Hungerhill Farm Vineyard

Hungerhill Vineyard is a four-hectare family-run English vineyard nestled on a steep, south-facing slope in the heart of Bedfordshire, producing still and traditional-method sparkling wines under the Merstone label. Combining decades of French winemaking inspiration with a quintessentially British terroir, the estate crafts wines of elegance, character and a strong sense of place, offering wines that are unfined, unfiltered and vegan-friendly, made in small batches with meticulous attention to detail.

A Vineyard Born From French Inspiration

Hungerhill Vineyard lies on four hectares in the heart of Bedfordshire, a region with a long farming heritage. The vineyard sits on a steep, south-facing hill with a soil rich in clay, providing an ideal environment for growing grapes. The slope improves frost drainage and ensures the vines receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day, resulting in healthy, well-ripened grapes that reflect the unique character of the site.

The first vines were planted in 2020, putting down roots in a place the team believed had real potential for premium English wine production. Andrew Barnes, originally from Bedfordshire, spent over twenty years living in France, where his passion for wine, and especially sparkling wine, grew. Having always dreamed of owning a vineyard, he brought that vision home to start Hungerhill Vineyard and the Merstone Wines label.

The idea sparked during a conversation with a French winemaker from Champagne. After learning about the soil and the south-facing slope, the winemaker believed the land was perfectly suited for traditional method sparkling wine production. That single conversation marked the beginning of the winemaking journey for Hungerhill Vineyard and the planting of a vineyard that has, in just a handful of years, become one of the most exciting boutique producers in the region.

The Winemaker Behind the Vines

Andrew Barnes's passion for wine began at the age of eighteen while studying at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. In 1985, he took part in the English Wine Run, a spirited competition to transport English wine from London to Paris as fast as possible. This early adventure sparked a lifelong love for wine and the journeys it can take you on.

A few years later, Andrew moved to France with a friend, where he immersed himself in French culture and the country's rich wine traditions. He developed a deep appreciation for both sparkling and still wines, often celebrating life's moments with good company and great bottles. The deeper he went into French wine culture, the more he dreamed of one day producing his own.

A pivotal moment came in 2012 on a trip to the Champagne region, where he met winemaker Mr Lecurieux. Their friendship, built on mutual trust and a shared love of fine wine, inspired Andrew's dream of creating his own vineyard back home in Bedfordshire. Since then, Andrew has deepened his knowledge through formal training in viticulture and winemaking, further refining his craft and vision for Hungerhill Vineyard.

Why the Wines Are Called "Merstone"

The story of Merstone began in early 2020, as the team were planting the first vines. While working the land, they discovered something unexpected: countless seashells, ammonites and oyster shells in the soil. The discovery sparked real curiosity: how could marine fossils end up here, in the middle of Bedfordshire?

Research revealed that this part of Bedfordshire was once covered by a warm, shallow sea, around 150 million years ago. The vineyard is located in the Marston Valley, which was a warm, tropical, shallow sea in the Jurassic period. Traces of that prehistoric sea can still be found in the ground today.

To honour that history, the team wanted a name that would reflect both the region, the land's past, and a Franco-English identity. "Mer", the French word for sea, felt like a natural fit, especially when it was discovered that the historic name of the nearby village of Marston was once "Merstone" in the eleventh century. The combination of "mer" and "stone", a nod to the marine fossils beneath the vines, felt just right. And so, Merstone Wines was born.

The Winery and Winemaking Philosophy

At Hungerhill Vineyard, every grape is hand-picked and pressed on site the very same day, capturing freshness and character at their peak. The focus is on traditional method sparkling wines, with the ambition to produce Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs that showcase the elegance of the terroir.

For still wines, the team creates mainly whites and rosés, with the occasional red depending on the year and harvest. These include Bacchus, Pinot Blanc, Ortega and Chardonnay, crafted primarily from the estate's own grapes, with support from select English vineyards when needed. Most of the wines mature in fine Burgundy oak barrels, adding depth and complexity, while stainless steel tanks preserve purity and vibrancy. Each bottle reflects precision, patience and a dedication to excellence.

All wines are made on site, unfiltered, unfined and vegan-friendly, in small batches that allow each wine to develop its own unique character, expressing both the individuality of the vintage and the evolving potential of the UK terroir. The winemaking is supported by careful winter pruning, drone frost protection and nutrient management in the vineyard to keep the vines in peak condition through every season.

