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Raimes English Sparkling
A fifth-generation farming family cultivates their exquisite English sparkling on chalk soils so exceptional that even French Champagne houses once coveted them.
Grange Farm, Tichborne, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0NE.
Get directions
Nearest station: Winchester (7.0 miles).
Public tours
Private tours
Tasting room
Dog friendly
Online shop
Walking trail
Award-winning
Open year-roundWhile we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.
What's the vibe
Raimes English Sparkling offers a welcoming and personal experience at their family-run boutique vineyard. You can expect a stylish yet grounded atmosphere, deeply rooted in a traditional Hampshire farm where a fifth generation continues a heritage of working the land.Visiting information
Open to visitors: The Cellar Door Shop and Tasting Barn are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.Pop in for a drink: Yes, walk-ins are welcome to enjoy wine tasting flights, or wine by the glass and bottle.
Food offerings: Grazing boards featuring regional cheeses and charcuterie are available, providing light bites to accompany your wine. They also offer special "Sunday Cream Tea & Fizz" experiences.Tours & Tastings: Vineyard tours are available from May to September and require advance booking. Guided wine tastings, which are shorter and held in the comfort of the barn, are offered year-round. Bespoke private tours can also be arranged.
Dog-friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the barn, at outside tables, and can join vineyard tours.
The Wine
Raimes English Sparkling specialises in producing elegant and well-balanced sparkling wines using the traditional method, much like Champagne. Their wines are crafted exclusively from grapes grown on their family farm's south-facing slopes, which feature the chalky soils of the South Downs National Park – a terroir known for producing high-quality sparkling wine grapes. They cultivate the three classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Raimes produces a range of vintage sparkling wines, including Classic Brut, Blanc de Noirs, Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, and Demi-Sec.The wines have garnered numerous accolades, consistently earning international recognition for their excellence. Recent achievements include:
- Raimes Classic 2018: Gold Medals at both the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2023, each scoring an impressive 95 points.
- Raimes Classic 2020: Silver Medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2025, with 93 points.
- Raimes Vintage Rose 2020: Silver Medal at the IWSC in 2025, scoring 91 points.
- Raimes Blanc de Noirs 2019: Silver Medal at the Wine GB Awards in 2024.
- Raimes Blanc de Blancs 2018: Awarded 91 points by Decanter World Wine Awards and a Silver Medal at the Wine GB Awards in 2024.
Getting here
By Car: The vineyard is located near Alresford.By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Alton. A taxi from Alton Station to the vineyard (SO24 0NE) takes approximately 18-19 minutes.
What's nearby
- Other Vineyards:
- Hambledon Vineyard: England's oldest commercial vineyard, offering a glimpse into the history of English sparkling wine.
- Hattingley Valley Wines: The acclaimed winery where Raimes' exceptional wines are made.
- Notable Restaurants:
- Texas Steakhouse, Ropley: Known for its quality steak and grilled dishes.
- Thai Lounge, Ropley: Offers a modern twist on fine Thai cuisine.
- Notable Hotels:
- The Swan Hotel, Alresford: An 18th-century hotel located in the centre of Alresford.
- Watercress Lodges & Campsite, Ropley: Provides self-catering lodges with views over the South Downs, and is dog-friendly.
- Notable Attractions:
- Watercress Line (Mid Hants Railway): A heritage steam railway offering scenic journeys and various events.
- Jane Austen's House Museum, Chawton: The historic home where Jane Austen lived and wrote her final novels.
