Vineyards of Hampshire (VoH) has just announced its latest member. Pinglestone Estate is the first from the famous French region to join nine existing producers of the Hampshire association. For over eight years the VoH has worked together to promote the English wines of their region. Award-winning Louis Pommery England is delighted to join such an exclusive group.

The story of Pinglestone Estate near Alresford in Hampshire began in 2014 when Mr Vranken, owner of Vranken, Heidsieck Monopole and Pommery Champagne Houses, embarked on a wine journey to develop an English sparkling wine. Mr Vranken’s first bottles were produced in collaboration with local Hampshire winemakers and are sold under the Louis Pommery England brand. In 2017, the project became reality when the first vines were planted at Pinglestone, at the confluence of the rivers Itchen and Arle.

Vineyards of Hampshire, comments, “We’re thrilled to welcome Pinglestone Estate with its Louis Pommery England brand on board  – what a treat for Hampshire! Pinglestone vineyard is producing some of the finest English bubbles and the company’s environmentally friendly practices are well suited to complement those of our existing producers. To be an association of ten is certainly something to which we’ll be raising a toast.”

Clément Pierlot, Champagne Pommery Chef de Cave and head of winemaking for Louis Pommery England comments: “We are very happy to be involved with Vineyards of Hampshire. We have all been working hard to get to know the Hampshire community and increase our sustainability efforts. It is a wonderful part of the country and we are delighted to be working with so many wonderful producers.”

Pinglestone’s first harvest of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier and Pinot Gris was 2020, and the first wines will be released in the coming years.

VoH comprises leading Hampshire producers Black Chalk, Cottonworth, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park Vineyard, The Grange Vineyards, Hambledon Vineyards, Hattlingley Valley, Jenkyn Place, Raimes, and now Louis Pommery England. All ten members’ wines are commercially available from independent wine merchants and top restaurant establishments throughout the UK. VoH are members of WineGB (the vineyard governing body of Great Britain) and Hampshire Fare (which supports local food, drink and craft producers).