Hambledon Vineyard - The Birthplace of English Wine in Hampshire
Tucked into the chalk folds of the South Downs in the Hampshire village of Hambledon sits a quietly revolutionary estate. Hambledon Vineyard is England's oldest commercial vineyard, founded in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, and it is the place that has earned the title of The Birthplace of English Wine. More than seventy years on, the same Newhaven chalk terroir and the same pioneering spirit are in every bottle, now under the joint stewardship of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates. What began as a Francophile's gamble on a south-facing Hampshire slope has grown into a 200-acre, internationally award-winning sparkling wine estate that doubles as a destination for tours, dining, education and special events.
Set within the South Downs National Park and just 30 minutes from Winchester and Portsmouth, Hambledon is an easy day from London or anywhere across the South East. Its new oak-framed Visitor Centre, opened in 2025, houses a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, a bar and tasting terrace with sweeping views across the vines, a subterranean Cellar Door Shop and a temperature-controlled underground cellar cut directly into perfect white chalk.
The Birthplace of English Wine: A Heritage of Pioneering
During the summer of 1951, Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones was looking out of the dining room window of Mill Down House at the field below. A keen wine lover and Francophile who had spent time as a diplomat in Paris, he was encouraged by his stepson John to consider planting a vineyard. After extensive research, and with help and advice from friends at the Champagne house Pol Roger, Sir Guy planted a number of different grape varieties in 1952. The first commercial range of English wines was released in 1955, and a new industry was born. The Heritage section preserves the estate's earliest photographs, including those of the 1961 harvest, and outlines the next seven decades of innovation under each successive owner.
Today the estate is owned by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK's oldest fine wine and spirits merchant (in its 325th year), and Symington Family Estates, the world's leading producer of premium port - both Royal Warrant holders and two of the most respected British-owned family businesses. Together they have invested in a state-of-the-art gravity-fed winery, a new visitor centre and a hospitality team committed to the same goal: to craft the Finest English Sparkling Wine.
A passion shared with the Clipper Race
In 2026, Hambledon became the Official Celebration Partner of the Clipper Round the World Race. The partnership is a fitting one: Hambledon's founder set England on its winemaking path with the same kind of ambitious, pioneering spirit that Sir Robin Knox-Johnston brought to solo sailing. To mark the partnership, Hambledon released a special Circumnavigator Cuvée - a 100% Hampshire-grown traditional method sparkling wine aged 36 months on lees, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, available with optional bottle engraving.
The Terroir: Newhaven Chalk That Mirrors Champagne
What makes Hambledon so well suited to world-class sparkling wine is something that hasn't changed in 65 million years: the chalk. The vines grow on gentle south and south-east facing hillsides between roughly 50 and 100 metres above sea level, sitting just below the surface on Newhaven Chalk - the same belemnite-rich chalk laid down on the seabed of the Paris Basin that underpins many of the best vineyards in the Côte des Blancs in Champagne. Chalk drains freely after heavy rain yet holds enough moisture to support deep roots through dry spells, encouraging modest yields, slow steady ripening, and fruit with high natural acidity, fine structure and a clear mineral line - exactly what is needed for sparkling wines that can be enjoyed immediately or put away to age.
All three classic Champagne varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - are grown across multiple vineyards in and around Hambledon, each with its own aspect and microclimate, picked, pressed and fermented separately. The Home Vineyard sits on the steep south-east facing slope beneath Mill Down House, where Sir Guy planted his first vines in 1952. Windmill Down West stretches to the west of the new Visitor Centre, while Windmill Down East wraps along the top of the house and into the valley, with two further vineyards across Hampshire bringing the total to over 200 acres. Every vine is pruned by hand in winter and every bunch of grapes is hand-harvested in September and October. The team is also steadily adopting more regenerative practices - reducing soil disturbance, sowing cover crops to build organic matter and biodiversity, and treating hedgerows and margins as wildlife corridors. The aim is healthy soils, resilient vines and a landscape that will reward with exceptional fruit, and harmony with nature, for many years to come.
