Cottonworth represents a deep, multi-generational connection to the English countryside. The Liddell family has farmed the beautiful clay and chalk lands of Cottonworth, nestled within Hampshire's renowned Test Valley, for five generations. In 2005, they made the forward-thinking decision to plant their very first vines, diversifying their historic family farm into viticulture. Since those first rows took root, the vineyard has grown steadily alongside the estate's formidable reputation as a top-drawer producer of exceptional English sparkling wine.
The exceptional quality of the wine is driven by Hugh Liddell, who heads up the wine side of the family farm. Far from being a hands-off owner, Hugh brings serious world-class pedigree to the estate, having worked and studied intensively in Burgundy, followed by hands-on winemaking stints across South Africa and New Zealand. After cementing his expertise with a viticulture and oenology (winemaking) degree from the UK's premier wine academy, Plumpton College, Hugh handles every stage of the production process. His classical French training allows him to treat each parcel of fruit with meticulous care, coaxing out the best of their Hampshire terroir.
Grown on the region's classic, free-draining chalk soils, the traditional varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier benefit from the gentle microclimate of the Test Valley floor. This landscape allows the grapes to retain their bright, mouth-watering freshness while developing rich fruit flavours. In the glass, Cottonworth wines deliver a stunning balance of crisp green apple, zesty citrus, and deep, creamy complexity. It is a wonderfully approachable, plain-talking collection that bypasses stuffy wine trade speak, offering pure, boutique British craftsmanship that turns any simple weekend gathering into a genuine celebration.