Foxford Vineyard: A Boutique Hampshire Sparkling Wine Producer
Nestled in the rolling countryside of the Test Valley in Hampshire, Foxford Vineyard is one of England’s newest boutique sparkling wine estates. Founded by Nick and Mary Hill in 2019 and planted the following spring, the vineyard sits on a south-facing plot of land on the Blackwater River ford at West Wellow, close to the historic town of Romsey. With 8,500 vines on two hectares, Foxford is intentionally small - a place where quality, terroir and craftsmanship take precedence over volume.
The estate’s debut release, the Classic22 Cuvée, hit the market in September 2025 and immediately attracted the attention of some of the most respected names in the wine world, earning medals from Decanter, the IWSC, the IEWA and WineGB’s Wessex Region. It is, in many ways, a calling card for a young winery that intends to become a serious player in the English Quality Sparkling Wine category.
The Story Behind Foxford Vineyard
Foxford is a husband-and-wife venture. Nick and Mary Hill purchased the site in 2019 after falling for its quiet position in the Test Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, woodland and pasture. The land itself is rooted in a sandstone bedrock topped with a deep, free-draining sandy loam - an ideal combination of warmth, drainage and minerality for viticulture.
Planting took place in 2020, with the couple selecting the three grape varieties that define the great traditional method sparkling wines of the world: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Together they form the classic Champagne trio, and at Foxford they are being shaped by a distinctly English climate and chalk-influenced Hampshire terroir. The team have also hinted at plans for still whites and reds in future vintages, when the English summers cooperate.
Vineyard and Viticulture
Terroir
Foxford’s two-hectare plot faces south, capturing as much of the British sunshine as possible. The free-draining sandy loam encourages vines to push their roots deep into the sandstone below, which the winemakers believe contributes to a more concentrated, mineral-driven style of wine. The site’s position above the Blackwater River ford also helps with frost drainage on cold nights - a perennial concern for English viticulture.
Hand-Crafted Work in the Vineyard
Unlike larger commercial estates, Foxford is very much a hands-on operation. Nick and Mary are frequently on the land in all weathers - pruning, tying down, leaf stripping and tucking in the canopy. At harvest, they bring in a small team of local pickers and hand-select every bunch to ensure only the finest fruit makes it into the winery. The approach is deliberate: small batches, careful triage, and a refusal to compromise on raw material.
Winemaking
Although Foxford owns and tends the vineyard themselves, the winemaking is carried out in partnership with a respected local Hampshire winemaker. This collaborative approach allows the Hills to combine hands-on viticultural expertise with experienced cellar craft, producing wines that they describe as “deliciously aromatic” and rooted in the unique character of the site.
The Wines
Classic22 Vintage Cuvée
The maiden 2022 harvest has been blended into a single traditional method sparkling wine - Classic22. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it has spent over two years on its lees, building the depth and creamy texture that defines the very best English sparkling. A whisper of dosage keeps it dry and balanced without losing the freshness of the fruit.
On the palate, Classic22 offers notes of fresh green apple and lemon, supported by the gentle biscuity undertones that come from extended lees ageing. The Hills recommend pairing it with seafood, soft cheeses or lighter dishes - a versatile aperitif style that reflects English sparkling’s growing reputation as a refined food wine.
Two formats are available to buy online:
- Classic22 Individual Bottle - £32.00 GBP
- Classic22 Case of Six - £170.00 GBP
Both sizes are currently sold out - a testament to demand from a young producer with a very limited first release. Future allocations are announced first to Skulk Club members.
Awards and Recognition
One of the most striking things about Foxford’s debut is how quickly the wine has been recognised by major industry bodies. The Classic22 Cuvée has already collected medals from:
- Decanter
- IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition)
- IEWA (Independent English Wine Awards)
- WineGB - Wessex Region
For a vineyard with its first commercial release in 2025, that kind of early recognition is a strong indicator of the quality potential coming from this quiet corner of Hampshire.
Joining the Skulk Club
Foxford’s loyalty programme is called the Skulk Club - a skulk being the collective noun for a group of foxes, and a fitting nod to the vineyard’s name (a “ford” being a crossing over a river, in this case the Blackwater). Members are the first to hear about:
- Exclusive wine releases and limited-edition vintages
- Handcrafted blends and special offers
- Bespoke birthday treats
- Priority invitations to intimate Foxford events
It’s a small, personal scheme that mirrors the boutique scale of the winery itself - an opportunity to follow the vineyard closely as it grows from this maiden vintage into a multi-vintage estate.
Visiting and Buying Foxford Wine
At present, Foxford focuses its energy on tending the vineyard and on building the business for the long term rather than hosting regular public tours or tastings. As the vines mature, on-the-ground experiences at West Wellow are expected to be added. Open days, release events and future allocations are announced to Skulk Club members and on the vineyard’s Instagram feed.
Delivery and Shipping
Foxford currently ships its wines across mainland UK via trusted couriers including DHL, DPD and Royal Mail. Standard delivery charges are:
- 1 - 5 bottles: £5
- 6 bottles or more: Free
Orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) are processed the same day, with most deliveries arriving within 2 - 5 working days. Express and Saturday deliveries are available on request - simply email the vineyard for rates.
Because Foxford sells alcohol, all deliveries are subject to a Challenge 25 age verification policy: a person of 18 or older must be available to sign for the parcel and may be asked for valid photo ID.
Returns and Customer Service
Customers have a 14-day right of return in line with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, provided the bottles remain unopened and in their original packaging. Damaged or incorrect items must be reported within three days of delivery, with photos, by emailing info@foxfordvineyard.com. Sale items and gift cards are non-returnable, and opened bottles cannot be accepted unless there is a quality issue.
Looking Ahead
Foxford has now completed three harvests - 2022, 2023 and 2024 - and the Hills continue to refine both the vineyard and the cellar work as they build towards a stable, multi-vintage range of traditional method sparkling wines. With the Classic22 Cuvée already a medal winner, and the next vintages resting patiently on their lees, Foxford Vineyard stands as a promising new name in high-quality, terroir-driven English sparkling.
Contact Details
- Vineyard address: Foxes Lane, West Wellow, Hampshire, SO51 6DS
- Correspondence / returns address: 36 Hazlewell Road, London, SW15 6LR
- Email: info@foxfordvineyard.com
- Phone: 07785 724792
- Website: foxfordvineyard.com
- Instagram: @foxfordvineyard