Colin Hawkins established the D'Urberville Vineyard in 2011 near Dorchester, on part of old Poundbury Farm where his father and grandfather both worked the land before him. His grandfather Harry was acquainted with famous Dorset author Thomas Hardy, hence the name D'Urberville Vineyard.

The south-facing vineyard is planted on chalky slopes, geologically the same as in the Champagne region. The classic Champagne grape varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay form the backbone of the vineyard, with the Bacchus grape recently added.