Description
About Hungerhill Vineyard
Hungerhill Vineyard, established in 2020 during lockdown, is nestled in Bedfordshire’s picturesque Marston Valley. Owned by wine enthusiast Andrew Barnes, the vineyard spans four hectares of south-facing slopes, ideal for growing premium grapes. Andrew’s passion for winemaking began in his youth and deepened during a chance encounter with French winemaker Mr. Lecurieux in Champagne, sparking the dream of creating high-quality English wines.
Inspired by the valley’s unique Jurassic history, where fossils of a tropical sea were unearthed, the vineyard honours its roots with the name “Merstone,” a blend of French and English. The vineyard’s chalky soil, similar to Champagne’s terroir, proved perfect for cultivating sparkling wine varieties. Following soil tests and training at Plumpton College, Andrew planted Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay vines.
Hungerhill’s mission is to produce exceptional still and sparkling wines using traditional and artisanal methods. In 2023, the vineyard released its first still wines, including Merstone Ortega, Rosé, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The first English sparkling wine will debut in 2025.
Visitors to Hungerhill can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and harvest events, immersing themselves in the charm of Bedfordshire’s rich viticultural heritage. Andrew’s journey from wine enthusiast to vineyard owner showcases a blend of passion, expertise, and a deep respect for nature and history. Hungerhill Vineyard invites all to celebrate life’s moments with its outstanding wines, crafted with care and rooted in a story millions of years in the making.
