Established in 1952 Hambledon Vineyard prides itself on a long and rich heritage of innovation in English winemaking. As England’s oldest vineyard, it is nestled within the ‘Cradle of Cricket’ in the picturesque village of Hambledon, Hampshire. The journey began in the summer of 1951 when Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones contemplated the field below Mill Down House with his stepson, John. Inspired by his passion for wine and after consultations with friends at the renowned Champagne House Pol Roger, Sir Guy planted various grape varieties in 1952. This endeavor marked the inception of England’s first commercial range of wines. Notably, the vineyard’s harvest of 1961 was a significant milestone in Hambledon’s history. Today, under the leadership of General Manager James Osborn and Winemaker Felix Gabillet, the team aims at producing the best English sparkling wines with minimal intervention, while continuing to develop the global recognition of England’s oldest commercial winery. As delightfully rich and opulent on the nose as you'd hope from the luscious golden hue, aromas evoke lemon bar inside buttery short crust pastry, with raw nut and cool stone vibes beneath. The palate shines a laser beam of tart acidity which prickles alongside the fizz. But it's padded out with just enough lemony toasty vanilla goodness to keep it from feeling austere. Yum