ENGLISH Wine Week starts on Saturday and the team at Tenterden's vineyard will be marking the event with free guided tours.

They want to raise awareness of English wines in an effort to educate consumers about the wealth and quality of British wine.

"This is the third annual English Wine Week," said Rebecca Deacon, of the vineyard. "Interest in English wines has never been higher and visiting an English vineyard provides the ideal opportunity for people to see first hand how quality English wine is made right on their doorstep."

New Wave Wines, which owns the vineyard in Smallhythe Road, has just picked up a range of medals and awards at the South East Vineyards Association Wine of the Year Competition 2003.

A gold medal and the Charles Laughton Trophy was awarded to Chapel Down Pinot Reserve 1999, and Owen Elias and his winemaking team also came away with three silver medals and 14 bronze after the ceremony at Leeds Castle.

During Wine Week, which ends on Sunday, June 1, free guided tours of the vineyard and winery will be running daily and include a tutored wine tasting.

There will also be a wine and cheese evening on Thursday, May 29, starting at 7.30pm with live jazz and a buffet supper. Tickets must be booked in advance and are available by calling on 01580 763033.