Welcome to the Autumn 2025
Chaldean Estate Newsletter
Cultivating Excellence in English Sparkling Wine - in this issue, we shine the spotlight fully on our vineyard.
Cultivating Excellence in English Sparkling Wine - in this issue, we shine the spotlight fully on our vineyard.
Chaldean Estate Limited, located in the picturesque countryside of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, is making waves in the English viticulture scene. Since planting its first vines in 2019, the estate has grown steadily, now managing two vineyards, Hadham Hills and Great Field - with a third planted in 2025:
Our grapes are grown mainly for sparkling wine production and contracted to Bolney Wine Estate, ensuring quality and consistency. As grape production grows, we are building relationships with local wineries including Bailey Hills Winery which opened in 2025 to build a local Hertfordshire wine region. Some of our grapes have also gone into still Chardonnay wine and we are working with a new winery hoping to produce a local Pinot Noir Red wine.
The estate benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and increasingly warm summers—ideal for cool-climate grape varieties. While late spring frosts pose a challenge, careful site selection and protective fencing help mitigate risks.
Soil conditions in Much Hadham are a mix of chalky and clay loam, offering excellent drainage and heat retention. These properties are essential for ripening grapes and contribute to the minerality and structure of the wines.
Chaldean Estate works closely with Tom Bunting Vineyard Management to ensure expert care of the vines. As the vineyards mature, the estate has engaged skilled workers for pruning, training, and harvesting, supporting both quality and local employment.
Our Vineyard Manager – Emma Gattlin is learning new skills on a regular basis and developing machinery skills as we invest in labour saving equipment.
Our current equipment includes:
The English wine industry has evolved from a niche curiosity into a dynamic and internationally respected sector. With over 1,100 vineyards and 240 wineries across the UK, production reached 10.7 million bottles in 2024, despite challenging weather conditions. Sparkling wine remains the dominant style, accounting for nearly 70% of total output, and continues to outperform expectations in both domestic and international markets.
Exports are a key growth area, rising 35% in 2024 and now representing 9% of total sales. Countries like Norway, Japan, and China are increasingly embracing English sparkling wines, drawn to their freshness, precision, and premium quality. Brands such as Nyetimber and Chapel Down are leading the charge, with bottles retailing between £30–£42, positioning them alongside top-tier Champagnes.
Domestically, the market is shifting toward sustainability, premium quality, and authenticity. Consumers are seeking wines with ecological credentials and local provenance, driving demand for organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention styles. The rise of direct-to-consumer sales, including online platforms and vineyard tourism, is reshaping how wine is marketed and enjoyed.
As climate change continues to influence viticulture, England’s temperate climate and chalky soils—especially in the South—are proving ideal for classic sparkling varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With continued investment, innovation, and international recognition, English wine is poised to become a lasting fixture in the global wine landscape.