THE inaugural Sussex Wineries Weekend is under way. Nick Mosley talks to local wine makers to discover what’s in store.

With more than 500 vineyards now in production across England and Wales, our wine industry goes from strength to strength in both the UK and international markets.

As of the end of last year, 5,755 acres of land across the country is dedicated to viticulture and according to Wines Of Great Britain – the national marketing body for wines produced here – the industry predicts that ten million bottles will be produced a year from 2020.

Sussex can quite rightly claim to be the heart of the English wine industry, with in excess of 70 vineyards across our span of the South Downs and surrounding Weald.

To reflect this, earlier this year some of the most proactive and well-known vineyards in the county set up the new Sussex Wineries organisation to promote lucrative wine tourism to our region.

Their first major initiative is the Sussex Wineries Weekend, which started yesterday and runs until tomorrow.

It features cellar door tastings, vineyard tours and one-off events ranging from an outdoor cinema at Albourne Estate to Morris dancers at Ridgeview Wine Estate at Ditchling.

For more information visit www.sussexwineries.co.uk.

l Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Furners Green, near Sheffield Park

Bluebell is throwing open its gates for a free vineyard open day today from noon until 4pm.

Enjoy a self-guided walk along one of the vineyard trails, a complimentary tasting of its current releases and a tour of the winery.

There will also be a hog roast and the opportunity to ask any questions of the Bluebell team.

Dogs on leads and children are welcome.

Call 01825 791561 to fin out more or visit www.bluebellvineyard.org.

l Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney

The estate will be hosting its first summer fair tomorrow.

Go along and support the local producers and enjoy samples of favourite Sussex food and drinks, including exhibitors Fire Bird Brewery, Calcot Farm charcuterie, Cold Pressed Oils, Sussex Faire chutneys and jams, Goupie Chocolate, Sam’s lemonade, Charlie’s Trout, Marshfield ice cream and Bolney Wine bar.

As it is also Father’s Day, Bolney Estate’s event is the perfect opportunity to spoil the whole family.

Why not join it for an all-day barbecue taking place from 11.30am to 4pm or explore the vines in the 18-acre vineyard, overlooked by the estate restaurant.

Dogs on leads and children and are welcome.

Call 01444 881894 or visit www.bolneywineestate.com for more.

l Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling

Head to Ridgeview to celebrate Sussex Wineries Weekend today from 11am until 4pm.

Visitors will be joined by the all-female Sussex Morris dancers and there will be complimentary family-friendly vineyard tours.

You can relax in the wine garden and enjoy one of the “Best of Sussex” picnic hampers featuring Beal’s Farm Charcuterie, Springs Smoked Salmon, Sussex Charmer cheese and Flint Owl bread, which feeds two and can be ordered in advance for £25.

Call 01444 242040 or visit www.ridgeview.co.uk for details.

l Albourne Estate, Albourne

Albourne is offering drop-in wine tastings, a self-guided vineyard trail for the grown-us and a fun treasure hunt the little ones from 10.30am until 4pm today and tomorrow.

You can pre-prder a Sussex hamper containing a delicious selection of locally sourced food and picnic among the vines.

Call 07766 914 407 or visit www.albourneestate.co.uk for details.