THE Vineyards of Hampshire’s seventh Fizz Fest was another sparkling success with over 1,200 English wine lovers attending in the warm sunshine.

This year, hosted by Exton Park Vineyard in the Meon Valley, the event was opened with an exciting ‘sabrage’ by Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood.

Co-organiser Caroline Stevens from Danebury Vineyards, said: "We are very grateful to Craig for his wonderful support of the Vineyards of Hampshire, and are very excited that he is planting his own vineyard at his Hampshire home."

This is the seventh annual wine festival held by the Vineyards of Hampshire, who are dedicated to promoting Hampshire’s superb quality sparkling and still wines, and the county’s unique terroir.

With a free wine glass in their hand, the attendees poured into the main marquee to taste over 15 sparkling wines from the eight vineyards that make up the Vineyards of Hampshire; Black Chalk (near Winchester), Cottonworth (Andover), Danebury (Stockbridge), Exton Park (Meon Valley), Hambledon (Waterlooville), Hattingley (Alresford), Jenkyn Place (Alton) and Raimes (Tichborne).

Many also attended wine workshops and partook in the wonderful array of local food stands, accompanied by music from the amazing Alresford Ukulele Jam.

This year’s host, Kit Ellen, of Exton Park Vineyard, said: "The Vineyards of Hampshire Annual Fizz Fest is fast becoming a date in the July diary for wine lovers, and we are delighted with the resounding success of the event this year. It’s a testament to the growing popularity of Hampshire still and sparkling wine, and we’re incredibly excited to see such how the festival develops in the future.’’