Northbrook Vineyard: Hampshire's Nature-First English Sparkling Estate
A Hampshire Vineyard Where Nature Comes First
Northbrook Vineyard is a boutique English wine producer set deep in the chalk downland of Hampshire, near the medieval market town of Bishops Waltham. With 60% of its land given over to wildlife and just 40% planted with vines, Northbrook operates on a guiding philosophy that places nature at the heart of every decision. It is a place where ancient Bacchus vines planted in 1988 still produce fruit, where Champagne varieties thrive on free-draining chalk soils, and where the Tuttiett family has woven together wine, wildlife and rural enterprise into a single, harmonious vision.
The result is a small, considered range of English sparkling and still wines - Classic Cuvée, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs and a 1988-vintage Bacchus - produced in harmony with the rhythm of each season and distributed through the vineyard's online shop, the cellar door at Bishops Waltham, and a growing family of like-minded partners including The Pig hotels, Longdown Vineyard, Long Barn in Alresford and Jack Thompson & Co on the Isle of Wight.
The Story of Northbrook Vineyard
The Original 1988 Planting
Northbrook's story begins in 1988, when Brian Cable established the original vineyard on a 25-acre field adjoining the old Northbrook farmhouse. At the time the site was known as Northbrook Springs Vineyard, and Brian planted five grape varieties popular in England at the time: Huxelrebe, Schoenberger, Kerner, Reichensteiner and Bacchus. Once the vines were established, wines were made at Wickham Vineyard with the help of Australian flying winemaker John Warenchek, and the resulting blends were sold from a charming staddle stone cellar door on the farm.
Brian often recalled the dramatic harvest of 1994, when the entire grape crop was hit by mould. The grapes shrivelled on the vine and looked certain to be a complete write-off. John Warenchek encouraged Brian to harvest anyway, suggesting something might be made of the botrytis-affected fruit. The resulting sweet dessert wine, sold in half bottles, went on to win an outstanding gold medal - and the last of those half bottles commanded prices of up to £75 a bottle, transforming near ruin into a celebrated vintage.
In 1996 the vineyard enjoyed a bumper crop of 54 tonnes of grapes, all of which was turned into three different blended wines. But with sales of only around 5,000 bottles a year, this was the last vintage under Brian's stewardship. Northbrook was then taken over by the Tuttiett family in 2001.
The Tuttiett Family Era
In 2001 the Tuttiett family acquired Northbrook farmhouse and vineyard and moved in with their young family. James Tuttiett was hands-on in the vineyard and the family was fully involved at harvest time, with grapes sold to Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall. Bob Lindo made wines at Northbrook which were sold from the staddle stone barn - a Kerner fizz and a still Bacchus were particular favourites with local visitors.
From 2010 to 2016 the vineyard was let to a vineyard operator who simply grew grapes for sale on a commercial basis. In 2017 the family took the decision to bring the vineyard back under their own management. All the vines apart from the Bacchus were grubbed up, and the site was replanted with the classic Champagne varieties with a view to producing the now very popular English Quality Sparkling. At the same time, planted areas were reduced to give over large spaces for wildlife habitat around the holding.
In 2020 a further 14 acres adjoining the farm to the north was acquired. Substantial areas were left for wildlife and a new 3-acre woodland was planted, while a further 16,500 vines were planted across 8.5 acres. Once again, the Champagne varieties were chosen, but this time including a number of different clones of Chardonnay with a view to producing a still Chardonnay in future years. Going forward, Northbrook is a vineyard with the infrastructure, the clones and the ambition to evolve well beyond sparkling wines alone.
The Vineyard Landscape
Location in the South Downs
Northbrook Vineyard lies in the foothills of the South Downs, near the historic medieval market town of Bishops Waltham and close to the source of the River Hamble. It is one of the gateways to the South Downs National Park, a fact reflected in the vineyard's logo. The surrounding landscape is a blend of habitats - grassland, hedgerows, copse and woodland - bounded at its southern end by a winterbourne and species-rich water meadows.
The estate is bounded at its southern end by its winterbourne and species-rich water meadows, with footpaths leading through the chalk downland scenery that has shaped rural Hampshire for centuries. The combination of vineyard, meadow and woodland is what gives Northbrook its distinctive character - a working farm in which wine is one of many threads in a much richer tapestry.
