On what has since become a historic night, Thursday 12 December, the collaborative group of producers Vineyards of Hampshire hosted its annual festive event ‘Fairy Lights & Fizz’.
Held at the Winchester Guildhall, the event was attended by over 150 people. With the drama of the national elections as its backdrop, BBC Breakfast presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Mike Bushell officially opened the festivities.
Hampshire’s finest wines were in full flow, with 16 different award-winning sparklers available for attendees to sample from the vineyards of Black Chalk, Cottonworth, Danebury, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattlingley Valley, Jenkyn Place and Raimes.
As well as proving to be the perfect opportunity for guests to stock up their wine rack with festive fizz, the event also celebrated an exciting addition to the Vineyards of Hampshire family, as The Grange was revealed as the group’s newest member.
“The Grange is delighted to join the Vineyards of Hampshire group,” said Zam Baring, managing director of the estate which is located in Itchen Abbas near Alresford. “We are very proud, after years of rigorous focus on our quality, that this group of wine producers has recognised the excellence of our wines and our commitment to the growth of the wine industry in Hampshire.”
Later in the evening a golden envelope raffle was held for the Murray Parish Trust, compared by Mike Bushell, where over £500 was raised for the charity.
“The Vineyards of Hampshire Fairy Lights and Fizz evening was a great success, with many of the guests commenting that they had the most enjoyable and educational time tasting and learning about Hampshire sparkling wines,” said Caroline Stevens of Danebury Vineyards, a member of Vineyards of Hampshire. “We would like to thank Mike Bushell for opening the festivities and look forward to holding our Fairy Lights & Fizz event in Winchester again next year.”
The Vineyards of Hampshire will be hosting its annual trade and press tasting on Tuesday 4 February 2020 at 67 Pall Mall, London.
