FIVE Sussex vineyards are among the most popular across the country.
New research has revealed the best vineyards to visit in the UK and the Sussex five rank in the top 20.
The UK is now home to more than 700 individual vineyards, covering some 4,900 acres of British soil.
A few are open to the public and offer a variety of experiences, even in autumn and winter, such as festive walking-tours, cosy overnight stays, and winter wine-tasting sessions.
Kitchen supplier and design specialist Magnet has created what it calls the "UK Vindex" to analyse some 230 vineyards in Britain on a range of factors including Google ratings, search trends and the facilities available at each location.
These were ranked to calculate a Vindex score out of 100, revealing the best vineyards to visit in the country all year round.
Nutbourne Estate Vineyard in Pulborough was ranked the sixth best vineyard in the UK, with a total score of 91.23 out of 100. The family-run vineyard has been around for 30 years and has wildflower meadows, alpacas, lakes and stunning views making picturesque picnic spots.
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Nutbourne has 26 acres of vineyard which are tended to all year round. It grows eight kinds of grape, used to create various different sparking and single blends.
The vineyard takes a sustainable approach to producing its wine, taking its carbon footprint, water use and biodiversity.
Visitors can take tours of the vineyard and learn about the history of it, or they can sit back, relax and taste some of the wine produced at Nutbourne.
The vineyard trail is free to enter and makes the perfect winter walk, surrounded by the picturesque setting of the Nutbourne Estate.
It received a 4.9 google rating and has received a facility score of six out of 11, making it one of the most popular vineyards to visit this winter.
The Albourne Estate is the second best vineyard in Sussex and the eighth best in the UK, receiving a total Vindex score of 89.06 out of 100.
The family owned vineyard is eight miles from Brighton and only uses sustainably grown grapes, it received a google rating score of 4.9 and has a facilities score of six out of 11.
Carr Taylor Vineyard in Hastings ranks in third place for the top ten best vineyards in Sussex, 13th in the UK, with a total Vindex score of 88.34 out of 100.
Established in 1971, this vineyard produces fine English still and sparkling wines and is known for its natural beauty.
Carr Taylor has received a google rating of 4.6 and a facility score of six out of 11.
Tinwood Estate, Chichester, ranked 16th with a score of 87.02 and ranked 16th and Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, near Horsham, was 19th with a score of 84.62.
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