Hampshire’s Food Festival is heading towards the half-way mark, but don’t let the word “food” put you off – there’s more than a few liquid events included on its list of activities.

Take Wickham Vineyards in Shedley for example, halfway along the coast from Southampton to Portsmouth. In the news this year for buying some of the former wine shops from the now defunct First Quench chain, it continues with its original business – an 18-acre vineyard complete with celebrity chef, Atul Kochar’s out-of-town restaurant, Vatika.

Vatika is a destination in its own right, with its English-influenced Indian cooking, its much sought-after terraced tables overlooking Wickham’s vines and its talented cuisine team led by the affably modest Jitin Joshi. Its Tandoor BBQ demo on Saturday was a sell-out, but at the time of writing tickets are still available for a morning Wickham Wine Tour combined with wine matching lunch on Saturday 17 July. 01329 830405

Cheers m' dear: Wickham Vineyard visitors

If you’d just like a nosey around the vineyard and neighbouring nature reserve, book onto Wickham’s Wednesday early evening tour on 21 July.

For those nearer the New Forest, Setley Ridge Vineyard in Brockenhurst is teaming a guided tour and wine tasting with a local New Forest Marque produce supper on 14 July.
01590 676321

Let’s hear it for the beer – and cider

Locals at your local: Itchen Valley beer at The Bugle

If beer is your tipple, The Bugle in Hamble is offering a “super local” menu throughout July, with local brews such as Bowman’s, Andwell and Itchen Valley with dishes made from Hamble Valley-sourced ingredients.
023 8045 3000

Southwick Brewery continues its free tours of its brewhouse near Fareham complete with its 160-year old steam machine.
023 9220 1133, Southwick Brewhouse. Open Wed–Sat, with steam machine in action at the weekend; booking unnecessary

Meanwhile, New Forest Cider is the complimentary drink on arrival for those opting for Simply Hampshire lunches at the Whitley Ridge country hotel in Brockenhurst.
2 courses for £15, 01590 622354

Fish, ducks, walks and music

Winchester residents –  or visitors –have a chance to mix and match locally smoked food with Hampshire wine on Thursday 15 July in the evening, courtesy of renowned local fishmonger, Peter Atkinson, and Wickham Vineyard. Bulthaup, 01962 849000

If you fancy a bit of duck racing – and who doesn’t – the Concorde Club is hosting its family-friendly annual Jazz and Beer Festival in Eastleigh over the weekend of 17-18 July. As well as said races, there’ll be a BBQ with local produce, stalls, and garden games. 023 8061 3989

Apple city: Blackmoor Estate opens its gates to all

Hill Farm Products are opening its gates on Wednesday 14 July for a free guided walk in ancient woodlands and local orchards, showing visitors how their juice and offering samples. 01489 878685

Ten days later, Blackmoor Farm Shop, supplier of fruit to many local food and drink producers, is having an open afternoon of local food, drink and music on 24 July. 01420 473783.

Visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk/food-festival.asp for full details, including times and prices. Programmes can be requested by phone, 0845 6035638 or downloaded, and you can search online.

Booking essential unless specified; often there are discounts for Friends of Hampshire Fare.