Longdown Vineyard – English Sparkling Wine in Hampshire

Longdown Vineyard is a family-run Hampshire vineyard producing English sparkling wine from vines grown across beautiful chalk downland near Winchester and Bishop’s Waltham.

Based in Twyford, near Winchester, this relatively new family business combines some of Hampshire’s oldest established vines with an exciting new vineyard planted in 2026.

The family focuses on producing quality English wine while working sustainably with the Hampshire landscape around them.

For wine lovers searching for local Hampshire producers, English sparkling wine or something special to enjoy at home, Longdown Vineyard is one to have on your radar.

A family-run Hampshire vineyard

Longdown Vineyard was started by Mark and Louise Papworth, their daughter Holly and her husband Luke.

The idea began in 2024, with the business officially incorporated in January 2025. Holly is retraining as a winemaker, while Luke manages the vineyards.

The family describes its philosophy simply: they only want to make wine they would want to drink themselves.

Vineyards in Twyford and Bishop’s Waltham

Longdown has vines at two Hampshire locations.

At Northbrook near Bishop’s Waltham, the family collaborates with an established vineyard dating back to 1988. The eight-hectare site contains around 32,000 vines.

Varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, alongside established Bacchus vines. Some of the Bacchus vines are more than 40 years old.

The newer Twyford vineyard was planted in April 2026. Its two hectares contain approximately 8,500 vines.

Alongside traditional sparkling varieties, the family has planted Chasselas and Cabaret Noir, two varieties rarely found in the UK.

Both locations benefit from Hampshire’s chalk landscape and sit within the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs National Park.

Award-winning English sparkling wine

Longdown currently produces an English Sparkling White and English Sparkling Rosé.

Its English Sparkling White 2022 won a Gold Medal and Best Sparkling White at the Independent English Wine Awards 2026. The Sparkling Rosé 2022 also received a Bronze Medal.

The sparkling white combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and is produced using the traditional method.

Longdown works with the experienced winemaking team at The Grange in Hampshire to produce its wines.

Sustainability and the Hampshire countryside

Protecting the landscape forms an important part of Longdown Vineyard’s approach.

The family aims to work alongside nature and manage its vines sustainably, preserving the surrounding environment for future generations.

Even the Longdown branding has a Hampshire connection. The vineyard takes inspiration from the Brilliant Emerald Dragonfly, a species included within Hampshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

At a glance

What: Family-run English vineyard and wine producer
Vineyards: Twyford and Bishops Waltham
Wine: English sparkling white and rosé
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Chasselas and Cabaret Noir
Awards: Gold, Best Sparkling White and Bronze at the 2026 Independent English Wine Awards
Approach: Family-run and sustainability focused
Address: Watley Lane, Twyford, Winchester, SO21 1QX

Good to know before you go

Longdown is a working vineyard and wine producer, rather than somewhere we would currently describe as a visitor attraction with regular public opening hours.

The family has previously talked about welcoming people to see its newer Twyford vines as the vineyard develops. Check directly with Longdown before travelling if you are hoping to visit.

The location makes Longdown particularly interesting for anyone exploring Hampshire’s growing food and drink scene or searching for locally produced gifts.

You can also order Longdown wines directly online.

FAQs

Where is Longdown Vineyard?

Longdown Vineyard is based on Watley Lane in Twyford, near Winchester, Hampshire.

Who owns Longdown Vineyard?

It is a family business started by Mark and Louise Papworth with their daughter Holly and son-in-law Luke.

What wine does Longdown Vineyard make?

Its current range includes English Sparkling White and English Sparkling Rosé.

Has Longdown wine won any awards?

Yes. Its English Sparkling White 2022 won Gold and Best Sparkling White at the 2026 Independent English Wine Awards. Its Sparkling Rosé 2022 received Bronze.