There’s something magical about sipping wine under the sun in the middle of a beautiful English vineyard—and my visit to Ashling Park Estate was exactly that kind of magic. Think 20 degrees, clear skies, and a glass of still rosé in hand. Honestly, it felt like summer in a bottle.
English Wine
English wine has a rich history dating back to Roman times, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the modern English wine industry began to flourish with pioneering work in understanding grape varieties suitable for the British climate. Hampshire, alongside Sussex and Kent, has emerged as one of England’s premier wine-producing regions, with its chalk soils and climate particularly suited to sparkling wine production.
The industry has seen remarkable growth in the last two decades, with vineyard area increasing from around 1,000 hectares in 2004 to over 3,800 hectares in 2024, particularly excelling in sparkling wine production. English sparkling wines, especially those from Hampshire and Sussex’s chalk terroir, have gained international recognition, demonstrating the region’s potential for producing world-class wines.
Ashling Park Estate
Located in West Sussex, Ashling Park is a gem for anyone curious about English wine (aka, the next big thing you need to be into). I spent an unforgettable Friday afternoon there—tasting, learning, and yes, even doing a little bud-rubbing with their incredible viticulturist, Chris.
Now, if you’re wondering what bud-rubbing is, it’s basically helping baby vine shoots grow in the right direction. Sounds technical, but under the warm sun with good company, it turned into a hands-on moment of zen. Chris, by the way, is the kind of guy who talks about vines like they’re family.
Ashling Park crafts its sparkling wines using the same three traditional grape varieties found in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Grown in the estate’s vineyards, these grapes thrive in the region’s chalky soils and moderate climate, contributing to the finesse and balance of their wines. Their use of the classic trio highlights a commitment to quality and authenticity in every bottle. We tried four wines during the visit: beautifully fresh still rosé Pinot Noir, oak & still Pinot Noir, crisp and character-packed Chardonnay and, of course, their standout sparkling wine.
What makes Ashling Park special isn’t just the wine (though it’s really good)—it’s the atmosphere. The team is passionate, fun, and full of knowledge. The guides make you feel like you’ve joined their little vineyard family. It’s wine without the snobbery, just stories, sunshine, and serious flavor.
If you’ve ever been curious about English vineyards, I highly recommend adding Ashling Park to your must-visit list. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned sipper, you’ll leave with a smile, a bit of vineyard dirt on your shoes, and maybe a bottle or two under your arm.
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