Now in its fifth year, Great British Rosé Week continues to go from strength to strength – and this year, I had the pleasure of celebrating at the newly opened restaurant and tasting room at Hambledon Vineyard, right in the heart of the South Downs.
English rosé is carving out a distinctive and exciting space within the UK. This week-long campaign has become a brilliant moment in the calendar to reflect on just how far the category has come, and how much promise it holds. Hambledon, with its pioneering heritage and sparkling credentials, provided the perfect backdrop.
Their brand-new hospitality space – a beautifully converted barn set among 200 acres of vines – served as a focal point for the festivities. As part of their rosé week offering, Hambledon hosted thoughtfully curated sparkling rosé flights, which brought out the elegance and depth of their cuvées. Each glass was a reminder of the craftsmanship and ambition now synonymous with English sparkling wine.
The experience extended far beyond the glass. At the helm of Hambledon’s new culinary venture is Head Chef Nick Edgar, whose background includes a Michelin star and time spent under Raymond Blanc. His menu is a celebration of the region: seasonal, produce-led, and precisely balanced. Dishes like Chalk Stream trout with beetroot and horseradish, and Hampshire venison with celeriac and juniper, paired effortlessly with Hambledon’s vibrant wines – rosé included.
Archie Patel is the founder of Wine Away the Day and the driving force behind Great British Rosé Week. What began as a grassroots passion project has evolved into a vibrant platform that celebrates and elevates the best of British rosé. The initiative brings together producers, professionals, and wine lovers to explore and appreciate the true potential of this growing category.
As Archie explains: “This campaign started as a personal passion project – a way to shine a light on a style of wine that has so much to offer. Seeing producers across the country come together to champion British rosé, and now witnessing the growth of events like those at Hambledon, is incredibly rewarding. We’re building something that genuinely brings the industry and its supporters together.”
What stood out throughout the week was not just the quality in the glass, but the collective spirit across the campaign. From longstanding names like Hambledon to newer producers making their rosé debut, there’s a sense of shared momentum. English rosé is no longer an afterthought; it’s a category of intent, of innovation – and of sheer drinkability.
For more information on Hambledon’s new restaurant and tasting experiences
Find Archie Patel on Instagram: @wineawaytheday
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