HAMPSHIRE is fast becoming recognised globally as a leading wine-making region and crowds flocked to a county vineyard to get a taste of the action.

Visitors to the annual Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival at Raimes Vineyard at New Cheriton were given their own engraved tasting glass and the opportunity to sample wine from seven vineyards.

Masterclasses took place throughout the afternoon including ‘Growing Your Own Vine’ and ‘Comparison of English fizz, Cava, Prosecco and Champagne’.

Augusta Raimes, from Raimes English Sparkling Wine, said: “We have had a wonderful day of wine, music and food. It has been a joy to show off the vineyard as it is looking so good this year and is full of huge bunches of grapes.”

Emily Lambert, the first female sommelier at the Ritz and winner of BBC2’s Million Pound Menu opened the festival.

The vineyards involved were Cottonworth, Danebury, Exton Park, Jenkyn Place, Hambledon, Hattingley and Raimes.

Each year a different vineyard hosts the event, look out for the announcement for where it goes next year. Several of the vineyards are also open throughout the summer for Cellar Door days.

The Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival took place as part of the Hampshire Food Festival organised by Hampshire Fare.