Being a Ham at Hambledon Wine Estate
Being a Ham* at @hambledonwineestate
*American expression for dramatic/ attention-seeking behaviour here.
I remember enjoying Hambledon over a decade ago but today I got the chance to visit. I was curious to see what developments had occurred since @symingtonfamilyestates and @berrybrosrudd acquired the winery in 2023.
The Vision: A coming together over investment in Sustainability, Wine Portfolio and Hospitality.
The Results:
Sustainability: Having spent an hour with Nick Cran-Crombie, the Vineyard Manager, it is clear that a key focus is on their soil nutrients and regeneration. Extensive research is continually being done and strident changes have been made ie no herbicides/ tilling.
Wine Portfolio: .
Due to their solera system and long lees aging ( resting wine on the dead yeast cells), Hambledon have consistently created rounded and generous bubbles. I appreciated this today over various styles. I also finally understood that their saline tang is due to an oceanic influence making these wines super fun to pair food with.
My fave: Blanc de Blancs 2018 £52 – Winner of WineGB Gold Medal 2025
Bread and butter pudding on the nose – intense Bramley apple fruit, lick of salted butter with a toasted nutty finish.
Although their Classic Cuvée for £39.00 is a guaranteed crowd pleaser – combining baked apple fruit, lemon zest and a subtle creaminess.
Hospitality:
This year the new Visitor centre opened with a fantastic shop, tasting rooms and a stunning restaurant headed by Michelin Star awarded, Nick Edgar.
The lunch was deliciously fresh – and they catered for my dairy allergy brilliantly. I can’t wait to come back and spend time at the bar afterwards!
It was exciting to see how the heritage of a place can fruitfully evolve. But it was also exciting to comprehend what the future of English wine can achieve. Yes, the wine is important, but so is the planet, hospitality and community.
#englishwine #hospitality #hambledon #hampshirewine #winelover #englishwinery #ameliarate