Timeline: From Soil to Sparkling

2019 - The Beginning

Soil testing confirms the land's potential for growing high-quality grapes ideal for sparkling wine.

2020 - Planting Through Lockdown

Andrew plants the first three hectares with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay during lockdown. The very first vines go into the ground at Hungerhill.

2022 - First Harvest

The first grape harvest takes place at Hungerhill Vineyard. Production begins on the very first wine: Ortega.

2023 - First Releases and First Awards

Launch of the first still wines: Merstone Ortega, Rosé, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Merstone 2022 Rosé wins Bronze at WineGB East 2023. Chardonnay 2023 wins Silver at IEWA 2024. Merstone Ortega Reserve wins Bronze at IEWA 2024. Bacchus Reserve and Pinot Blanc win Bronze at IEWA 2024. The first wine tastings and tours are hosted at the vineyard.

2024 - Growing Recognition

Release of Medium Pink 2023. Ortega wins Silver at WineGB East 2024. Introduction of the Winter Wine Tasting experience.

2025 - Five Years and First Sparkling

Five years since planting Hungerhill Vineyard. Merstone Col Fondo 2023 wins Gold at IEWA. Bacchus 2023 wins Silver at IEWA. Release of the first Merstone English sparkling wine. The first harvest of Pinot Noir Précoce also takes place, the earliest picking to date at the estate.

2026 - Looking Forward

Continuing the mission with renewed vision and purpose. The summer tours have completely sold out, the Harvest 2026 waiting list is open, and the first Wine & Pizza Evenings have launched on site.

The Wines

Merstone Wines are crafted in Bedfordshire using grapes grown primarily at Hungerhill Vineyard, alongside carefully selected fruit from local vineyards for varieties not grown on site. The still and sparkling wines are grouped into two collections, each expressing the individuality of the vintage.

Still Wines

• Merstone Pinot Noir 2023 - £20.00. A smooth, elegant red crafted from Hungerhill Vineyard and selected English fruit, blended in May 2024. Ruby in colour with notes of strawberry, cherry and raspberry and a long, satisfying finish. Pairs well with roast meats and chocolate, or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Merstone Medium Pink 2023 - £20.00. A vibrant, elegant rosé made from carefully selected English Pinot Noir Précoce from Northamptonshire, fermented in stainless steel and bottled in November 2024. Fresh, fruit-forward and beautifully balanced. Pairs with roasts and grilled food.
• Merstone Bacchus 2023 - £20.00. A fresh, vibrant white made from Hungerhill Vineyard and selected English fruit in Suffolk, Essex and Oxfordshire. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in a third-vintage Burgundy oak barrel. Floral, citrus and elderflower aromas with a long finish. Pairs with seafood and fish and chips.
• Merstone Pinot Blanc Reserve 2023 - £23.00. A fresh, elegant Pinot Blanc from Oxfordshire, partially fermented in stainless steel and a third-vintage Burgundy oak barrel. Floral, citrus, pear, grapefruit and green apple notes with a long finish. Pairs with creamy pasta and soft cheeses.
• Merstone Bacchus (Copper Version) 2023 - £23.00. A fresh, expressive Bacchus from the clay soils of Essex and Hungerhill Vineyard, fermented and aged in a third-vintage Burgundy oak barrel. Grapefruit, citrus, elderflower and stone fruit aromas with a long finish. Pairs with curry, fish and chips.
• Merstone Bacchus 2024 - £23.00. A fresh, elegant Bacchus from Oxfordshire, fermented in stainless steel and aged on fine lees in a 600-litre reconditioned Burgundy oak barrel. Crisp, versatile and refreshing.
• Merstone Chardonnay 2024 - £27.00. A rich, elegant Chardonnay from the clay soils of Essex, fermented and aged in two Burgundy oak barrels over twelve months with full malolactic fermentation. Beautifully rounded, smooth and refined. Pairs with roast chicken, scallops, lobster, seafood and cheese.
• Merstone Chardonnay-Voltis 2024 - £23.00. A fresh, elegant Chardonnay-Voltis blend from Hungerhill Vineyard and selected Berkshire fruit, fermented and aged in Burgundy oak barrels. Crisp, refined and easy-drinking. Pairs with fish and soft cheeses.
• Merstone Ortega Reserve 2023 - £23.00. Awarded WineGB Silver 2024. A 100% Ortega from Yew Tree Vineyard in Oxfordshire, fermented and aged in Burgundy oak barrels. Bright, expressive and beautifully balanced. Pairs with seafood, fish and chicken dishes.
• Merstone Ortega 2023 - £20.00. A bright, expressive Ortega from Kent, fermented in stainless steel and aged in a third-vintage Burgundy oak barrel. An easy, elegant white for any occasion.
• Merstone Pinot Blanc 2023 - £20.00. Awarded IEWA24 Bronze. A fresh, elegant Pinot Blanc from Oxfordshire, partially fermented in stainless steel and a third-vintage Burgundy oak barrel. Crisp, refined and easy-drinking.

