Ham Street Wine

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Ham Street Wine 〰️

Life Among the Vines: A Journey into Ham Street Wines

Nestled just outside the charming village of Hamstreet in Kent, the vineyard is a dream realized—a labor of love that marries passion for the land with a commitment to regenerative and biodynamic farming. What started as an ambitious idea in 2019 has blossomed into 10 vibrant acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, and Pinot Gris vines, each plant contributing to the story of growth and sustainability.

When over 16,000 vines were planted, the imagination turned to what a first harvest might feel like, and in 2021, that vision became a reality. By 2022, the inaugural wines were released, showcasing the unique character of that year’s harvest. The philosophy is simple: craft small-batch natural wines that capture the essence of each vintage. With minimal intervention and no unnecessary additions, every bottle reflects the rhythm of nature, meaning no two years—or wines—are ever the same.

A man standing in front of a brick wall with a sign that says 'HAM STREET' and decorative banners hanging above him. The man appears to be speaking or presenting, with bottles on the table in front of him.
Two dark glass bottles with abstract textured labels on a beige tablecloth, with more bottles in a clear container in the background.

Where to Find Ham Street Wines (UK Retailers)

Online Retailers (UK Only)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for UK availability.** Search for "Ham Street Wines" to find UK merchants listing their wines and compare prices.
Ham Street Wines Official Website While primarily informational, the official website often has an online shop section or can direct you to current stockists. They also offer vineyard tours and events.
Bottles Wine (Online & London Shop) A prominent London-based natural wine retailer that frequently stocks Ham Street Wines, including their Pét-Nats and still wines.
Forest Wines (Online & London Shop) An independent London wine shop specializing in natural and organic wines, which has regularly stocked Ham Street Wines' diverse range.
Gnarly Vines (Online & London Shop) A natural wine-focused retailer in London that lists Ham Street Wines, including specific cuvées like "Carbonnay".
Hop Burns & Black (Online & London Shop) This popular London retailer for craft beer and natural wine often carries Ham Street Wines, particularly their Field Blends and Pét-Nats.
Highbury Library (Online & London Shop) A London shop specializing in natural and low-intervention wines, known to stock Ham Street Wines.
Oranj (Online & London Shop) A popular online and physical natural wine shop in London that frequently features Ham Street Wines.
Painted Wines (Online, UK-wide Delivery) An online shop specializing in natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, offering Ham Street Wines with UK-wide delivery.
Pullo (Online & Exeter Shop) A natural wine shop based in Exeter, which has stocked Ham Street Wines, highlighting their commitment to biodynamic farming.
Salthouse Bottles (Online & London Shop) A London-based shop focused on craft beverages, including natural wines, which has carried Ham Street Wines.
Cork & Cask (Online & Edinburgh Shop) An Edinburgh-based independent shop that specializes in craft beer and natural wine, often stocking Ham Street Wines.

Physical Shops & Bars (Examples in the UK)

  • **London:** Many independent wine shops and natural wine bars across London that specialize in low-intervention and English wines will carry Ham Street Wines (e.g., those listed above with physical presences).
  • **Kent:** Given their location, local independent wine merchants and farm shops in Kent may stock their wines. Check their website for local stockists or direct sales/visits.
  • **Other Major UK Cities:** Look for independent wine shops in cities like Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, etc., that have a strong focus on natural, organic, and English wines.

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemakers:** Lucie Swiestowska and Jules Phillips.
**Location:** Hamstreet, Kent, England.
**Philosophy: Biodynamic & Organic Viticulture, Zero-Sulphur Winemaking:** Founded in 2019, Ham Street Wines is a husband-and-wife project. They farm their 4 hectares of vines using regenerative agricultural practices, aiming for soil health and biodiversity (no-till since 2020, organic certified in 2022, biodynamic certified in 2024). In the cellar: Grapes are hand-harvested. Fermentations are spontaneous with indigenous yeasts. Wines are typically **unfined, unfiltered, and made with no added sulfur**. They employ a variety of winemaking techniques, including skin contact for whites, semi-carbonic maceration, and aging in various vessels. They also collaborate with other natural winemakers.
**Vineyards:** Approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) planted in 2019 near Romney Marsh, Kent.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Pinot Gris.
**Signature Wines (Examples):**
  • **Pét-Nat (Sparkling):** Often a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus, known for its vibrant red fruit and effervescence.
  • **Field Blend (Red/Rosé):** A unique blend of red and white grapes (e.g., Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Bacchus, Pinot Gris), designed to be light, juicy, and chillable.
  • **Carbonnay (Orange/Amber):** A skin-contact Chardonnay, showcasing complexity with notes of citrus, savory elements, and tension.
  • **Chardonnay (Still White):** A pure expression of Chardonnay, often with mineral and precise character.
  • **Blanc de Blancs (Traditional Method Sparkling):** A 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine made with extended lees aging.
Wines are typically classified as English Wine or specific English PDO/PGI (if applicable), and often as "Natural Wine."
**Production:** Small-scale and highly artisanal, with limited quantities available, reflecting their hands-on approach.
**Style:** Pure, energetic, and expressive wines that challenge traditional perceptions of English wine. They are known for their freshness, lively acidity, and clear fruit profiles, embodying the principles of natural winemaking in a cool climate.
 

The Standouts: Wines with Personality
One highlight of the collection is an orange wine made entirely from Chardonnay. This unconventional gem undergoes 23 days of whole-cluster carbonic maceration before being pressed into a terracotta amphora to age for 10 months. The result is a vibrant wine brimming with complexity and depth.

A Pet Nat—a lively blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus—is another standout. It's a bottle of fizz that perfectly captures the carefree joy of natural winemaking.

Regenerative and Biodynamic at Heart
From the outset, the goal was to do things differently. Certification under biodynamic standards with the BDA was a milestone, but the approach extends beyond labels. By embracing regenerative agricultural principles, the vineyard is not just a source of exceptional wine; it’s a haven for biodiversity and a positive force for the environment.

The Team Behind the Vision
Lucie and Jules, a young husband-and-wife duo, are inspired by pioneers of English natural wine, such as Charlie Herring, Limeburn Hill, Offbeat Wines, and Domaine Hugo. A love for well-farmed products and a healthier food system drove the creation of something meaningful.

Balancing careers with this labor-intensive passion project has been no small feat, but the vineyard’s rhythm—and incredible volunteers who share the journey—keep things grounded. The path prioritizes authenticity over chemicals, soul over slick marketing. Every vine, every grape, and every bottle embodies dedication to wines that resonate with the land and the people who enjoy them.

At Ham Street Wines, wine is not just made; a vision of what sustainable viticulture can achieve is nurtured—one vintage at a time.