Hampshire

Overview

Hampshire's wine history began in 1951 when Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones planted Hambledon Vineyard, the UK's first modern commercial vineyard. Today, Hattingley Valley, Exton Park, Cottonworth, and Hambledon lead a thriving sparkling-wine scene rooted in the county's chalk terroir.

Most Hampshire vineyards lie on the gentle, south-facing slopes of the South Downs National Park, where chalk and flint soils mirror those of Champagne. The cool maritime climate and excellent drainage produce grapes with high acidity and mineral complexity, ideal for traditional-method fizz.

Key Varietals

• ChardonnayForms the backbone of Hampshire Blanc de Blancs, with lemon, green apple, and chalky minerality.
• Pinot NoirContributes red-berry elegance and structure to rosé and classic cuvees.
• Pinot MeunierRipens reliably here, adding rounded fruit and floral aromatics to blends.
• Seyval BlancA cool-climate white hybrid still grown in older sites for crisp, orchard-fruit wines.