The Sparkling Wine Range
Every Hambledon wine is produced exclusively from the estate's own vineyards, made in the traditional method (méthode champenoise) with a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The current range centres on Chardonnay and is aged on its lees for extended periods to develop complexity, finesse and that signature Hambledon minerality.
Classic Cuvée - £42.00
The signature and best-selling Hambledon wine, blended from all three traditional grapes grown on the Windmill Down chalk slopes. Chardonnay leads, with creamy ripe apricot and crisp pear, complemented by gentle red fruit from Pinot Noir and a savoury edge from Pinot Meunier. Aged at least 35 months on the lees, it develops nutty, brioche complexity. Tamlyn Currin of JancisRobinson.com awarded it 17/20, calling it "impressive" with "tremendous depth and layers". Available to buy online, in magnum (£95), in half bottle (£22), as a case of six (£233.10, was £252) and as a gift box (£48).
Classic Cuvée Rosé - £46.00
A beautifully vibrant salmon-pink rosé, made predominantly from Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir red wine to give its delicate robe. Aged a minimum of 45 months, it bursts with fresh strawberry, redcurrant and gentle vanilla, with a hint of phenolic bite on the finish from the estate's chalk. Tom Gilbey called it "smooth, packed with red berry fruit and long on the finish." Available as a case of six (£255.30, was £276), and as a personalised bottle (£62).
Blanc de Blancs Cuvée - £62.00
Pure 100% Chardonnay and Hambledon's newest release, made from the celebrated 2022 harvest. Aged for almost three years on lees, the wine delivers orchard apple, honeysuckle, ripe pear and a long brioche finish, all shaped by Hambledon's signature chalk. It debuted in February 2025 to exceptional acclaim: Gold at 2025 WineGB (96 points), Gold at the 2026 IWSC Awards (96 points), Gold at the 2026 Drinks Business Global Sparkling Masters, and named one of Decanter's Wines of the Year for 2025 (95 points). Decanter's tasting note called it "a paradigm of English character: floral, green cow-parsley and vanilla cream aromas fold into the exuberant lemon-pith mousse and racy acidity. Very long and compelling." Available online.
Première Cuvée - £75.00
The flagship wine, made only from the very best hand-picked fruit, with Chardonnay dominating the blend for structure, elegance and minerality. Aged at least 62 months on the lees, it is expressive, complex and a sublime English sparkling - confit lemon, orange blossom and white lily on the nose, tarte Tatin and almond croissant on the palate, finishing on a mineral, chalky nod to the Hampshire terroir. Neal Martin of Vinous awarded it 92 points. Available as a case of six (£416.25, was £450).
Première Cuvée Rosé - £80.00
The pinnacle of the range, available as a case of six (£444, was £480).
Circumnavigator: Hambledon x Clipper Limited Edition Cuvée - £34.00
A traditional method English sparkling wine aged 36 months on lees, born from the partnership with the Clipper Round the World Race. Floral aromas of hawthorn and apple blossom give way to pear and quince, with red fruit, mineral tension and a saline finish. A dosage of 8 g/l keeps it crisp and focused. Available with engraving in a gift box.
Personalised Bottles & Engraving
Most wines in the range can be engraved with a personal message of up to 100 characters, including names, dates and occasions - a popular touch for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and corporate gifts. Engraved bottles typically require 5 - 7 days for delivery. The flagship Personalised Classic Cuvée is £58, and the Personalised Rosé is £62.
Awards and Accolades
Hambledon's pursuit of perfection has been recognised with prestigious awards on the international stage, including Decanter Gold 2023 for the Première Cuvée, Drinks Business Global Rosé Masters Gold 2023 for the Classic Cuvée Rosé, Decanter Platinum 2024 for the Première Cuvée, Decanter Silver 2024 for the Classic Cuvée, Global Sparkling Masters Master 2024 for the Première Cuvée, Gold 2024 for the Classic Cuvée, WineGB Gold 2024 for the Première Cuvée, and WineGB Gold 2025 for the NV Blanc de Blancs. The Classic Cuvée Magnum picked up Gold at the Decanter Awards 2026, with Matthew Jukes awarding it 19/20 and calling it "the finest Hambledon incarnation I have ever tasted" and "an absolute must-have." Fred Sirieix has praised the Première Cuvée as "a wonderful wine" with "pure pleasure" on the palate. The wines are widely listed on renowned wine lists and stocked in top restaurants, luxury hotels and fine wine merchants.