Soils Rooted in Chalk
Northbrook's vines are planted on well-draining soil that is predominantly loam over cretaceous chalk - the same geology that defines the great vineyards of the French Champagne region. The team strongly believe that the quality and health of the soil is at the heart of the vineyard, and managing it as a living, life-abundant medium is a central ambition. Healthy soil, the team argues, is the foundation of healthy vines - and therefore of healthy, expressive wines.
Old Vines and New Plantings
Northbrook is now home to what is thought to be some of the oldest surviving Bacchus vines in England, planted in 1988. It is these original vines that still produce the fruit for Northbrook's outstanding Bacchus wine today. They are supplemented by around 20 acres under vine from the 2017 and 2020 plantings of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay - the classic Champagne varieties. The 2020 planting in particular includes a number of different clones of Chardonnay, planted with the long-term ambition of producing a still Chardonnay in future vintages.
Philosophy: 60% Nature, 40% Vines
Northbrook's guiding tagline - "60% nature, 40% vines" - captures the estate's belief that nature must come first. The team works to the rhythms of the season to produce a boutique, quintessentially English Sparkling wine that is an expression of each passing year. To secure this vision, Northbrook leaves 60% of its land for wildlife to thrive.
Extensive native hedgerow planting provides corridors, song posts, shelter and nesting opportunities for wildlife. Rich meadows provide shelter and nectar plant diversity. Bird surveys have recorded a significant increase in bird species diversity, including 14 protected and notable species, with 20 additional bird species recorded in 2023. There has also been a continued presence and increase in reptiles, insect life, butterflies and bumblebees. The Tuttiett family's low-intervention approach is intended to leave a positive and sustainable legacy for generations to come.
Northbrook is foremost an extension of the family's own values - a place which allows nature and rural enterprise to coexist and flourish side by side. The vineyards are deliberately integrated into a wider landscape of copse and water meadow, with the new 3-acre woodland planted in 2020 providing yet another layer of habitat. It is a vision of viticulture as stewardship rather than exploitation, in which every bottle of wine is also an act of conservation.
The Wines
English Sparkling Wines
Northbrook's sparkling wines are guided by nature and the rhythm of the season, expressing the character of each passing year. The range centres on three styles: a Blanc de Blancs, a Rosé and a Classic Cuvée, each produced in two vintages. All are single-vineyard wines produced from the Hampshire chalk downland at Northbrook, with the Classic Cuvée and Rosé blends using the traditional Champagne trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
2022 Blanc de Blancs - From £40.00
An elegant and well-balanced 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine with notes of baked apple, citrus peel and marzipan, layered with subtle pastry richness and a smooth finish. Pale straw gold in the glass with bright clarity, it pairs beautifully with smoked trout, potted shrimps or creamy cheeses. Available in single bottle, six-bottle or twelve-bottle formats.
2021 Rosé - From £42.00
A single-vineyard Sparkling Rosé of intensity and fragrance, with concentrated aromas of raspberry, red apple and toasted hazelnuts leading to a refreshing finish. A blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 10% Chardonnay, it is the perfect accompaniment to charcuterie platters or afternoon tea with scones, jam and cream. Single bottles are sent out in a gift box, with additional gift boxes available for orders of six or more.
2021 Classic Cuvée - From £35.00
A concentrated and complex sparkling wine with defined notes of citrus, white peach and brioche balanced by bright acidity and a delicate mousse. Pale straw in colour with green highlights, the blend is 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier. It pairs well with soft cheeses, fish and chips, or as an aperitif with any nibbles. Single bottles are sent out in a gift box.
2020 Vintage Rosé - From £42.00
Combining elegance and freshness, the 2020 Rosé carries delicate notes of strawberry, white blossom and brioche balancing a soft yet persistent mousse. The blend is 68% Pinot Noir, 26% Pinot Meunier and 6% Chardonnay, with an ABV of 11.5%. Pair it with smoked salmon, cured meats or freshly picked summer red berries.
