Hanwell Eglantine Mead (6 Bottles) Hickling Pastures, Nottinghamshire, England

About Hanwell Wine Estate

The story of Hanwell Wine Estate began in the late 1960s when Tony and Veronica discovered a neglected vine in an old greenhouse at their new home in West Bridgford, South Nottinghamshire. Fascinated by its potential, they delved into viticulture through books and magazines, immersing themselves in a world far less accessible than it is today.

In 1975, they planted their first vineyard, later relocating it to establish Eglantine Vineyard, nestled between Nottingham and Loughborough. Despite scepticism about the region being too far north for grape ripening, their ingenuity prevailed. In the 1990s, they earned an award for innovation by developing a manual wooden “giro-pallet” to riddle champagne bottles in bulk. By the early 2000s, they made history by producing England’s first Ice Wine, North Star, which has gained international acclaim and was recently served at the King’s Coronation banquet at the Ritz Piccadilly, London.

In the 1980s, Tony and Veronica embarked on a quest to test and preserve diverse grape varieties. Over decades, they trialled 250 varieties for their resilience, quality, and ability to thrive in Nottinghamshire. Select varieties were later sent to the UK National Collection, continuing their legacy of innovation.Today, trials persist across Eglantine Vineyard and Hanwell Wine Estate, where 15 PIWI varieties, bred for disease resistance, are being closely monitored. The family’s pioneering spirit and passion for English winemaking remain at the heart of their work, shaping the future of viticulture.