Discover the best tastes of Winchester and beyond...
Hampshire is known around the world for its wonderful selection of local producers. From watercress to sparkling wine, let us take you on a tasting journey around the Winchester district.
Sparkling wine from Vineyards of Hampshire
Since the 1950s, Hampshire grapes have been used in an ever-growing number of English sparkling wines, accounting for over 14% of UK production. The chalky slopes and low, warm, south facing valleys create the ideal conditions for growing grapes used in sparkling wine production. Vineyards of Hampshire is an association showcasing the area’s finest producers. They represent Black Chalk, Danebury, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, Pommery and Raimes – all internationally known for their high-quality still and sparkling wines.
Vineyards of Hampshire’s flagship event, Fizz Fest, is held in June. The event is a celebration of the exquisite taste of Hampshire wine and the collaboration between the association’s esteemed members.
Trout from Butler Country Estates
The smokery at Butler Country Estates lies just a few minutes from the Rivers Test, Itchen and Meon – three of the world’s most nutrient-rich chalk streams. With fresh fish at the heart of their operation, Richard and his team serve local customers, shops, restaurants and food businesses with some of the finest gourmet smoked trout and pates.
They are excited to announce the opening of their ‘Troutlet’ – a place to buy farm-fresh fish directly from their Winnall smokery in Winchester. The Troutlet is open every Thursday and Friday (excluding public holidays) from 12PM to 4PM.
Gin from Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Bombay Sapphire has been distilling gin in England since 1831, using an artisanal distillation process now known as Vapour Infusion. This method continues to be used by Bombay Sapphire today from their site at Laverstoke Mill on the River Test.
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery prides itself on distilling gin with social and ecological sustainability at the forefront. Energy is provided by photovoltaic array and a hydro-electric turbine in the River Test, a Biomass boiler provides heat and hot water using locally-sourced wood chips, bricks & roof tiles were recycled and reused from demolished buildings, and rainwater is harvested throughout the site. With plenty of tours and events open to the public, you can experience cutting-edge technology and exotic botanicals right in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
Strawberries from Hylands
Strawberries have been harvested in the Hamble Valley, or the so-called ‘Strawberry Coast’, for over 150 years. Bishop’s Waltham’s old station was one of the hubs of this trade, with a near-constant stream of trains delivering Hampshire strawberries to London markets in the 19th century.
Today, the trains may have stopped but the demand for fresh Hampshire produce remains in local gems such as Hylands in Bishop’s Waltham.
Hylands has been serving up fresh produce for over 30 years and they source all their fruit and veg locally and seasonally to ensure their food is as fresh as it can be. So, when the summer months arrive, pop by and try their fantastic selection of strawberries grown on farms in the heart of Hampshire.
Watercress from the Alresford Watercress Festival
Watercress has always grown wild in the chalk streams around Alresford for centuries and was a staple for those working along the River Alre. This Georgian town soon became the centre of the watercress industry in 1865, when The Watercress Line opened to supply London with this Hampshire crop. Since then, those near and far have been able to enjoy the fresh taste of Hampshire – but there is no better place to do so than the annual Alresford Watercress Festival.
Since its inception in 2004, the Watercress Festival in Alresford, held in May, has entertained over 180,000 visitors. There, you can celebrate all things watercress with street markets, food & drink stalls, cookery demonstrations with renown world class chefs and the infamous Watercress Eating Championship.
Ice cream from Jude’s
Scoop up some of Britain’s most delicious ice cream directly from the source! Jude’s was established in 2002 in a small barn in Hampshire – today it boasts over 40 flavours and 70 Great Taste Awards!
Their mission is to pioneer radical change in the food industry while treading lightly on the planet, becoming Britain’s first carbon-negative ice cream company. They have teamed up with one of the world’s leading experts in carbon footprinting to cut carbon emissions and remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they produce.
You can find your local supplier here.
Discover more about Winchester district's food and drink heroes.
Visit Winchester and Hampshire Fare have created a map to highlight and promote some of the wonderful local producers we have across the district.