Winemaking: From Grape to Glass
Hambledon's gravity-fed winery is built for minimal intervention and maximum finesse. Grapes move quickly from vineyard to press during harvest, essential for the freshness and precise flavours that mark the wines. Pressing, fermentation and ageing take place on site, with the underground cellar cut directly into the white chalk, naturally cool and humid - the perfect environment for bottles to mature slowly on their lees. The process follows the traditional method: a secondary fermentation in the bottle creates the signature mousse, the refined bubbles and the complex layers of flavour that have defined fine sparkling wine for centuries.
Tours and Tastings
Whether you're a dedicated English wine enthusiast or simply looking for a special day out in the South Downs, Hambledon offers a tour for every interest. All tours are led by the estate's in-house wine experts and include time in the vineyard, the gravity-fed winery and the underground cellars, before finishing in the Tasting Room with a tutored tasting of Hambledon's award-winning sparkling wines. Book online.
Tour & Tasting - £35 per person
The signature experience, running Wednesday to Sunday at 11am and 2pm (with additional times during peak season). A 1.5-hour guided journey through the historic vineyards, gravity-fed winery and deep underground cellar, finishing with a tasting of three Hambledon sparkling wines. Why not make a day of it by adding a cheese board or charcuterie platter, enjoying a glass at the Bar, or joining the team for lunch in the Restaurant afterwards? Tour & Tasting for two gift vouchers can be redeemed against this experience. View dates and book.
Early Week Tour & Tasting - £28 per person
Available June to August 2026 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 11am or 2pm, the Early Week Tour is the full Hambledon experience on the estate's quietest days. Same tour, same wines, same passionate guides - just a quieter day to enjoy it all. View dates and book.
Winemaker's Insight Tour & Tasting - £50 per person
Selected dates in 2026 at 10:30am or 3pm. This is the go-behind-the-scenes experience for anyone who wants to understand how the wines are really made. The 1.5-hour tour takes place in both the winery and the barrel room (the latter is not accessible on the public Tour & Tasting), with in-depth insight into the work of Winemaker Felix Gabillet, including tasting samples from tank and barrel, and finishing with four of the sparkling wines. Group size is limited to 10. View dates and book.
Safari Tour, Tasting & Lunch - From £150 per person
Back for the 2026 season on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10am or 12pm, the Safari is the most intimate way to experience the estate. A maximum of four guests board a Hambledon-branded Land Rover Defender with a tea or coffee, drive through the vineyards, pause for a sparkling aperitif overlooking the vines, then visit the gravity-fed winery before sitting down to taste three wines. The morning (or afternoon) concludes with a three-course seasonal lunch in the new Restaurant, accompanied by a glass of Classic Cuvée. Weekday experiences are £150 per person, Saturday experiences £175 per person. Total duration 2.5 - 3 hours. View dates and book.
Guided Tasting Flights - £30 per person
A relaxed, seated tasting of four wines from a selection of fourteen, including four of Hambledon's own sparkling wines and a hand-picked selection of whites, reds and fortified wines from the Cellar Door Shop's partners Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates. Available Thursday to Saturday, 11am - 5pm. The flight takes about 30 minutes, but the table is yours for the hour, so you can take your time. Cheese, charcuterie and mezze boards are available to order. Book a tasting.
Accessibility
All tours involve walking on natural vineyard terrain and through the winery and cellars. While much of the route is accessible, the winery involves climbing two sets of circular metal spiral staircases, and the surfaces may be uneven, sloped or muddy. The team asks visitors to wear sensible footwear and to contact them in advance on +44 (0) 2392 632 358 with any accessibility requirements. Ample on-site parking is available, with dedicated disabled parking spaces, ramped access from the car park to the Restaurant, a platform lift from the Cellar Door Shop to Restaurant level, and an accessible unisex toilet on Level 1.
