Discover the full story behind Hungerhill Vineyard and Merstone Wines. Learn about the land we farm in Bedfordshire, its south-facing slope, its clay-rich soil, and the ancient seabed that lies beneath our vines. Find out how founder Andrew Barnes developed his passion for wine over decades spent in France, and what led him to bring that vision back home. You'll also learn how we approach winemaking, from the varieties we grow to the methods we use in the cellar.
Hungerhill Vineyard lies on four hectares in the heart of Bedfordshire, a region with a rich farming heritage. The vineyard sits on a steep, south-facing hill with a soil rich in clay, providing an ideal environment for growing grapes. This slope improves frost drainage and ensures the vines receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day, resulting in healthy, well-ripened grapes that reflect the unique character of our vineyard.
We planted our first vines in 2020, putting down roots in a place we believed has real potential.
Andrew, originally from Bedfordshire, spent over 20 years living in France, where his passion for wine, especially sparkling wine grew. Having always dreamed of owning a vineyard, he brought that vision home to start Hungerhill Vineyard and Merstone Wines.
The idea sparked during a conversation with a French winemaker from Champagne. After learning about the soil and the south-facing slope, he believed the land was perfectly suited for traditional method sparkling wine production.
Andrew's passion for wine began at 18 while studying at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. In 1985, he took part in the English Wine Run, a spirited competition to transport English wine from London to Paris as fast as possible. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for wine and adventure.
A few years later, Andrew moved to France with a friend, where he immersed himself in French culture and the country's rich wine traditions. He developed a deep appreciation for both sparkling and still wines, often celebrating life's moments with good company and great bottles.
Andrew Barnes' passion for wine grew during his years living in France. A pivotal moment came in 2012 on a trip to the Champagne region, where he met winemaker Mr. Lecurieux. Their friendship, built on mutual trust and love of fine wine, inspired Andrew's dream of creating his own vineyard. Since then, Andrew has deepened his knowledge through formal training in viticulture and winemaking, further refining his craft and vision for Hungerhill Vineyard.
The story of Merstone began in early 2020, as we were planting our first vines. While working the land, we discovered something unexpected, countless seashells, ammonites, and oyster shells in the soil. We couldn't help but wonder: how could marine fossils end up here, in the middle of Bedfordshire?
We explored the story further, curious about the land's past and what might have existed here long before the farm, the vineyard, or even the village. That's when we discovered that this part of Bedfordshire was once covered by a warm, shallow sea, 150 million years ago.
To honour that history, we wanted a name that would reflect both the region, the land's past and our Franco-English identity. "Mer," the French word for sea, felt like a natural fit, especially when we learned that the historic name of the nearby village of Marston was once "Merstone." The combination of "mer" and "stone",a nod to the marine fossils beneath our vines, felt just right. And so, Merstone Wines was born.
At Hungerhill Vineyard, every grape is handpicked and pressed on site the very same day, capturing freshness and character at their peak. Our focus is on traditional method sparkling wines, with the ambition to produce Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, and Blanc de Noirs that showcase the elegance of our terroir.
For our still wines, we create mainly whites and rosés, with the occasional red depending on the year and harvest. These include Bacchus, Pinot Blanc, Ortega, and Chardonnay, crafted primarily from our own grapes, with support from select English vineyards when needed. Most of our wines mature in fine Burgundy oak barrels, adding depth and complexity, while stainless steel tanks preserve purity and vibrancy. Each bottle reflects precision, patience, and a dedication to excellence.
Soil testing confirms the land’s potential for growing high-quality grapes ideal for sparkling wine.
Andrew plants the first 3 hectares with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay during lockdown.
Our first grape harvest at Hungerhill Vineyard.
Production begins on our first wine: Ortega.
Launch of our first still wines: Merstone Ortega, Rosé, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
We host our first wine tastings and tours.
Release of Medium Pink 23.
Introduction of our Winter Wine Tasting experience.
Five years since planting Hungerhill Vineyard.
Release of our first Merstone English sparkling wine.
Continuing our mission with renewed vision and purpose.