English Wines: Hitting the Headlines

Since we took over Wickham vineyard in 2014 English wine has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons and much of this is happening right here in the rolling green fields of Hampshire. Here we look at the combination of factors that are pathing the way for great Hampshire wine.

1. Location, location, location

Situated just outside the charming village of Wickham and deep within the Hampshire countryside. Our vineyard is perfectly located to enjoy quality produce, beautiful countryside and miles of walks and cycle rides.

Hampshire is also the third most widely-planted county with vines in England and there are plenty of reasons for this; a great climate, good soil and fantastic aspect and altitude. All the criteria needed to produce top-class sparkling and still English wines.

2. A typical English Summer

And finally, we’re not often grateful to a standard English summer but the coolest UK summer since 2012 has had at least one positive outcome and that is we are looking forward to yet another fruitful harvest. We have had a great run of rich flavoured crops for Three Choirs meaning we have been able to reduce the price of our wine. Browse our online shop, or come by for a wine and cheese tasting and try it for yourself.

3. And the rest, as they say, is history

Shortly after the Second World War, two men (Ray Barrington Brock and Edward Hymans) laid the path for the restoration of the English Wine industry. Ray Barrington Brock was a research chemist who undertook the task of discovering which varieties of grape would grow and ripen well in Britain. Edward Hymans was a writer on garden matters, he planted a vineyard and researched for a book on the history of grape-vine cultivation in England.

The work of these two men inspired Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones to plant a vineyard at Hambledon, in Hampshire. In 1955 the first English Wine to be made and sold commercially since the First World War went on sale.

Hampshire is home to over 50 vineyards some long-established and some up-and-coming vineyards. Our 18 acre vineyard at Wickham was established over 30 years ago. The many talented, expert winemakers have combined tradition and innovation to notch up an impressive number of international wine awards for Hampshire wines.

Thanks to the following articles

Alistair Gibson: Alistair Gibson drinks to Hampshire’s fine wine

Delphine Strauss: Cool UK summer puts fizz in English wine

Robert J. Tarr: A History of English Wine