Upcoming Events at Hambledon
Beyond the tours, the estate runs a varied calendar of seasonal events that bring the wines (and the setting) to life. The full programme of events is detailed in Upcoming Events; here are the highlights for the rest of 2026.
Jazz & Fizz - £37.50
Saturday 1st & 8th August 2026, 12:30pm to 4:30pm. A relaxed afternoon in the Vineyard with music, food, a complimentary glass of Hambledon Classic Cuvée and a designated deckchair. Amy Baker performs on 1 August, the Brass Breakout Jazz Orchestra on 8 August. No outside beverages are permitted. Book your spot.
Fire Feast - £85.00
Saturday 29th August 2026 (with additional dates over the summer). On communal tables beneath the vines at Windmill Down East, guests enjoy a long, unhurried afternoon of open-fire cooking led by Head Chef Rob McLeary - think hot smoked chalkstream trout, slow cooked lamb shoulder and smoked ricotta with elderflower foraged from the estate. A welcome glass of Classic Cuvée Rosé is included; the bar is available throughout. Arrive from 2:30pm, sit down at 3:30pm, finishes around 6pm. Book tickets.
Hambledon Seven Seas - £55 per person
Sunday 30th August 2026 (August Bank Holiday weekend), from 12pm. Seven seafood stations across the Restaurant - lobster rolls, oysters, moules marinière, paella, fish tacos, prawn cocktail and salt & pepper squid - with sharing tables, live music and a glass of Classic Cuvée to start. Food served 12pm - 4pm, bar open until 8pm. Book your ticket.
Cellar Door Open Tastings - £10.00
Fortnightly at the Cellar Door Shop, 10am - 4pm. Each session focuses on a different grape variety (July 3rd - 5th Cabernet Sauvignon, July 17th - 19th Gamay, July 31st - 2nd Aug Albariño, August 14th - 16th Chenin Blanc, August 28th - 30th Pinot Noir, September 7th - 13th Port, September 25th - 27th Grenache). Three examples of each variety at your own pace; £5 of the ticket is redeemable against bottle purchases on the day. Find out more.
Wine Wednesdays - £14 per person
Monthly, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, on the second Wednesday of every month. A laid-back, social tasting at the Cellar Door Shop to discover new wines in store, all chosen to match the week's theme. Guests save 10% on bottles or 15% on cases purchased the same day. Book your spot.
Read Between the Vines - £9 per person
Monthly, 6:30pm - 7:30pm. A relaxed book club where great reads meet with thoughtfully paired wines. Each session introduces a wine chosen to reflect the mood, setting or character of the story being read. Book your spot.
Seasonal & Cellar Tasting Menu at the Restaurant
Available at lunch and dinner seatings, the new-for-2026 four-course tasting menu showcases the best of Hampshire's seasonal produce, paired with wines from around the world. Available to book via the Restaurant page.
The Restaurant, The Courtyard & Private Dining
Listed in the Michelin Guide, Hambledon's Restaurant is a destination in its own right. Set in a high-ceilinged, oak-framed building flooded with natural light and overlooking the vineyard and the rolling South Downs, the kitchen works with seasonal Hampshire produce and the kitchen garden. Set within the Restaurant are two private dining spaces - the Salisbury Room (up to 24 guests) and the Jones Room (up to 14 guests, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a door onto the terrace overlooking the vines). Private dining menus are £60 for two courses or £75 for three.
Opening Hours
- Wednesday - Saturday: 12pm - 2pm (lunch) and 6:30pm - 8pm (dinner)
- Sunday: 12pm - 2pm (lunch)
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Lunch set menus are £40 for two courses or £48 for three (Wednesday - Friday). The seasonal & cellar tasting menu is available at lunch and dinner. The Restaurant is wheelchair accessible, with ramped access from the car park and a lift from the Cellar Door Shop to the Restaurant level. To book, call +44 (0) 2392 632 358 or email restaurant@hambledonvineyard.co.uk. Reserve a table on Tock.
