FAIRYLIGHTS lit up the Guildhall as corks popped to mark the return of a popular event held to promote Hampshire wine.
Vineyards of Hampshire held its annual Fairylights & Fizz event on Friday, December 9 in the Bapsy Hall at Winchester Guildhall.
Ten wine producers from across the county were showcasing their award-winning produce to more than 400 guests.
A reception was held to open the night, which aims to promote tourism and hopes to make Hampshire the premier UK wine-producing county.
Sarah Johnson, chair of Vineyards of Hampshire, spoke to the assembled VIPs.
She said: "This year has been a great year for your members, not least because of a wonderful harvest with a good yield of excellent quality fruit.
"Hampshire was the first county to start production of English wines back in 1952, so this is our 70th year. As wine production goes from strength to strength in the UK, in Hampshire our 600 acres of vineyards produce over 1.5 million bottles of wine a year.
"Vineyards of Hampshire was the first regional wine association in the UK. This year we have welcomed our 10th member, and there is considerable interest from landowners in planting new vineyards thanks to our large area of chalk soil and low warm, south-facing slopes.
"We are proud to be a unique county."
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Producers at the event included: Black Chalk from the Test Valley, Cottonworth, Danebury Vineyards from Stockbridge, Exton Park from the Meon Valley, The Grange, Hambledon Vineyard, Hattingley Valley, Louis Pommery from the Pinglestone Estate in Alresford, Quob Park and Raimes.
They have a range of high-profile customers, which stretch from Porsche to Pig Hotels, Waitrose to The Waldorf, and also include Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
Sarah said the association hopes to shine a light on Hampshire and that it has big plans for the next few years.
She said: "We have lofty ambitions for the future. We would like to see increased production in our region which will benefit rural development and jobs.
"Wine GB forecast that by 2040, the UK wine industry will have over 30,000 jobs - we want to see many of them in Hampshire.
"There will also be many more roles created in the tourism-related industries. One of our members will shortly be opening their first hotel to encourage overnight stays in the area.
"Next year will also see us host our first consumer event in London - part of an ongoing strategy to attract visitors to the region."
She added: "We want to see Winchester as the wine capital of England."
The next Fizz Fest will be held at Hambledon on July 24.
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