Looking to sample world-class local bubbles for yourself? Explore our handpicked collection of Hampshire sparkling wines for sale online at Fareham Wine Cellar for nationwide delivery, or pop into our physical shop on High Street, Fareham to select Click & Collect!
The Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival 2015 was held at Hambledon Vineyard on Sunday 12th July 2015. The Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival is a small, but perfectly formed, wine festival consisting of several Hampshire wineries – all of whom are exceptional Hampshire sparkling wine producers – and local Hampshire food producers brought together through the Hampshire Fare association.
The festival moves location each year between the participating Hampshire wineries. Having attended the inaugural festival held in 2014 at Jenkyn Place Vineyard, attending the 2015 edition at Hambledon Vineyard (and Meonhill Wines)—our closest local producers to Fareham Wine Cellar—was an absolute must.
Unfortunately, Sunday 12th July was a cloudy, drizzly and windy day. While I had visions of sipping sparkling wine in glorious sunshine surrounded by vines, it turned out to be a classic wet English summer’s day! However, us Brits are made of sterner stuff, and considering the weather, the turnout was fantastic. A spacious marquee kept everyone dry, and the cream of Hampshire’s wine producers were out in force.
It was fantastic to see newcomers Exton Park Wines joining the fold for their first official release, having previously supplied fruit to Coates & Seely.
We already stock both Hambledon Vineyard and Meonhill Wines at our shop on High Street, Fareham, so I may be a little biased, but their lineup remains some of the finest English sparkling wine available anywhere.
I am particularly fond of the Meonhill Reserve Brut NV—it develops a gorgeous golden hue with deep, complex flavours and proved to be the most “Champagne-like” wine of the day. This comes as no surprise given that Champenoise Didier Pierson has been crafting wine at Meonhill since 2007, drawing on mature reserve stocks for the blend.
The Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut was another standout—always remarkably classy, crisp and elegant.
It was also a pleasure catching up with Caroline Stephens from Danebury Vineyards. Their Madeleine Angevine—a refreshing, still white wine reminiscent of an elderflower-scented Riesling crossed with Pinot Gris—was a delightful highlight. Other notable mentions go to Cottonworth and Hattingley Valley, whose Hattingley Valley Rosé was arguably the biggest pleasant surprise and a personal favourite of the afternoon.
The festival wasn’t just about the wine; local Hampshire Fare producers brought an array of incredible artisan foods:
Despite the gloomy weather and a steep walk up the hill, Hambledon Vineyard did a brilliant job hosting a vibrant afternoon complete with a hog roast and South African Braai. English sparkling wine has well and truly established itself on the world stage, and having these award-winning vineyards right on our doorstep in Hampshire is something to celebrate.
Want to taste the best of local English winemaking? We regularly stock an extensive range of regional bubbles right here at Fareham Wine Cellar. Browse our range online for fast UK delivery or visit our independent shop in Fareham town centre to pick up a bottle for your next celebration.
