British vineyard owners are hoping to raise a glass to celebrate a bumper harvest this year.

Thanks to near perfect weather conditions – including one of the hottest summers on record – our vineyards are producing wines fine enough to give the French a run for their money.

Base yourself in a barn conversion set in the nine acres at Aller Hill Vineyard near Glastonbury, Somerset, and you’ll be within grape-plucking distance of the maturing vines. Guided tours of the vineyard and land can be arranged with the owner. The two-bedroom barn has been designed with the sitting room on the first floor to take in the stunning countryside views. A week’s rental starting October 4 costs £320. Sleeps four. Call: 01237 426256 (ref AVINE)

Making the most of the Isle of Wight’s mild climate, award-winning Rosemary Vineyard, one of the largest producers of English wine, is anticipating a bumper harvest from the grapes and apples grown on the 30 acre estate. During September and October (Saturday to Tuesday) there are free wine tastings and guided winery tours.

A three-night late-season special at the Dorset Hotel in Ryde from September 23 costs from £125pp (based on two sharing), including return Wightlink car ferry crossings from Portsmouth or Lymington. Call: 0871 376 0013.