"In Berkshire, 35 miles south of Le Manoir stands The Vineyard, the destination hotel for lovers of wine and fine food. The tone is set as soon as you enter this former eighteenth-century hunting lodge. Guests walk in over a green glass bridge below which is visible part of the hotel’s original wine cellar. Meanwhile at the end of a corridor lined with wine bottles – mainly French and Californian – there rises a huge and dramatic mural painted by Gary Myatt. Myatt specialises in amazing trompe d’oiel murals like the series Mel Holmes has painted for Hotel du Vin. This particular image takes us into a cellar in Paris and depicts the moments after the famous 1976 blind tasting when it was revealed that Californian wines had triumphed over French. Sir Peter Michael, owner of The Vineyard has had himself painted in to a corner as a benign spectator at this scene of acute French consternation, although he wasn’t present at the time. Peter Michael is a versatile entrepreneur. After founding and running a number of UK technology companies, he set up his own winery in California in 1983. Then in 1992 he was one of the founders of Classic FM and in 1996 he bought the Foley Lodge Hotel near Newbury and spent two years rebuilding and extending it to create The Vineyard, a hotel for wine lovers.

This is a personal project, with a lot of Sir Peter’s own art collection on the walls and his personal likes and dislikes enforced through the wine list. It’s also a superb place to eat with a knockout tasting menu by Head Chef, Robby Jenks. The Vineyard also stands out for the number of French – or French-sounding staff. Head Sommelier, Romain Bourger sets the tone, enthusiastic and youthful. An unexpected and rather nice touch is the glass of wine brought to your room soon after checking in. Each has a little stem collar with its name displayed. In our case it was a Viognier from India. Now that was a first.

In the dining room the presentation of wines with individual labels continues, although there is also the dreaded “black glass test” sprung on diners enjoying the tasting menu. Without warning two glasses of wine in opaque black goblets are presented with our new course. And their labels were upside down. Deprived of even the clue of colour, it is remarkably difficult to recognise what you’re drinking.

From a personal point of view I’d like to also commend The Vineyard for its vegetarian tasting menu which my wife thought one of the best she’s eaten at a hotel."

"Wiggle Magnificat, June 16, Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire

You can knock off 126 miles of South Downs and rolling Hampshire countryside in this event or just tootle around the 30 mile course at your leisure – it’s all about getting out on your bike and enjoying the views while getting some exercise. Now in its 12th year, the Magnificat really does challenge hard core cyclists (the long version brings you over more than 6500ft of hills climbing) but the route is a simple anti-clockwise loop that ends up in Newbury.

Stay: The Vineyard, Stockcross, Newbury. You’ve earnt it – after a fabulous day’s cycling, treat yourself to this Relais & Chateau hotel best known for its 30,000 bottle wine cellar, top-rated spa and fine dining restaurant."

"As its name suggests, The Vineyard is a hotel devoted to wine. It sits only four miles from Newbury Races in the horse-loving county of Berkshire and is part of Sir Peter Michael's mission to spread the word about Californian wines and Californian levels of service in the UK. Peter Michael has achieved much in his working life. He set up and ran a number of technology companies, founded Classic FM, and his own winery in Knights Valley, California. Now he has created one of the few five-star spa hotels in Berkshire, and the only one devoted to wine. As you enter you cannot miss the glass-floored wine vault with its collection of 5,000 bottles from around the world. There’s also a splendid private art collection on display that Sir Peter describes, modestly as “one of the finest this side of Hearst Castle” and a spa. If you can bear to tear youself way from so much luxury and indulgence, Ambitions Equestrian Centre is nine miles away on the Wantage Road. Based at Hillside Stud, Ambitions is keen to help riders of any ability improve. They offer private lessons indoors and out, and have a cross country arena. One and two-hour hacks – group or private - are also available, with the two-hour one involving a break at a local pub in Great Shefford for a quick pint. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the Berkshire countryside."

"Under an hour from London hides a ‘temple to Californian wine’. With 30,000 bottles to choose from, The Vineyard is the perfect spot for a touch of well-earned vinotherapy. The Californian wines are superb, particularly those from the owner, Sir Peter Michael’s award-winning estate. However, on my last visit it was the wild card wines that got me excited, in particular a surprisingly sophisticated Slovakian Riesling. The hotel, better described as a wine bar with beautiful rooms, offers a range of contemporary bedrooms and suites and a delicious French restaurant. As if that wasn’t enough, it also has a great spa and a magnetic art collection. This is one break where you will want to skip driving and catch the train!"

"How better to toast the royal baby than with the perfect glass of wine. Deep within the heart of Berkshire hides a Californian gem; The Vineyard at Stockcross. The five star hotel boasts a decadent spa, a delicious French restaurant, and over 30,000 bottles to wash it all down with. Unsurprisingly this classy retreat hides one of Britain’s best cellars and is a must for any serious wine-lover. Just a stone’s throw from Highclere Castle, The Vineyard is also the perfect base for history buffs and Downton Abbey fans."

"Has this summer left you feeling like a teenager’s taxi service? Then head to The Vineyard at Stockcross for a weekend of marinating. Yes, this hotel is like a little bit of California… in Berkshire. It has a staggering 30,000 vintages from around the world to choose from. It is the unique combination of a fantastic 5* hotel, a delicious French restaurant and a world-class wine cellar that makes this a must visit destination for those that know their Malbec from their Merlot (and if you don’t then book in for one of their tasting lessons!)."