THE borough mayor's had a 'fabulous' time on a visit to two vineyards.

Ian Carr, mayor of Test Valley, visited Danebury and Cottonworth vineyards, to find out more about the growing popularity of the English wine industry in the area.

The Test Valley is said to provide ideal conditions for vineyard growth with slightly warmer climate, soil mainly made of chalk, elevation and slopes, all contributing to growing grapes successfully to produce still and sparkling wine.

Caroline Stevens, of Danebury Vineyards, in Nether Wallop, said: “It was a great privilege to welcome the mayor to our vineyards and to showcase Danebury still and sparkling wines."

Danebury Vineyards is a long-established award-winning vineyard and Cottonworth, in Wherwell, has recently celebrated receiving a gold medal for their sparkling wine.

Ian Carr said: “To have one vineyard near to where you live is a treat – to have two within close proximity is a real added bonus especially as they both produce such excellent wines.

"My wife and I had a fabulous time looking around the vineyards and sampling the award-winning wines; How lucky we are in Test Valley to have such an excellent choice of superb English wines."

Hugh Liddel of Cottonworth added: "English sparkling wines have become incredibly popular and even rivalling some well-known Champagnes, we are proud that some of the best come from the Test Valley and look forward to welcoming those who would like to book a tour and tasting.’’