English wine could be set to become a hamper favourite thanks to the warm weather experienced throughout the country in recent weeks.

According to trade body English Wine Producers, a "sensational" quality of harvest is predicted this year, with last week's heatwave, an icy cold winter and a relatively mild spring producing the perfect conditions for wine-making.

Julia Trustam Eve, spokesperson for English Wine Producers, said: "This last blast of summer weather has been magnificent in raising sugar levels and lowering the acid content.

"We are expecting to have a high quality of vintage and various factors govern that."

Meanwhile, Richard Lewis, vineyard manager for British wine producer Chapel Down, told the Daily Mail newspaper the quality of the grapes produced throughout 2011 look set to be the best in "many a year".

Gusbourne Estate, a Kent-based wine company, recently found success in the US after launching online operation Garagiste.