Raimes EnglishSparkling Wine

Raimes is a fifth-generation family farming operation that planted its first ten acres of vines in 2011 on south-facing chalk slopes within the South Downs National Park near Alresford, growing only the three classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Grapes are handpicked and pressed within hours of harvest, and the sparkling wine is made using the traditional method from grapes grown solely by the Raimes family. Visitors can taste at the Wine Barn on Broad Lane, Hinton Ampner, where walk-ins are welcome alongside dogs; a tasting flight of three 40ml pours can be set against a case purchase, and cream teas run every Sunday. The cellar door shop lets customers mix six bottles from the full range, with parking on site and bridleway access from Cheriton and Alresford.