Sparkling Wines

• Merstone Pét-Nat - £27.00. A lively, modern Pét-Nat crafted from English Dornfelder and Bacchus, bottled on 24 October 2025 during fermentation for a playful, naturally sparkling expression. Pairs with canapés, appetisers and desserts, or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Merstone Classic Cuvée 2023 - £36.00. The first Merstone traditional-method sparkling wine, crafted exclusively from Hungerhill Vineyard. A Brut Nature made from 60% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 10% reserve wine from the 2022 harvest, rested on the lees for 15 months before disgorgement. Only 150 bottles available in this limited first release. Pairs with smoked salmon canapés, freshly shucked oysters, blinis with crème fraîche or delicate seafood starters.
• Merstone Col Fondo - £25.00. A fresh, naturally sparkling Col Fondo made from 90% Reichensteiner and 10% Pinot Noir, fermented in Burgundy oak barrels before undergoing a secondary fermentation in the bottle in August 2025. Cloudy, unfiltered, unfined and vegan-friendly. Pairs with fish, oysters, cheese and canapés.

Tours and Tastings at the Vineyard

Year-round, the team at Hungerhill craft wine experiences that honour both the vineyard and their guests. Summer brings signature tours through the vines, where visitors discover how the wines are grown and crafted. Winter invites guests to settle in for warmer, intimate tastings paired with food that lets the wines shine. Each season offers a genuine way to connect with Hungerhill and the work that goes on there.

Summer Vineyard Tours and Tastings - £25.00 per person

The flagship summer experience begins with a guided tour of the vineyard, where guests learn about the different grape varieties grown, the history of the estate and the care that goes into maintaining the vines. Walking among the rows, asking questions and gaining insight into the approach to viticulture is the perfect start.

Next, visitors are taken inside the winery for a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, with the opportunity to taste wines in different stages of production, including some poured straight from the tank. The experience concludes in the tasting room with a guided tasting of four still wines and one sparkling wine, accompanied by a selection of cheese and charcuterie included in the price.

The tour lasts approximately two hours and includes a walk in the vineyard on uneven ground. Suitable footwear and clothing for potential wet and cold weather is advised. Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance via email or in booking notes. Guests must be aged 18 or over, and dogs cannot be accommodated at any stage of the experience. Bookings are refundable if cancelled at least seven days before the tasting date; later cancellations can be rescheduled or converted into a credit/voucher for a future booking or wine purchase.

The current summer programme has completely sold out, but the team opens new dates each season. To be notified when next year's tours go on sale, follow @hungerhillvineyard on Instagram.

The Merstone Club

The Merstone Club is more than just a wine delivery service. It is a community that celebrates the creation of wine right here in Bedfordshire by Hungerhill Vineyard. Members gain access to high-quality wines that offer great value and the opportunity to try exclusive wines made solely for club members, alongside a year-round programme of events and behind-the-scenes access.

