineyard, Leventhorpe, at Woodlesford within the Leeds City boundary (ukvines.co.uk/vineyards/levens .htm), makes whites and reds on its small plot. Tours by appointment.

6. Penarth Vineyard

Cross the border to the slopes of mid-Wales for some Welsh wine. Find out more at Penarth Vineyard (penarthvineyard.co.uk) in Powys. Tours by appointment.

7. Ridgeview Estate

These sparkling wines produced near Ditchling in Sussex (ridgeview.co .uk), regularly beat the French champagne houses in competition. See how they're grown and made.

8. Storrington Priory

The tiny vineyard at Storrington Priory (nobertines.co.uk), Sussex, is ready to bottle its first sparkling wine. View the vines and contemplate among the wildflowers along the slope in Matt's Wood. By arrangement with Father Paul.

9. Tenterden Vineyard

Follow the trail at Tenterden (englishwines group.com), home of Chapel Down wines. Guided tours of the winery and tastings are offered.

10. Three Choirs Vineyard

Learn how they tend the vines in Gloucestershire (three-choirs-vinryards.co .uk), on a tour and tasting. Cookery courses available.