Nestled in the rolling chalk hills of Wiltshire, Domaine Hugo is redefining what English sparkling wine can be. Founded in 2016 by Hugo Stewart, the estate blends biodynamic principles with traditional winemaking to create wines that feel authentic, expressive, and utterly drinkable.
Hugo’s journey into viticulture is unconventional. Originally running Botleys Farm, a family pig farm, he took a year in France that sparked his passion for wine. Returning home, he planted his vineyard on south-facing slopes in the Cranborne Chase, where chalk-rich soils are ideal for sparkling wine grapes. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, with sheep grazing between the vines to naturally fertilize the soil—a hands-on approach that shows in every bottle.
Working closely with winemaker Daniel Ham of Offbeat Wines, Hugo keeps interventions minimal. Grapes are pressed gently, fermentation happens in Burgundy barrels and amphorae, and wines are co-fermented with indigenous yeasts, free from added sulphur, fining agents, or dosage. The result is sparkling wine that is precise, textural, and true to its terroir.
Recognition soon followed. Domaine Hugo’s 2021 Traditional Method Sparkling Wine won the WineGB 2025 Trophy for Best Vintage Classic Cuvée and Best Sparkling Vintage, scoring 98 points. The estate’s range showcases both elegance and creativity: from the rich, citrus-and-brioche notes of the 2021 Hugo blend to the lively semi-sparkling Botleys Col Fondo and the complex, mineral-driven Two Times a Half Chardonnay aged under flor.
Domaine Hugo isn’t just about producing exceptional bottles—it’s about telling a story through every sip, inviting modern wine lovers to experience a slice of English terroir with a distinctly French touch.
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