Membership Perks

• Twelve bottles a year delivered to your door (varies by plan)
• Unlimited 10% discount on wines, both in-store and online
• Exclusive wines produced in limited quantities just for members
• Invitations to exclusive in-person and online events, including pre-launch wine release tastings, English Wine Week events, behind-the-scenes winery looks and vineyard meetups
• Access to an exclusive newsletter from the vineyard
• A special Hungerhill Vineyard gift included with your membership
• Invitations to the "Friend's Wines" talk and tastings: relaxed, small-group evenings welcoming fellow winemakers to the vineyard, with past and upcoming collaborations including Mallard Point, Jassa Winnica and Gutter & Stars
• One ticket for two people for tours and tastings, usable yourself or gifted to friends and family
• Early access and updates on new wine releases, upcoming tasting dates and vineyard events such as Pizza Parties and Raclette evenings, with priority access before they are announced more widely

Membership Plans

The Merstone Club (Yearly Plan) - £250.00. Become a member and enjoy the best of Hungerhill Vineyard throughout the year. Two carefully curated shipments of six bottles each (twelve bottles in total), access to exclusive wines, member discounts, invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes updates from the vineyard and winery.

The Merstone Club (6 Months Plan) - £130.00. A shorter membership including one shipment of six bottles, exclusive member discounts, access to limited-release wines, and the chance to be part of a growing community of English wine lovers.

Membership fees are non-refundable once a shipment has been processed. Contact the team before the next shipment to make any changes to the membership.

Gifting

For something truly special, Hungerhill Vineyard offers a range of unique gifts, from gift cards and beautifully crafted wines to rare, limited-edition vintages you won't find anywhere else. For something extra memorable, friends and family can be treated to a wine tasting experience or invited to join the wine club, with exclusive releases, perks and a taste of vineyard life throughout the year.

The Digital Gift Card starts from £10.00 and can be used online or in-store towards vineyard tours, wine tastings, events or wines from the Bedfordshire vineyard. A helpful guide: £25 per person for summer tours, £30 per person for winter experiences and around £20 for a bottle of wine. Digital gift cards are delivered instantly by email, free of charge.

The Annual Grape Harvest

Every year, as September approaches, the team get ready to pick the grapes at Hungerhill Vineyard. It's a time everyone looks forward to in the world of viticulture and wine, a real experience and a chance to see familiar faces alongside new ones, all gathered for a fun day out in the vineyard.

The grapes at Hungerhill include the classic trio of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Champagne (used for vintage and classic cuvées), as well as Pinot Noir Précoce, Bacchus and soon Pinot Blanc. Around twenty people are invited to pick alongside the team each harvest. The excitement comes from picking in the sun, a great atmosphere, good food and seeing the pay-off of a year's hard work maintaining the health of the vines, all leading up to the very first step in making the next batch of wine and sparkling.

The harvest day typically starts at 9:00 AM with a selection of hot drinks and pastries. At 9:45 AM, after a quick briefing on how to pick grapes, buckets and tools are handed out and the team walks through what to do. New to picking? The team teaches everything. Picking then continues until around midday, after which all volunteers are invited to stay for a delicious lunch, with the chance to savour some of the Merstone wines. It's the perfect time to relax, socialise and swap stories with the other pickers.

Taking part in the grape harvest is completely free. Please wear suitable shoes for walking in the vineyard: boots or a comfortable old pair of trainers work well. Gloves, snips and buckets are provided. Harvest usually takes place sometime in September or October, and spots fill up quickly. The 2026 harvest is open via a harvest waiting list; as soon as a confirmed date is available, the team will notify by email or text so visitors can join if available.

Award-Winning Wines in Just a Few Years

In the few short years since the first vines were planted, Merstone Wines have built an impressive awards record. Merstone 2022 Rosé won Bronze at the WineGB East Awards 2023. Chardonnay 2023 won Silver at the Independent English Wine Awards 2024. Merstone Ortega Reserve, Bacchus Reserve and Pinot Blanc each won Bronze at IEWA 2024. Ortega won Silver at WineGB East 2024. In 2025, Merstone Col Fondo 2023 won Gold at IEWA, and Bacchus 2023 won Silver at IEWA, a remarkable trajectory for such a young estate and a reflection of the relentless focus on quality from soil to glass.

Plan Your Visit

Hungerhill Vineyard is located at Hungerhill Farmhouse, Beancroft Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0QF. The estate is a small, family-run operation with a working vineyard, an in-house winery and a tasting room, and welcomes visitors by appointment through its tour and tasting programme and its annual volunteer harvest.

For any assistance, the team can be reached by email at hungerhillvineyard@icloud.com, by phone on +44 7576 010088, or via WhatsApp. The vineyard is also active on Instagram at @hungerhillvineyard.