SEVEN of the top vineyards across the county have formed the pro-active Vineyards of Hampshire group, with support from Hampshire Fare, the official organisation promoting the produce of what is one of the largest rural counties in England.

This friendly collective, have gathered together to promote Hampshire’s superb quality sparkling wines, and the county’s unique, and prized, terroir, to both the wine trade and the wider consumer market locally and nationally.

From soft sparking Rosé to delicious Pinot Noir, the vineyards of Hampshire are brimming with sensational vintages, which is why for the very first time this year Vineyards of Hampshire have launched an exciting new summer Cellar Door experience.

The Cellar Door Experience will see Vineyards of Hampshire’s seven vineyards open their doors to visitors once a month on a Friday and Saturday, from May 18 to Saturday 8th September for the opportunity to taste their wines and purchase directly from the vineyard shop.

Tourists and locals alike are being invited to explore the vineyards and taste a glass or two from the cellar. Due to the vineyards’ proximity to each other, Vineyards of Hampshire is encouraging people to make a day of it and traverse the countryside visiting a number of them (none alcoholic beverages will be available for drivers).

Caroline Stevens, Sales and Marketing Manager, Danebury Vineyards said: “We’re incredibly pleased to see months of planning come to fruition with the launch of Cellar Door.

“At a time when English wine tourism is flourishing, this new initiative showcases seven of Hampshire’s leading vineyards and gives visitors the chance to experience a variety of vintages without needing to book a place on an official vineyard/winery tour. We hope that Cellar Door will help boost visitation to the vineyards, which will result in the event been extended and expanded in years to come.”