Producer Profile : Hambledon Vineyards

One of our many listings is the Classic Cuvee Sparkling wine from the Hambledon vineyard in Hampshire. The village itself has a long and interesting history dating back to perhaps its first mention in a charter from 956. In the 18th century the village became known as the home of cricket when 20,000 people used to flock to the village for matches. In the middle of the 20th century it became known as home to the UKs first commercial vineyard. In 1999 this vineyard was purchased by Ian Kellett (a chemist and former financier) and his subsequent investment in terms of capital and dedication to quality has started to ‘bear fruit’. Possibly some of the best fruit in the UK for winemaking. The grapes from his 3 vineyard parcels are the same as those that make Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). This together with the appointment of Hervé Jestin as head winemaker (formerly chef des caves at Champagne Duval Leroy for over 20 years and widely considered to be one of the best winemakers in the Champagne region) the future is very bright for Hambledon.

English wines, and sparkling in particular, have won many awards and continue to go from strength to strength, and this wine from Hambledon is proof of the great potential we have for making world class sparkling wines in the UK.