THE scent of mulled fruit, sweet and enticing, wafted around the bustling farmers' market on Sunday as shoppers sipped hot apple and elderberry wine.

"It's difficult to resist!" exclaimed Allan Jackson, who brings his Callow Hill Country Wines to the farmers' markets at Worcester, Bromsgrove and Webbs of Wychbold.

And judging by the queue of customers visiting his stall to buy steaming cups of mulled wine, he was right.

The firm's range offers something for everyone from smooth blackberry port and warming plum brandy to crisp rhubarb rose.

"This time of year is so busy for us. We're bottling all the wines we've produced through the summer months in which we've tried to capture the essence of summer fruit flavours," said Allan.

"We add a little 'spirit' to a few of them," he joked, referring to their range of fruit wines that are fortified with spirits such as port or brandy.

"They make ideal Christmas presents particularly for people who remember the days when everyone bottled their favourite fruits to enjoy as the days draw in."

With Christmas in mind I went on to meet Tom Norbury, whose family have been producing and preserving fruit from their farm at Storridge, near Malvern, for as long as he can remember.

"I gave up teaching in 1981 and came back to the farm to take up the reins," said Tom.

"It's not what you might think of as a natural switch, but ours is a traditional fruit farm that I wanted to keep going."

The Norburys stall is brimming with fruit but also their home-produced cider, juices, pickles and preserves.

They attend a long list of farmers' markets and have found tremendous popularity for their Worcestershire produce at markets in the Birmingham area.

"Our new apple juices are proving really popular at the moment, particularly Grenadier and Discovery," said Tom, "which are traditional apple varieties grown at the farm.

"We're really excited about our new pear juice which we hope to have available later in November."

And, from a row of glistening jars of jams and fruit butters, I spotted some chunky jars of mincemeat, just the job for homemade mince pies.

Made with Norburys' own blend of fruits, spices and a splash of brandy, Tom said: "It's delicious and is sure to put you in the mood for Christmas baking!"

Along with Webbs of Wychbold, they also attend farmers' markets at Worcester and Pershore.

Back-to-back with Tom Norbury's stall in the busy marquee was Halfpenny Green Vineyard.

Martin Vickers said that, right now, they are harvesting grapes from their 21 acres of red and white vines at their farm at Stourbridge, on the south Staffordshire-Shropshire border.

Harvest takes about five weeks from the beginning of October.

"The farm is open seven days a week to visitors who may be interested to see the harvest in full swing." said Martin.

"There is a vineyard trail, gift shop, craft centre and tea rooms, perfect for an afternoon trip.

"If you are looking for a unique gift, then what about a personalised bottle of sparkling wine?"

If you can't make it to Stourbridge, Halfpenny Green Vineyard will be a Worcester Farmers' Market on Sunday.

For more information call 07795 656148 or visit www.worcestershirefarmersmarkets.net