Take three: British vineyards

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Who says you need to go abroad to for a vineyard visit? The UK has some wonderful vineyards for wine tasting breaks.If your idea of mini-break heaven is wine-tasting local produce, learning about grapes and things before staying in boutique accommodation and then doing it all again the next day, then these picks of the best home-grown wineries and vineyards should be right up your street.

Charge your glasses and pick your favourite from these three British wine producers.

Adgestone Vineyard, Isle of Wight

Take three: British vineyards - waiting on images
Take three: British vineyards - waiting on images


Adgestone Vineyard is one of the UK's oldest vineyards: its wine-making provenance dates back 2,000 years. It's believed that the Romans grew vines on the sunny south-facing slopes, set in ten acres of outstanding natural beauty overlooked by Brading Down, just half a mile from the Roman Villa in Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Tour the cellars and see how grapes are grown, pressed and bottled, with lots of tasting opportunities. There's also a cafe for home-made cream teas. Visitors can stay overnight in the B&B accommodation close to the Roman Villa from just £25 per person, per night. Book online.

Chapel Down, Kent

Take three: British vineyards
Take three: British vineyards

Chapel Down in Tenterton is the biggest and one of the most celebrated of the UK's wine producers - it has raked in numerous gold medals for its award-winning, home-grown white, red, rose and sparkling wines. According to the experts at Chapel Down, the south of England shares almost identical geology and soils to the Champagne region, which might play a part in the success of their wines.

Guided tours of the vineyard run daily from April to October and teach guests about the history of English wine. To complete the experience, all tours include a tasting of a selection of Chapel Down's award winning-wines.

You can even lease your own vine, pick your own grapes and design your own wine bottle label. Tours are £10 for adults and can be booked by calling 01580 766111.

Three Choirs, Gloucestershire


Three Choirs Vineyards is one of England's leading single estate vineyards, set in 75 acres of tranquil vines near Newent in Gloucestershire.

Visit the modern winery, wander along the Vineyard Nature Trail, take a guided tour of the property and get down to the most important part of your visit: the tasting. Three Choirs also produces their own range of ciders and barrels of their own, home-brewed real ale called the Cat's Whiskers.

Oenophiles can adopt a vine or extend their visit and stay on site in either the Vineyard View Room or the Lodge Room from £120 per night, including breakfast.

And if you like the idea of just relaxing in a lovely garden with a glass of wine (or a beer or two), see our gallery of best beer gardens around the country, below!

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