BUSINESSES are having to change the way they operate in these new times.

Hampshire Vineyards are launching a new wine tasting event, #EnglishWineNight, on social media tonight (Friday) from 7-8pm.

To kick off the series the Vineyards of Wessex, including participating Hampshire vineyards together with Wines of Great Britain for #EnglishWineNight and a fun night in.

Every week the event will focus on a different wine region of England and Wales.

In the last 10 years Hampshire has become a major part of the English wine revival with the chalk soil very similar to the Champagne region of France.

Local vineyards taking part include Danebury a family-owned boutique English sparkling and still wine producer, near Stockbridge, formerly the site of a racehorse training yard.

Seven acres of vineyards produce three white wines and a sparkling brut of exceptional quality, which can be purchased from independent wine merchants in Hampshire or directly from Danebury. Danebury is a member of the Vineyards of Hampshire www.vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk

Tim Ingram Hill, chairman of Wessex Vineyards Association and WineGB board director, said: "We’re thrilled that the Wessex wine region will be kicking off our series of #EnglishWineNight events. This has been one fastest-growing regions in the UK, producing many award-winning wines. With a great range of sparkling and still wines and a variety of vineyards from large to small, there is plenty to discover!”

To participate in this social media event people are encouraged to purchase wines from the various Hampshire vineyards who are taking part, including Danebury Vineyards. Danebury will be offering a special mixed case to mark the event.

On the evening itself, people can join in by following the hashtag #EnglishWineNight, as well @wineGB on Instagram or Facebook, or @Wine_GB on Twitter, where there is also a competition to win a case of English wines.

Wines of Great Britain (WineGB) is the national organisation for grape growers and winemakers of the United Kingdom, dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for the UK wine production industry.

England and Wales now have some 3,500 hectares under vine, with around 700 vineyards, and over 160 wineries producing world-class internationally award winning sparkling and still wines.

WineGB’s mission is to advance the multiple interests of all its members to establish Great Britain as one of the world’s great quality wine regions.

Danebury is a family-owned award-winning boutique English sparkling and still wine producer, located on a stunning private estate in Stockbridge, Hampshire, formerly the site of a prestigious racehorse training yard. Seven acres of beautiful vineyards produce three white wines and a sparkling brut of exceptional quality, which can be purchased from independent wine merchants in Hampshire or directly from Danebury. Danebury is a member of the Vineyards of Hampshire www.vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk