Our Dorset Life

ad pr invite: A hidden courtyard, warm sunshine, beautiful food, a glass of English sparkling wine in hand that was exactly what we found at Hotel du Vin Winchester, where we were invited along to celebrate their summer partnership with Hambledon Vineyard.

And with it being English Wine Week, it felt like the perfect chance to try a new English sparkling wine I hadn’t had before.

Hotel du Vin Winchester’s hidden courtyard

Hotel du Vin Winchester is set in a beautiful Georgian building in the heart of the city, but the real surprise is tucked away at the back.

Their courtyard is such a lovely space. It feels calm, pretty and hidden from the bustle of the city, with flowers, greenery, outdoor tables and that relaxed summer evening feel.

This summer, the courtyard has become the setting for Hotel du Vin’s partnership with Hambledon Vineyard, bringing together English sparkling wine, seasonal food and a very classic English summer atmosphere.

Discovering Hambledon Vineyard

Hambledon Vineyard is based in Hampshire, in the historic village of Hambledon.

I’d heard of Hambledon before, but hadn’t actually tried their wines, so this felt like a really lovely introduction. Their wines are made from grapes grown on their own estate, on the chalk slopes of Windmill Down, which feels very fitting when you think about how much English sparkling wine has grown in recent years.

We tried the Hambledon Classic Cuvée and the Classic Cuvée Rosé, and both were beautiful.

The Classic Cuvée was fresh, elegant and really easy to drink, with notes of apple, crisp pear and a little pineapple, balanced with that lovely brioche richness you get from a good sparkling wine.

The Rosé was gorgeous too. Pale, delicate and smooth, with red berry fruit and a long finish. Very much the kind of glass you want on a sunny evening.

The food

Of course, good wine is even better when there is good food alongside it. We tried a selection of dishes from the Hambledon Courtyard menu, but the standout for me was the roasted king scallops with café de Paris butter.

They were rich, buttery and full of flavour, and exactly the sort of dish that works beautifully with a glass of English fizz.

The menu also included dishes like oysters, Iberico ham with melon, steak tartare and fish and chips, so there was a nice mix of classic bistro food and lighter summer dishes.

Perfect for a date night or drinks with friends

I’d really recommend this if you’re looking for a summer date night, a celebration, or a get-together with friends.

Good wine, beautiful surroundings, lovely food and a hidden courtyard in the middle of Winchester. It’s a very nice way to spend an evening.

And because the partnership runs through the summer, it’s one of those things you can add to your list if you’re planning a trip to Winchester or looking for somewhere a bit different for drinks and food.

Why English wine feels so exciting right now

English wine really does feel like it’s having a moment.

Maybe it’s the warmer summers, maybe it’s the rise of brilliant English vineyards, or maybe we’re all just realising that we don’t always need to look abroad for a really good glass of sparkling wine.

Whatever the reason, it felt lovely to celebrate English Wine Week with a Hampshire vineyard in such a beautiful setting.

And it has definitely made me want to explore more English vineyards this summer, especially the ones closer to home in Dorset and the South West.

Hotel du Vin Winchester’s courtyard is already a bit of a hidden gem, but paired with English sparkling wine and summer food, it feels even more special.

If your idea of a good summer evening is fizz, food, flowers and a pretty courtyard, this is one to know about.

Quick guide

Where: Hotel du Vin Winchester
What: Summer partnership with Hambledon Vineyard
Best for: date night, drinks with friends, celebrations or a relaxed summer evening
What we tried: Hambledon Classic Cuvée, Classic Cuvée Rosé and dishes from the Hambledon Courtyard menu
Highlight: roasted king scallops with café de Paris butter and a glass of English sparkling rosé
Good to know: the partnership runs through the summer

Sarah x