The Courtyard
For something more casual, The Courtyard is Hambledon's al fresco dining experience, with a wood-fired menu of seasonally-inspired pizzas and sides. Open from 1st June to 6th September seven days a week, and from 9th September Wednesday - Sunday (12pm - 4pm Sun - Thu; 12pm - 8pm Fri - Sat). Walk-ins only, weather dependent. The Courtyard menu is also available at the Bar and on the Terrace when the weather doesn't behave.
The Cellar Door Shop
Situated beneath the Restaurant, the Cellar Door Shop is open daily for complimentary drop-in shopping and is curated by Master of Wine Mark Pardoe (Wine Director at Berry Bros. & Rudd) and Cellar Door Manager Jim Birch. The Wine Collection is home to wines from family-owned, sustainability-focused producers around the world - chosen because the team believes in what they stand for as much as what they make. Prices range from £20 to £50. An enomatic machine allows visitors to taste before they buy, with corkage available to take a bottle up to the Terrace, the Courtyard or the Restaurant. The shop also stocks the full range of Hambledon sparkling wines, a selection of Hambledon merchandise, and a curated edit of gifts and homeware.
Cellar Door Shop Opening Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday - Saturday: 10am - 7pm
- Sunday: 10am - 4:30pm
Free click & collect is available, and home delivery is free on UK mainland orders over £100.
Gift Vouchers, Discovery Packs & Personalised Gifts
Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, wedding, Christmas, or simply a thank-you, Hambledon has a gift for every occasion.
Discovery Packs & Cases
- Hambledon Vineyard Discovery Pack - £243.00 (was £253, save £10)
- Classic Cuvée Collection - £88.00 (was £98, save £10)
- Première Cuvée Collection - £155.00 (was £165, save £10)
- Hambledon Vineyard Discovery Case - £331.00 (was £341, save £10)
- Hambledon Rosé Collection - £125.00
Personalised Gifts
- Classic Cuvée & Gift Box - £48.00
- Personalised Hambledon Classic Cuvée - £58.00
- Personalised Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé - £62.00
- Hambledon Vineyard Single Bottle Gift Box - £7.00
The Hambledon Wine Club
Three membership tiers offer a tailored way into the world of English sparkling wine, with exclusive events, priority access to pre-releases, magnums and jeroboams, and up to 20% off additional bottle purchases, merchandise and dining at the Restaurant. The Classic Club offers a bespoke 12-bottle case of Hambledon sparkling wines delivered on a quarterly, bi-annual or annual schedule. The Première Club is for connoisseurs, with an exclusive 18-bottle case delivered bi-annually or annually. The Bottle Club delivers one bottle of choice every month for a full year. For details, email wineclub@hambledonvineyard.co.uk.
Merchandise
The Vineyard Merchandise collection includes the Bottle Stopper (£10), Bottle Candle (£29), Apron (£25), Reusable Picnic Glass (£7.50), Ceramic Mug (£14), Single Bottle Ice Bucket (£19.75) and Blanket (£20). All available online and at the Cellar Door Shop.
Vouchers
Monetary gift vouchers and Tour & Tasting experience vouchers are available to send by email, redeemable against any of the vineyard's tour experiences, tastings, products or dining. Browse the gift card page.
Wine Education: WSET at Hambledon
Hambledon is the only UK winery approved to offer WSET Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Wines courses to the public. The estate provides an ideal setting for study, with access to the vineyards, the winery and the cellar door team.
- WSET Level 1 Award in Wines - £225.00 (multiple 2026 dates)
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - £575.00 (September 2026 and November 2026 cohorts)
- WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - £1,150.00 (January/February 2027)
Weddings, Corporate Events & Private Hire
Hosting only ten weddings a year, Hambledon is a truly exclusive venue. The elegant marquee offers unrivalled views across the vines and the South Downs, with an in-house wedding coordinator, a dedicated wine list and a chef team. On arrival, guests are welcomed with a glass of award-winning Hambledon sparkling wine, before a wedding breakfast in the marquee with the vineyard as a backdrop. Details can be found in Vineyard Weddings.