2020 Vintage Classic Cuvée - From £35.00
The 2020 vintage balances notes of lemon and golden apple with almond pastry and bread dough complexity, with poised refreshing acidity, a creamy mousse and a mineral finish. It is a blend of 58% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 12% Pinot Meunier - ideal with soft cheeses, garden salads and fresh seafood.
Still Wines
2023 Vintage Bacchus - From £15.99
Made from the oldest vines on the estate, planted in 1988, the 2023 Bacchus is vibrant and refreshing, with ripe gooseberry, apple and peach flavours combined with a wet stone complexity. Pair it with goat's cheese, asparagus risotto or fish and chips.
Bacchus, named after the Greek god of grape-harvest, is a Germanic variety that typically thrives in the English climate thanks to its disease resistance and tolerance of cooler temperatures. Northbrook is widely thought to be home to the oldest surviving Bacchus vines in England - a remarkable heritage that produces a still white of distinctive character.
Mixed Cases and Gifting
Northbrook offers curated mixed cases that pair the Classic Cuvée with the Sparkling Rosé for any celebration. The mixed pair is described as the perfect introduction to English Sparkling Wine - "a delightful pairing for any occasion".
- 2021 Mixed case (x6) - £231.00. Three bottles of the poised and refreshing Classic Cuvée and three of the elegant and fruity Rosé from the 2021 vintage.
- 2020 Mixed case (x6) - £231.00. The same pairing from the 2020 vintage.
- 2021 Mixed pair - £77.00. One bottle of each of the 2021 Classic Cuvée and 2021 Rosé.
- 2020 Mixed pair - £77.00. The 2020 vintage equivalent.
A digital Northbrook Gift card is also available from £30.00, with denominations of £30, £60, £120 and £180. The vouchers are digital and sent to the recipient by email; on request, a physical voucher can be posted. Vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used against any of the wines in the range.
Shipping and Delivery
Orders are dispatched on Tuesdays and Thursdays via APC, with tracking sent direct to customers. A flat rate of £5.50 applies to all UK mainland orders up to £69.99; free delivery is offered on UK mainland orders over £70. Saturday and Bank Holiday deliveries are not available. Customers outside the UK mainland are asked to call the team on +44 (0)1489 232 249 or email info@northbrookvineyard.co.uk to discuss rates. Local collection from the cellar door at Northbrook is also offered free of charge, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Awards and Recognition
In June 2026 Northbrook announced that their English Classic Sparkling - produced for Longdown Vineyard - had won the IEWA Best English Sparkling Wine 2026, courtesy of the collaboration with Mark and Louise Papworth's newly-planted Longdown Vineyard in Twyford. The same competition saw the popular Rosé win a bronze medal. The award followed the success of Northbrook's earlier collaboration with The Pig hotel group and marked a strong start to Northbrook's new partnership with Longdown.
The Winemaking Team
Northbrook's wines are produced at the Itasca winery by chief winemaker Ben, whose work is described by the estate as "shooting the lights out" for Northbrook, producing the superb Northbrook range. Looking ahead, Longdown Vineyard will produce their own wines at The Grange winery while Northbrook continues to vinify at Itasca. The single-vineyard focus, low-intervention approach and dedication to expressing each year's particular character are at the heart of every bottle.
The Brand and the Artists Behind It
Northbrook's visual identity has been developed in collaboration with two talented local artists. Illustrator Chloe Robertson, a freelance artist based in the heart of the South Downs National Park in South Harting, created the vineyard's logo and supporting illustrations. Chloe studied art at the University of the Arts London, Winchester School of Art and Portsmouth University, and her painterly, natural look to the linework is what gives the brand its authentic, expressive feel.
The estate's illustrated map was created by Abby Cook, an experienced illustrator who has worked within commercial illustration for over ten years. Working with acrylic inks, paints, gouache and watercolour pencils, Abby's hand-drawn estate map brings to life the vines, the wildlife, the farmhouse and the tasting room, with the hares and foxes that inhabit the estate at the heart of the composition.
Collaborations and Extended Family
The Pig Hotel Partnership
Northbrook has teamed up with The Pig hotel group, champions of local independent growers. Guests visiting any of The Pig hotels can ask for a glass of house fizz and sample Northbrook's Classic Cuvée and Rosé - a partnership that brings English sparkling wine from Hampshire's chalk downland to one of the country's most distinctive hotel groups.
