The chalky hills which give the South Downs its character are part of the same rock that runs through the French Champagne region. So it is no surprise that you will stumble across rows upon rows of twisted vines responsible for award-winning wines as you journey through the southwest tip of the South Downs National Park. Enjoy this wine for yourself with a wine tour and a stay at nearby Wallops Wood Cottages.
Winery at Hambledon Vineyard
Enjoy a tour around Hambledon’s beautiful vineyard, nestled on the edge of the South Downs, with a look around their unique gravity-fed state of the art winery. Their experienced staff will explain the processes involved in making sparkling wine in as much or as little detail as you would like.
The vineyard and winery tours are relaxed and informative and of course involve a tasting of two of available wines. They offer scheduled tours all year round which can be booked by emailing tours@hambledonvineyard.co.uk or calling the office on 02392 632 358. Visitors are welcomed throughout the year for tours by appointment and can offer French speaking tours by appointment.
Tours cost £15 per person (including a tasting of two wines) and last approximately two hours. Upgrades available, anything from cream teas to making your very own bottle of English Sparkling Wine.
The Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé is probably their best seller at the moment and winning a ton of awards. It is highly recommended as one to take home!
Scheduled tours run on Saturday’s which can be found here: Hambledon Vineyard Wine Tours. Not to worry if you can’t make one of these, they can schedule during the week too!
Shop hours – open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm
Just 3 miles away from Hambledon Vineyard are six luxurious child and pet-friendly, accessible self-catering holiday cottages. Located in the South Downs National Park, recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, Wallops Wood Cottages are the ideal place to enjoying some star gazing on a clear night from your private hot tub with a glass of Hambledon sparkling wine. With underfloor heating, fuelled by a wood chip boiler, and wood burners at the heart of the open plan area, you can then warm up in stylish surroundings.
The Visit England 4* Gold-rated cottages, sleeping 6-8 people (42 in total) in bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, are perched on a hillside in the Meon Valley, with spectacular views across the rolling countryside to the South Coast. Two new cottages, an indoor heated pool and games room will be ready for the Summer season.
They are the perfect place to slow down, unwind and enjoy the company of friends or family. Winchester is only 25 minutes away, so the cottages are a great base for visiting this beautiful city and the many attractions nearby. There are award-winning pubs within walking or cycling distance of the cottages and if you bring a four-legged friend, they’ll be welcomed with their very own basket of goodies.
Three nights in a 3-bedroomed cottage costs from just £619.50. For more information visit Wallops Wood Cottages website or call 01489 878 888.
