About Hambledon Vineyard
Hambledon Vineyard was established in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, and the estate calls itself England's oldest commercial vineyard and the birthplace of English wine. It sits in the South Downs National Park at Hambledon and makes traditional-method sparkling wine from the three classic Champagne grape varieties grown on chalk, including a Classic Cuvée, a Blanc de Blancs and a Pinot Meunier-led Première Cuvée Rosé.
Tours, tastings and the cellar door shop run Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and on weekends from 10am to 5pm; the estate is closed Monday and Tuesday. The estate tour takes you through the old vineyards, into the winery and down to the underground chalk cellars before a tasting of the sparkling wines. The winery spreads over three levels linked by spiral staircases, so the tour involves stairs.
The restaurant, listed in the Michelin Guide, overlooks the vines and the Downs and cooks with seasonal Hampshire produce, paired with the estate's wines. It serves lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday. The events calendar for autumn 2026 includes a Harvest Party (£65) and regular Wine Wednesday evenings (£14). Walk-ins are welcome in the shop, and there is ample free parking with accessible spaces by the visitor center.
Lordington Lavender, on the South Downs near the Sussex border, is about 25 minutes east by country roads, so a summer visit there pairs well with an afternoon tour here.
What to do
- Take the estate tour through the vines, winery and underground chalk cellars
- Taste the estate's traditional-method sparkling wines
- Book lunch or dinner in the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant overlooking the vineyard
- Drop in at the cellar door shop for Classic Cuvée or Blanc de Blancs
- Join the Harvest Party or a Wine Wednesday evening (2026 events)
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday; harvest events in autumn
- Hours
- Tours, tastings and shop Wed–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm, closed Mon–Tue; restaurant Wed 12–9:30pm, Thu–Sat 12–2pm and 6:30–9:30pm, Sun 12–2pm (as listed October 2026)
- Admission
- Events: Harvest Party 2026 £65, Wine Wednesday £14 (as listed October 2026); tour prices on their website
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Accessibility
- Accessible parking and drop-off at the visitor center; ramp or platform lift to the restaurant and an accessible toilet; winery tours use spiral staircases across three levels
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather: parts of the working estate are uneven, muddy or slippery.
- Allow about two hours for a tour and tasting or a restaurant meal.
- Petersfield is the nearest station, about 15 minutes away by taxi; book your taxi ahead or plan a designated driver.
- Call ahead to secure a restaurant table, though walk-ins are accepted.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lordington Lavender · about 25 minutes away
Lordington Lavender is about 25 minutes east through the South Downs, so time a summer lavender morning with an afternoon tour and tasting here.
Getting there
Questions
When is Hambledon Vineyard open?
Wednesday to Friday 9am–5pm and weekends 10am–5pm for tours, tastings and the shop; closed Monday and Tuesday (2026).
Is Hambledon really England's oldest vineyard?
The estate, planted in 1952, describes itself as England's oldest commercial vineyard.
Is the tour accessible?
The restaurant has a ramp or platform lift, but the winery tour covers three levels with spiral staircases. Call ahead about specific needs.
How do I get there without driving?
Take the train to Petersfield, then a taxi of about 15 minutes; book the return taxi in advance.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of East Hampshire & the South Downs
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
