Hattingley Valley began in 2008 as a government sponsored farming diversification initiative – designed to inject new agricultural blood, and maybe even a bit of tourism and commerce, into the English countryside. Simon Robinson knew next to nothing about growing grapes or making wine, but he sure liked to drink it! He converted a portion of the family farm to grape vines, and sought out a winemaker to lead him properly into the wine business. Emma Rice was a name that came highly recommended, and so he brought her to the site, and showed her the abandoned chicken shed that he envisioned as their new winery. 

In response to his query of can wine be made here, Emma took a long look at the dilapidated chicken shed and replied, “"Yes, but not with me as your winemaker." She proceeded to convince him of the site’s potential, as well as the need for top of the line equipment and facilities, if this new venture was to have any hope of being successful. Simon went all-in.

A decade and a half later, Hattingley Valley is one of the principal success stories of the English wine revolution. A state of the art facility capable of crushing some 600 tons of fruit each harvest, with all the latest equipment, and solid relationships with growers across England’s wine regions. This traditional method sparkler (a la Champagne) is a flat-out beauty – a stunning rosé that eclipses many similar offerings from Champagne’s top houses. 94 points from Wine Enthusiast is the tip of the iceberg for this glorious rosé – made from 55% pinot noir and 45% pinot meunier, with 5% of the pinot noir coming in the form of a still wine that provides the delicate pink hue. 

Aromas and flavors of red and green apples, ripe summer strawberries, macerated raspberries, and blood orange, with baker’s yeast, Tahitian vanilla, lime leaf, celery salt, and delicate bergamot tea. Creamy and zesty in the mouth, with bright and tingly acidity that carries the wine into a nutty, long, and tart finish. Impressive stuff that competes qualitatively with top-notch Champagne clocking in at nearly twice the price!

We’re extremely limited on this, sadly, but are endeavoring to get more – both of this wine, and this rising star house. No promises can be made, but my most authentic declaration is this: get some of this while you can!