WINCHESTER Guildhall was transformed with twinkling lights and bottles of Hampshire sparkling wine for an annual event.
Vineyards of Hampshire welcomed around 300 people to Fairy Lights and Fizz on Thursday, November 23 in Bapsy Hall.
Eight wine producers from across the county showcased their award-winning bottles, with businesses celebrating a successful harvest.
At a VIP gathering before guests poured into the Guildhall, Simon Robinson, chair of Hattingley Valley said: “It’s been a very large harvest, probably the biggest we’ve ever had. The quality was pretty good overall, we’ll certainly be making some very good wine but there will be lessons learned.
Hampshire is a fantastic county for growing grapes. Over the last five to 10 years we’ve seen quite an increase in the number of wineries and vineyards.
“Hampshire has the potential to become the centre of UK wine production. I look forward to seeing a big increase in production over the next few years.
“The members of Vineyards of Hampshire made 1.5m bottles in 2023 which is a substantial increase but next year I think it’s going to be much bigger. Eleven new wines were launched this year and we employ more than 90 employees which should rise substantially over the next few years.
“The members have won 30 medals in international competitions, including two trophies which is a real buzz.”
Meon Valley MP and Winchester’s next Conservative candidate, Flick Drummond, was there to show her support for her local vineyards as chair of WineGB.
Ms Drummond said: “I have got some great vineyards in my constituency – Exton Park, Raimes and Hambledon – which I visit regularly. It’s fantastic to support local vineyards.”
The MP has been working with the new CEO of WineGB, Nicola Bates, to lobby parliament on the needs of English Sparkling producers.
Ms Bates travelled from London for the fizz event after going on a tour of the Hampshire vineyards. She said: “I couldn’t resist coming down here. It’s really important for us to understand our membership so we can listen to them and address their issues.”
Nick Baker, general manager of Black Chalk in the Test Valley, said: “Events like these help us show that English sparkling is on the up, it’s a great industry.”
Becky Herbet, marketing manager for Black Chalk, said: “We’re a particularly young brand and Vineyards of Hampshire is all about promoting what makes us amazing.
“All the members are slightly different in what they offer. It’s the chalk that makes our wine so great in the Test Valley.
“It’s amazing to be part of events like these because it makes you realise how special Hampshire is. It’s nice to have a friendly camaraderie with the competition.”
Other producers at the event included: Danebury Vineyards from Stockbridge, Exton Park from the Meon Valley, The Grange, Hambledon Vineyard, Hattingley Valley, Louis Pommery from the Pinglestone Estate in Alresford, and Raimes from Hinton Ampner.
The event was raising money for the Murray Parish Trust, an Alresford charity supporting projects at Southampton Children’s Hospital, with many of the vineyards donating raffle prizes.
Fundraising manager, Julie Hindmarsh, said: “It’s really lovely to be here, Vineyards of Hampshire have supported us for a few years now and we’re very grateful.
“We’re hoping to raise a lovely sum of money and chat to people about what we do. It’s really important to come to community events like these and spread the word. This year we are particularly focusing on children’s mental health, which is in a state of crisis. Incidents have risen about 60 per cent in the last few years. Around one in five children have some sort of mental health issue and the NHS is very under-resourced so it’s hard to get good treatment.”
Vineyards of Hampshire is preparing for its 10th anniversary Fizz Fest at The Grange Vineyard on June 23. Organisers are expecting around 1,000 visitors. For more information go to vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/.
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