Hambledon Vineyard welcomes new MD James at ‘very exciting time’ for English sparkling wine

Hampshire’s Hambledon Vineyard is set to welcome James Osborn as managing director this April.

James brings to the role more than 10 years’ experience in the English wine industry, serving most recently on the English wine consultancy team at Knight Frank.

He was also a founding member of The Wine Garden of England and MD of Squerryes Wine Estate, and currently sits on the board of Tillingham Wine Estate as a non-executive director.

James’s appointment follows the joint acquisition of Hambledon by Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates.

He said: “I’m delighted to join the Hambledon team at this really exciting time for the business and the sector as a whole.

“I’m passionate about English wine and am excited to be part of Hambledon’s sparkling future.”

Hambledon is among the leading producers of English sparkling wine, with vines first planted on the site in 1952.

The estate produces more than 500,000 bottles a year from grapes grown in 100 per cent chalk soil.

Home Vineyard at Hambledon. Picture: Kimberley Garrod

Emma Fox, CEO of Berry Bros. & Rudd, added: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of James to the team.

“He brings a wealth of expertise in the sector and will be instrumental in leading Hambledon’s growth plans at a very exciting time for the English sparkling category.”

• hambledonvineyard.co.uk

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