The estate also hosts team building days, off-site meetings, client entertainment and corporate away days. The Salisbury Room is a flexible meeting and events space that can be hired as a boardroom or for a private event, with morning pastries, locally roasted coffee and New Forest Tea included. For corporate gifting, the team offers a tailored service with personalised bottles, gift boxes and bespoke packaging. Contact Lucy Stewart (trade) or events@hambledonvineyard.co.uk for details. View corporate events or corporate gifting.
Local Accommodation
For those wanting to extend their visit, the estate curates a list of nearby places to stay. Mill Down Cottage sleeps six and sits directly next to the vines. Rushmere Farm, Wallops Wood Cottages, The Coach House, Barrow Hill Barns, The Folly and The Cart House are all within easy reach. For something more luxurious, Lime Wood in the New Forest, Hotel du Vin in Winchester, The Pig at Brockenhurst and The Pig-in-the-Wall in Southampton are all within an hour. Country pubs and inns include Ye Olde George Inn, The Thomas Lord and The White Lion at Soberton.
Visit & Practical Information
Address
Hambledon Vineyard, East Street, Hambledon, Hampshire, PO7 4RY. Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, just 30 minutes from Winchester and Portsmouth.
By Car
From the A3 (southbound from London, northbound from Portsmouth), exit at Clanfield and follow the brown signs. From the M3, take the A272 or A32 via Morestead and Corhampton. Detailed directions appear in How to Find Us. Visitors are kindly asked to avoid passing through Hambledon village if possible.
By Train or Plane
The nearest station is Petersfield (about 1 hour from London Waterloo), with a 15-minute taxi ride to the estate. The nearest airports are Southampton (30 minutes by car), London Heathrow (1 hour 15 minutes) and London Gatwick (1 hour 30 minutes). Local taxi companies serve Petersfield station and the surrounding area.
Contact
- Email: info@hambledonvineyard.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 2392 632 358
- Events: events@hambledonvineyard.co.uk
- Restaurant bookings: restaurant@hambledonvineyard.co.uk
- Wine Club: wineclub@hambledonvineyard.co.uk
- Retail (Jim Birch): jim.birch@hambledonvineyard.co.uk
Delivery & Returns
Orders are processed and shipped the same day if placed before 11am Monday - Friday, with Royal Mail Tracked 24 or DHL 24hr delivery. UK mainland delivery is charged at a flat rate of £4.50; free delivery on UK mainland orders over £100. The Distance Selling Regulations give 7 working days to cancel. Note that tours and events are non-refundable, with reservations moveable once to a different date subject to 72 hours' notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the winemaker at Hambledon Vineyard?
The winemaker is Felix Gabillet. More on Felix Gabillet.
Has Hambledon Vineyard been sold?
Yes. The vineyard was acquired by Berry Bros. & Rudd (in its 325th year) and Symington Family Estates, two of the most respected British-owned family businesses and both Royal Warrant holders.
What should I wear to visit the vineyard?
Please come wearing sensible footwear; the vineyard is a working estate and there may be uneven, slippery or muddy surfaces. In the warmer months, the team recommends sun protection; in winter, layers and wellies.
Can I collect from the vineyard?
Yes. Choose 'Vineyard collection' at checkout and the team will prepare the order within 24 hours. For urgent collections, call ahead on +44 (0) 2392 632 358.
Do you host weddings at the vineyard?
Yes, a limited number each year. Contact events@hambledonvineyard.co.uk for details.
Are children welcome at the Restaurant?
Yes. The Vineyard Restaurant is family-friendly, with a dedicated children's menu. Please mention highchair or pram space requirements in advance.
Where can I leave a review?
The team loves hearing from guests. Leave a review on TripAdvisor or Google.
Plan Your Visit
With tours running most days, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, a Cellar Door Shop open daily, and a calendar that swings from harvest feasts to Christmas parties and jazz afternoons, Hambledon is a full day on the South Downs for newcomers and returning visitors alike.