A DORSET winery which attracted 10,000 visitors in the last year has taken steps to further enhance its visitor experience.

Langham Wine Estate, at Crawthorne Farm, near Dorchester, now offers self-guided tours and tastings or guided tours and tastings, plus private bespoke tours for groups of 15 or more people.

New café the Hare & Bramble was launched in January, run by chef Declan Chubb, who is passionate about using seasonal food and local ingredients.

The eatery, which is open throughout the day for breakfast and lunch and on select evenings for Friday Fizz Nights, offers small plates, featuring in season produce which marries with the estate's wine.

Declan, himself born and bred in the county, said: "We want to showcase Dorset produce and we're trying to get all our produce from Dorset-based producers. I get really passionate about food and can talk about food all day long.

"We've had good feedback from the small plate concept. We aim to enhance the dining experience and serve great food with great wine."

Among the popular small plates served by Declan and his team is beef rib, raw slaw and Asian broth. Also on the menu is pork belly, apple and puffed skin and crab, watercress and chorizo. There is a big emphasis on vegetarian food, with a cauliflower, cashew and capers dish proving popular with non-vegetarians, Declan says.

The Hare & Bramble has a rustic feel to it, with an original floor feature and upcycled furniture, including an old church pew.

Declan said: "People have been saying how relaxed and chilled out they feel in the space.

"We want people to sit and relax and enjoy views of the vineyard, especially at the weekend. If they come at midday and they're still here at 3.30pm that's a good thing. We want people to linger over a lazy lunch."

*Langham Wine Estate, Crawthorne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7NG. Tasting Room and Hare & Bramble open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm until the end of June and from July to September, Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.