HEREFORDSHIRE residents can now discover a host of bold new wine experiences on their doorstep, as part of English Wine Week, which runs between June 21-29.

Although the county is well known for its cider credentials, it has largely flown under the radar when it comes to its wines and the winery experiences it offers.

This is set to change with Visit Herefordshire focusing on wine tourism and producing new trails incorporating vineyards for touring and exploring on foot, bike and by car, as well as the wineries themselves introducing innovative ways to tempt visitors through their ‘cellar doors’.

There is a wine garden experience at Wythall Estate and the opportunity of a Winery Sleepover.

Wythall Estate is set in one of the finest agricultural growing areas of the county and makes award winning wines such as the Siegerrebe Wythall Estate white.

The house is set in gorgeous gardens with a freshwater lake and wooded grounds surrounding the vines.

On summer Sunday afternoons (May-Sept) from 12 noon-6pm they open their private wine garden, so visitors can enjoy drinking their wines matched with locally produced charcuterie and cheese platters. Further information can be obtained from wythallestate.co.uk .

Diane Mansell, chief executive of Visit Herefordshire said:“It’s great to see Herefordshire contributing to the success of the British and English wine industry as a whole, with many vineyards offering accommodation as well as tours and tastings. We may not be a challenge to Bordeaux’s wine tourism industry but we are certainly punching above our weight with the experiences we offer to visitors keen to try our wines. Come and see us during wine week or any time this summer, as there is so much to do.”

Wine GB reported figures from the Food Standards Agency Wine Team in July 2024 stating that there are now 1,030 vineyards in the UK, a 9.2 per cent rise on the previous reporting year.