England’s oldest commercial winemaker has unveiled a new restaurant, bar and tasting room overlooking chalk vineyards on the edge of the South Downs in Hampshire.
Spread across more than 200 acres, and the only gravity-fed, state-of-the-art winery in the UK, Hambledon Vineyard is already a popular spot for ‘behind the scenes’ tours and tastings in its £2.5m winery, which opened in 2013.
Now, in a long-awaited development, the vineyard, owned by fine wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd and port producer Symington Family Estates, has officially opened its latest visitor attraction in February.
Housed in a new-build barn constructed from green oak, the 40-seat restaurant features large glass windows designed to not only bathe the contemporary space in natural light but also offer views across the vines.
Handcrafted furniture made from ash and walnut completes the look, while at the rear of the dining room is the St James’ tasting room overlooking the estate’s oldest vines.
The bar sells a selection of wines, including those from Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros & Rudd, alongside classic cocktails and Hambledon’s own award-winning sparkling wines.
Led by Head Chef, Nick Edgar – who previously worked at Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons and The Samling in the Lake District, where he was awarded a Michelin star – the restaurant will feature ever-changing menus and aims to champion seasonal and local produce.
Among highlights are chalk stream trout with beetroot, dill, and horseradish; and roasted loin of Hampshire venison with celeriac, pear, and juniper. A culinary garden, developed in collaboration with award-winning garden designer Emily Erlam, will also provide fresh herbs and flavours for the kitchen.
Currently open for lunch and dinner, Wednesday to Sunday, a two-course set lunch menu on Thursdays and Fridays costs from £32.50 per person, and a two-course classic Sunday roast from £38.50 per person (www.hambledonvineyard.co.uk/pages/restaurant).
Founded in 1952 by Major General Sir Guy Salisbury Jones with the help and advice from friends at the renowned Champagne House Pol Roger, Hambledon released the first commercial range of English wines. Today it has the capacity to produce more than 500,000 bottles of sparkling wine each year.
Visitors can discover more about Hambleden’s history, heritage and state of the art wine production on vineyard tours, followed by tastings.
Visit Hampshire has a section on its website featuring vineyard attractions and tours: www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/food-and-drink/vineyards
For general tourist information about Hampshire, see www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
Photos: Milly Fletcher