Longdown Vineyard
Run by Mark and Louise Papworth and their family, Longdown have planted their first vineyard in Twyford. While their vines grow to maturity, a collaboration has been forged: the lovely Longdown team will look after the vines at Northbrook and the two estates will share the harvest for the next few years. The very first supply of Northbrook wines produced and sold to Longdown to own-label scooped the prestigious IEWA Best English Sparkling Wine 2026 award - a remarkable launch for a brand-new partnership.
Vintage on the Vine
Vintage On The Vine is an antiques styling and selling shop that celebrates the naturally timeworn and unique, focusing on a country-rustic aesthetic with largely European furniture and décor. Like Northbrook, the shop celebrates craftsmanship and provenance.
Amelia Tuttiett Art
Amelia Tuttiett is an artist and potter working from her studio at Northbrook. She draws inspiration from wry observations of the ordinary and a love of nature, using the shapes and colours of the Hampshire countryside to create charming scenes influenced by the changing seasons. Her work brings another dimension of craftsmanship and rural artistry to the estate.
Jack Thompson & Co
Jack Thompson & Co, an independent lifestyle and interior design store based at 9 High Street, Cowes on the Isle of Wight, features Northbrook's Single Vintage Classic Cuvée and Rosé in their handpicked Christmas hampers. The partnership celebrates British heritage, local craftsmanship and a shared philosophy of working with independent producers.
Long Barn, Alresford
Long Barn is a lifestyle store sharing Northbrook's ethos of working in harmony with nature and the land. Beyond their award-winning home and garden range, their café serves local and seasonal produce, and the shelves now carry Northbrook wines. Northbrook wine has also been served at the Fred Gordon Sculpture Garden in Hampshire, where guests have been welcomed with a glass of Northbrook 2020 Classic Cuvée.
Charitable Partnerships
The Tuttiett family's long-standing commitment to nature recovery runs through every part of the business, supported by the family-founded James Tuttiett Charitable Trust. Northbrook works closely with three charities:
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) - The Trust has provided advice and guidance on the areas of Northbrook set aside to increase biodiversity and provide wildlife habitat. A programme of wildlife surveys is underway to measure the increased diversity of species the family wishes to attract to the estate. The James Tuttiett Charitable Trust provides financial support to HIWWT, including support for ambitious projects such as the beaver introduction on the Isle of Wight. HIWWT CEO Debbie Tann has praised the JTCT for enabling work to bring more land into conservation management.
- South Downs Trust - The official charity of the South Downs National Park. Both James Tuttiett and Amelia Tuttiett have served as founding trustees of the Trust, and the JTCT provided initial matched funding to establish an endowment.
- James Tuttiett Charitable Trust - Founded in 2011 with a mission to protect and enhance the UK's wildlife and habitats alongside supporting Hampshire-led projects.
Visiting Northbrook: Tours, Events and the Cellar Door
Throughout the year, Northbrook opens its gates to welcome visitors on seasonal tours and to enjoy a curated programme of carefully selected events. The full programme of seasonal tours and events is set out on the Seasonal Tours and Events page.
The cellar door is open for collection of online orders Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Northbrook also hosts occasional open weekends, typically in the summer and over the festive season - past cellar-door openings have included tastings on Fridays and Saturdays in late November and December.
Upcoming Events at Northbrook Vineyard
Northbrook x Ciccia Seasonal Supper Club
Northbrook has collaborated with Ciccia for two very special seasonal supper events held at the vineyard. The menu promises traditional Italian cooking with a British twist. Tickets are £75 each, BYOB, running from 7pm to 11pm. After the first event in June, the second supper club takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026. Tickets are limited and early booking is recommended. The full announcement is published on the Northbrook Almanac.
Contact and How to Buy
The full Northbrook range is available to buy online via the shop, with UK mainland delivery or free local collection from the cellar door. The vineyard can be contacted by phone on 01489 232 248 or by email at info@northbrookvineyard.co.uk. The What3Words reference for the cellar door is organic.recount.reckons. Customers can also follow the vineyard on Instagram for the latest news from the estate.