Wander through the vines to find out how grapes are picked as Kent’s oldest commercial vineyard opens its gates.

The free harvest tours start at 9.45am with coffee, followed by a short stroll around the vines. Visitors are then able to taste award-winning wines, ciders and juices.

Vineyard owner Julian Barnes said: “These tours give visitors the chance to learn more about the history of the vineyards as well as being able to watch the process of picking and pressing the grapes. There is always lots to see.”

Biddenden Vineyard was established by the Barnes family in 1969 and is set in 23 acres on a gentle slope. Eleven varieties of grapes are grown to produce white, red, rosé and sparkling wines.

The grape harvest at Biddenden Vineyards begins late September, with the Ortega grapes.

Julian said: “This year’s harvest has been pushed back by a week due to challenging weather conditions, as has been seen across agriculture and fruit growing as a whole this year.

“However, a limited quantity of grapes available from a poor pollination earlier in the year will help to raise the quality of the overall wine.”

The further nine varieties then follow on through this until around the first week in November, finishing with the red grapes.

Biddenden Pinot Noir was awarded most outstanding red wine at the English and Welsh Wine of the Year Awards 2012. Biddenden Ortega was awarded best Kent wine at the Taste of Kent Awards 2012.

Harvest tours at Biddenden Vineyard are held on every Saturday in October and Wednesday, October 10 and Wednesday, October 17.

Tours last up to 90 minutes and are free but you will need to book on 01580 291726. Biddenden Vineyard is at Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden.

For an alternative harvest tour with an extended wine and cheese tasting, Chapel Down Winery at Tenterden Vineyard runs a two-hour paid-for session for £20 per head.

Tours start at 5pm from the shop, at Small Hythe, near Tenterden. An expert guide will take you to the vineyards and then through the winery to explain the harvest process. The tour will end with an extended wine tasting accompanied by a selection of British cheeses.

Tours are on Tuesday, October 9 and Friday, October 12. Numbers are limited. Ring 01580 766111.