Herbert Hall’s great-grandson on producing English sparkling wine fit for a King

Herbert Hall Winery in Kent produces just 20,000 bottles of English sparkling wine a year but can be found in some of the most prestigious places, including Fortnum & Mason, and King Charles’s Highgrove collection.

 

Herbert farmed in Marden at the end of the nineteenth century. His great-grandson Nick explains why the land is perfect for growing grapes like Chardonnay, Pinor Noir and Pinot Meunier, and making wine in the Methode Champenoise, known as the traditional method.

 

Climatic changes have seen a dramatic rise in successful wineries in the south of England – and the perfect conditions have tempted Champagne Houses like Taittinger to buy acreage here in the UK.

 

Photographs by Andrew Yates