Sussex wine makers are gearing up for a festival after a record-breaking summer which they feel will really put the country's vineyards on the map.

They confidently predict 2003 will be their best vintage yet and will have an opportunity to show off how far their wines have progressed at next month's English Wine and Regional Food Festival.

The 29th festival at Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum at Halland, near Lewes, takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7, from 10.30am to 5pm.

More than 50 English vineyards and regional food producers will be represented.

Experts will host wine tastings, offering visitors the chance to find out about English wine making techniques.

There will also be tutored cheese tastings, live jazz and the ever-popular children's grape treading. There will also be a children's play area.

One of the exhibitors is Sussex wine producer Will Davenport, owner of the Davenport Vineyard, Castle Hill, Rotherfield, near Crowborough.

He said: "The weather we have enjoyed this summer has been absolutely perfect for our grapes. They are a Mediterranean crop and we have been enjoying Mediterranean weather."

The dry weather has helped to ensure the grapes have not become swollen with rain, which can dilute the sugar and acidity and make them susceptible to disease.

There are around 400 vineyards in England and Wales, with about 1,000 hectares under vine.

Among the panel of judges will be Charles Metcalfe, who is co-chairman of the world's biggest wine competition, the International Wine Challenge.

The winning wines will be on sale for the duration of the festival.

Started by Christopher Ann at the English Wine Centre in Alfriston, the festival moved to Bentley Wildfowl last year after outgrowing the centre, which is open throughout the year, Bentley Wildfowl's rural setting provides a fitting new backdrop for the event and, in addition to the wine, visitors can enjoy all the attractions at Bentley, which include the historic house and gardens, woodland trail, miniature steam railway and veteran, vintage and classic car collection.

Tickets for the festival cost £10 per person per day and the price includes tastings, a souvenir glass and programme.

For tickets and information, contact Bentley Wildfowl on 01825 840573.

Thursday August 21, 2003