We are delighted to announce that the iconic Hambledon vineyard – a true piece of British heritage, established in 1952 – is now part of the Berry Bros. & Rudd and the Symington families.

The bid to acquire Hambledon was a joint venture between us and Symington Family Estates. The Symingtons have been Port producers in northern Portugal since 1882; we have worked together and been friends for many years, always sharing the same values and ethos.

An exciting new chapter ahead

This morning, our Chair Lizzy Rudd had this to say: “We are delighted to confirm this exciting joint venture with Symington Family Estates. Together, we are committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking, and we believe that this business, which was the first commercial English vineyard of the modern era, has the foundations and potential to lead the way in the English sparkling wine category.”

Our delight was matched by our partners in Symington Family Estates. In the words of Johnny Symington, “It was going to take something very special for us to make wine in a new country, having produced port and wine in Portugal for five generations.” It was the quality of Hambledon’s wines which convinced them: “The quality of the wines is absolutely spectacular and is a reflection of the fantastic Hambledon terroir […]we believe that these are world-class sparkling wines, that will play a leading role in the development of English sparkling.”

It’s an exciting day for us all, and one that calls for sparkling wine to celebrate. A glass of Hambledon, anyone?