Founded in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, Hambledon Vineyard boasts a distinguished legacy of pioneering English winemaking. Discover more about this historic vineyard, beautifully situated in the heart of the 'Cradle of Cricket'.
During the summer of 1951 Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones was looking out of the dining room window of Mill Down House with his stepson John thinking about what to do with the field directly below them. As Sir Guy was a keen wine lover and Francophile, having spent time as a diplomat in Paris, John suggested he might consider planting a vineyard?
The seed had been sown and Sir Guy began researching the feasibility of planting vines on the south-facing chalky slopes surrounding the house in Hambledon on the South Downs. After careful deliberation, and with the help and advice from friends at the renowned Champagne House Pol Roger, he planted a number of different grape varieties in 1952 and went on to release the first commercial range of English wines in 1955.
from the archive
hambledon vineyard harvest 1961
This archive film follows Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones and the early team at Hambledon Vineyard during harvest, documenting the challenges, processes and optimism.
The narrator famously asks, "Who will buy it?" More than 70 years later, Hambledon's legacy provides a resounding answer...
From England's first commercial vineyard to today's award-winning wines, there's plenty more to discover. Explore the vineyard, learn about our winemaking heritage and enjoy a guided tasting experience.
Find out more about our Vineyard and Winery Tours.
