Hazel End Three Squirrels Brut 2013 (6 Bottles) Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England

About Hazel End Vineyard

Hazel End, a charming hamlet of Tudor farmhouses, thatched cottages, a pub, and a cricket ground, has been part of the Gosling family estate for centuries. Tucked discreetly among trees lies the vineyard, where vines were planted from 1990. Originally chosen for cooler climates, German varieties like Müller-Thurgau, Huxelrebe, and Reichensteiner thrive here, giving the vineyard its distinctive character.

Charles and Petronella Humphreys took over Hazel End Farm in 1974, inspired by the 1976 heatwave to plant vines—a rarity in England since the dissolution of the monasteries. After years of trial and error, their first commercial harvest in 1996 surprised everyone with its quality. Over 25 years and multiple medals later, Hazel End’s wines have earned their reputation.

Still wines are sold under the “Hazel End” label, while sparkling wines, called “Three Squirrels,” honour the family bank at 19 Fleet Street, once marked by the “Sign of Ye Three Squirrels.” The sparkling journey began in 2001, with Chapel Down crafting the first batch. Since 2009, Rob Capp at Shawsgate handles the still wines and the base for sparkling, with the second fermentation expertly completed at Wiston by Dermot Sugrue, a two-time Winemaker of the Year.

Spanning three acres and planted in the Double Guyot system, the vineyard remains a testament to perseverance and innovation. With vines aged over 30 years and a legacy of careful stewardship, Hazel End continues to produce distinctive wines, embodying centuries of tradition and modern craftsmanship.