Exton Park and H2Vin Join Forces

Two relatively new names in the wine world, each focusing on fine wines and with a similar philosophy and passion, have agreed to work together to promote and sell one of the leading ‘new wave’ English sparkling wine producers.

Exton Park, the recently launched vineyard from Hampshire, has appointed the on-trade specialist H2Vin to distribute their award-winning range to premium restaurants and hotels throughout the UK, with the primary focus in and around London, as from February 1st. They will also supply a number of key independent retailers as part of the vineyard’s overall distribution strategy.

‘Since the introduction of our wines last May, the initial focus has been to build a network of regional stockists to establish loyalty for Exton Park across the southern Home Counties’ explains Sales Manager Mark Ferguson. ‘Now it is time to develop sales opportunities in the prestige London restaurant sector, and we are delighted to have H2Vin alongside us – not only for their strength in the on-trade, but also with their valuable relationships with specialist retailers. This will become increasingly important as our most recent vineyard plantings come on stream, and we have the volume to meet demand.’

This is a major move for the vineyard – at 55 acres one of the largest in Hampshire , prized for its pure chalk slopes on the rolling South Downs above the Meon Valley. The association with H2Vin will not only enhance Exton Park’s reputation as an award-winning player on the English wine scene, but also bring the wines to the attention of key sommeliers in what is an increasingly vital sector.

Commenting on the agency agreement, H2Vin’s Fine Wine Buyer Neil Sommerfelt MW says: ‘We are all very excited about the possibilities for Exton Park’s wines. Having visited the vineyard, I can see that – thanks to the skill of Corinne Seely the winemaker – these wines have out and out quality, and are a superb expression of their origins. They are highly evocative of this particular patch of Hampshire South Downs chalk.

‘The appetising character of these wines means they are suitable not only for aperitif occasions, but also for serving at table – which is important for our fine restaurant customers.. Matching wines that have finesse and delicacy with equally fine and elegant dishes is a growing trend at the top end of the market.

‘This addition to our portfolio complements the focus we are developing with our specially selected grower Champagnes, in terms of terroir expression. The time is now right to establish a partnership with an exciting new English producer such as Exton Park, along the same lines. Certainly, initial trade reaction has been very positive.’

H2Vin was established in 2009 by Christian Honorez and Matt Wilkin MS, to specialise in ‘under the radar gems’ that are some of the finest of their region and style. Matt, one of just 220 Master Sommeliers world-wide, continues to work with the Court of Master Sommeliers, thus bringing a wealth of fine dining experience, and contacts, to the company.