Hattingley Valley wines are located in rural Hampshire. Their multi-award winning range is the envy of many. Owner Simon Robinson explains how he got to his acclaimed position and plans for the future.
Hattingley Valley English Vineyard – Winchester’s local winery.
English wines are in exponential growth with an increasing myriad of World wide recognised accolades decorating the wineries of England. we caught up with champion viticulturist Simon Robinson who established Hattingley Valley in 2008, located close to Winchester in Hampshire.
“Following in depth feasibility studies, the first 28 acre south facing site was planted in May of that year.” explains Simon. Alongside Emma Rice they planned the modern, eco-friendly winery in Wield that was completed in 2010. It uses the latest technology and equipment from continental Europe, has sophisticated waste disposal facilities and was the first UK winery to adopt solar power.
“At Hattingley Valley, we use the traditional method for making our wines. A key element of our style is the subtle use of oak barrels to ferment a small proportion of the wines each year, as well as ageing on lees in stainless steel tanks. This helps to soften the wines before they go into bottles for the second fermentation.”
Since launching its first release in August 2013, Hattingley Valley has been recognised in competitions across the globe and developed into one of the most respected English sparkling wine producers in the country. In 2017 Hattingley’s Blanc de Blancs 2011 Magnum came away from the prestigious Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) as WORLD CHAMPION by style. The same wine also picked up a Gold Medal, Best in Class English Magnum and Best in Class English Blanc de Blancs. This makes Hattingley Valley the first English wine producer to win two World Champion titles in this prestigious competition, with our Rosé 2011 crowned World Champion Vintage Rosé in CSWWC 2014.
The international export market is a core component of Hattingley Valley’s strategic distribution model with strong ties being formed around the world. Early success in Norway and Sweden has recently been supplemented by exciting new relationships in Australia and the U.S. Hattingley Valley now exports to 14 countries placing us at the forefront of the English sparkling wine scene overseas.
“We offer guided tours and tastings which include an in-depth tour of our state-of-the-art winery explaining the production of sparkling wine followed by a tasting of our current range. Some visits will incorporate a visit to the vineyards but this is subject to time of year and weather. We offer dates throughout the year whereby people can sign up to a set tour.
Hattingley Valley are part of a marketing group, Vineyards of Hampshire – a collective of 7 of the top vineyards in Hampshire, who work alongside each other to help promote the region and the excellent wines produced in the county. Simon is also Chairman of the newly merged association of ‘WineGB’ or officially registered name ‘UK Wine Producers Limited‘, the official body for the UK wine industry.
Experience an eXclusive guided tour of Hattingley Valley Vineyard with their ‘Duo English Sparkling white and rose gift set’ here
The English sparkling wine production process. From grape to glass, more here
