The English wines you have to try and where to spa near their vineyards

English wine is going from strength to strength with more and more boutique vineyards popping up (there are over 400 vineyards across the UK), leading producers investing in expansion and English wines winning global awards in blind tastings.

So as English Wine Week begins tomorrow, experts The English Wine Collection recommend five English wines for the uninitiated to give you a taste of what you’re missing - why not combine a spa break to the region with a wine tasting session? It’d be rude not to…

The wine: Trevibban Mill sparkling white Brut 2014

Made in the traditional method and aged for 18 months, this sparkling wine has green apple, lemon, sherbet and biscuit notes on the nose and the palate. In the mouth, it’s fresh and zingy with fine bubbles.

The vineyard:

Trevibban Mill - set in a beautiful location in Cornwall, the owner used to work in financial services before leaving the city to set up a vineyard.

A Cornwall spa break

It's not just the regional wine that makes Cornwall a wonderful place to get away. The coast, the countryside, the history and the food all contribute to the holiday experience. Whether you want to surf, spa or both, from Trevibban to Tintagel, Cornwall has much to offer at all times of the year. Amongst our favourite retreats are Polurrian on the Lizard and Bedruthan Hotel and Spa.

The wine: Wellhayes sparkling white

A unique sparkling wine from Wellhayes Vineyard, this white wine is produced in limited quantities from a beautiful small south-facing vineyard in Devon. A crisp fresh sparkling wine, it makes for a perfect aperitif. Light in body and rich with texture, it also pairs perfectly with smoked salmon.

The vineyard:

Wellhayes is a beautiful vineyard in North Devon, where the passionate owners also have a love of music. As a result they have set up a concert hall and host classical music and opera events throughout the summer.

A Devon spa break

Devon is always top of the UK holiday destination list, and it's little wonder why. Hidden coves, picturesque villages and the vast stretches of coastal path that lead you to some of the most beautiful protected areas in the country. Alongside that, Devon is well known for its superb local food as well as peace and quiet. Favourite spa destinations include Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands and Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall.

The wine: London CRU Baker Street Bacchus

Very clear in the glass with a hint of green gold colour, this wine gives aromas of pear, apple blossom, peach, elderflower and pear drops combined with cut grass as well as classic Bacchus notes, which are a UK favourite.

The vineyard:

London CRU is really unique in that they are a London winery who source grapes from vineyards across the UK. They have really thought about their brand details, including beautiful labels which feature maps of London in the shape of vine leaves.

A London spa break

A rest in the heart of one of the most inspiring cities - on a spa break in London you can combine luxury and pampering, whether you're escaping from the urban sprawl or combining your getaway with a night out. For hen parties, celebrations or quality time with a loved one, London spas have it all - glitz, glamour, romance and proximity to some of the top city attractions. Favourite spa destinations include W London, Away Spa and London Marriott Hotel Park Lane.

The wine: Three Choirs Ravens Hill 2016

A clear, ruby coloured red wine full of ripe blackberry and cherry fruit on the nose with a subtle hint of lightly toasted oak. Bursts of English red berry fruit dominate on the palate. Cherry with a hint of blackberry and raspberry, and a subtle vanilla oak character adds a degree of complexity to this cool-climate light body red wine.

The vineyard:

Three Choirs is one of the biggest vineyards (if not the biggest) in the UK, based in beautiful Gloucestershire just a short trip from London.

A Gloucestershire spa break

Easy to get to from London and Bristol but with all of the calm and tranquility of the countryside, Gloucestershire is a prized corner of the Cotswolds, complete with historic country house hotels and blissful vistas. Stylish celebrities count this part of the UK as home for its luxe approach to country living, which extends to its hotels and spas. Spa favourites include Ellenborough Park and The Greenway.

The wine: Chapel Down Sparkling Rose Brut

A delicate rosé with aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with background notes of toasty shortbread. The palate is focused and pure, its fine mousse contributing to the crisp and fresh style.

The vineyard:

The Managing Director of Kent-based Chapel Down previously worked for some of the biggest names in Champagne before moving to English wines, giving you an idea of their calibre.

A Kent spa break

The widely reputed garden of England is filled with historic intrigue, from the childhood home of Anne Boleyn to the seaside town that raised Tracey Emin. For those seeking a getaway, Kent is deliciously accessible (particularly as new rail lines open), and in addition to its array of English vineyards, it's also the domain of many an attraction, hotel and spa. Some of our favourite Kent spa destinations include Eastwell Manor and Hythe Imperial.

The wine: Hambledon Premiere Cuvee

A really special sparkling wine, Hambledon Premiere Cuvee exudes Seville orange and brioche aromas with hints of dried flowers and toasted hazelnuts. The palate is explosive, with mouthwatering acidity and dried apricot and citrus. The mouthfeel is a silky soft foam of tingling sparks. The finish shows undertones of vanilla and and salted caramel, ending again with that fresh, vivid, orangey tang. Very dry, long and immensely complex.

The vineyard:

Hambledon is an elegant estate in Hampshire, where the head winemaker is a Frenchman who has worked all over the world before choosing to come to England.

A Hampshire spa break

From the New Forest to Southampton, Hampshire invites you to enjoy city or country escapes, each with their own joys to offer. From wild ponies and trekking in peaceful woodland to historic villages and stylish waterside hotels, Hampshire is a feast of experiences whether you're heading off on a romantic getaway, a trip with friends or time for yourself. Amongst our favourite destinations are Chewton Glen and Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa.

Wine images courtesy of The English Wine Collection