Can’t get to the South of France right now? You may stop yearning to when you’ve discovered Bluestone Vineyard on a sunny day.  Set on the stunning Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm north of Salisbury (owned and run by the same McConnell family), Bluestone is wine-making heaven on our Wiltshire doorstep.

Of the 42-acre site, 10 are given over to French Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape vines, managed by next generation brother team, Toby & Nat. They’re justifiably proud of their 2015 Classic Cuvée which is, I swear, better than many a champagne. Traditional, premium methods of long lees ageing have totally paid off, with a wine that is super-fresh and more-ish with a rich complexity. There is also a distinctive touch of England – maybe an undercurrent of apple.

Book a tour of the magical estate where rabbits dart and peacocks strut. Nat’s passion is infectious and by the end you’ll wonder why you would drink anything else. Tasting and grazing at the cellar door will include not only their own white fizz, but a selection of still whites from other Wiltshire producers such as a’Becketts, Whitehall and Maud Heath. Who knew there was so much local wine talent?

A new rosé fizz will be launched this summer, and if it’s anything like the white you’ll want to snap some up. This is a boutique, artisan vineyard where each release is small and much anticipated. They’re in it for the long game and this is just the start, so catch them now at the start of the journey. Both place and wine really are something special.