Fells makes three additions to its portfolio

The additions, which the company says reinforces its commitment to working with world-leading family-owned wineries "that represent the best of their respective regions", comprise England's oldest commercial vineyard, sparkling wine specialist Hambledon Vineyard, historic Burgundy and Beaujolais estate Joseph Burrier, and Altesino, from the hills north of Montalcino in Tuscany.

Founded in 1952, Hambledon Vineyard has played a leading role in the evolution of the sparkling wine scene, helping to shape the country's growing reputation as a world class producer of traditional method sparkling wine. The estate, which is under the joint ownership of Berry Bros & Rudd and Symington Family Estates, spans 200 acres of vineyards, which is planted on the same Belemnite chalk found in Champagne’s Côtes des Blancs produces refined, terroir-driven sparkling wines.

James Osborn, managing director of Hambledon Vineyard said they were "thrilled" to be joining forces with Fells, who had a "proven track record in developing brands successfully in the UK" and who shared the philosophy of Symington Family Estates, in producing and distributing premium wines. "We believe this partnership will create great synergies, and we look forward to this exciting new chapter," he said.

Historic Burgundy and Beaujolais estate Joseph Burrier, which traces its roots back five centuries, is best known for its terroir-focused, low-intervention winemaking that come from some of Burgundy and Beaujolais’ most prestigious appellations. The Burrier family (now in its 17th generation) owns 60ha of land in Mâcon-Villages, Beaujolais-Villages, Pouilly-Fuissé, Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent, among others, including renowned properties Château du Clos, Domaine Joseph Burrier, Domaine de La Rochette and Château Beauregard, which has been run by the family since 1854.

CEO Fréderic Burrier said they looked forward to sharing their wines with a wider audience "and continuing to celebrate the authenticity of our terroirs with precision and purity” with Fells.

Tuscan estate Altesino, which has been owned by the Gnudi Angelini family since 2002, was the first winery to introduce the “Cru” concept to the Montalcino region with their Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli and continues its commitment to hand-harvesting grapes, sustainable agricultural practices, and maintaining strict quality control at every stage of production. The estate lies under the technical and winemaking expertise of winemaker Paolo Caciornga, who said partnering with Fells was "a natural fit".

"At Altesino, we are committed to producing wines that uphold the prestige of Brunello di Montalcino. This dedication extends beyond the cellar, influencing everything we do," he said. "Partnering with Fells is a natural fit, as their expertise in representing world-class, family-owned wineries aligns perfectly with our values. Their market knowledge and passion for premium wines will help us expand our presence and bring Altesino’s wines to even more UK wine lovers."

Euan Mackay, managing director of Fells welcomed the additions, saying the team was "proud" to work with some of the finest family-owned wine producers in the world.

"We believe strongly in the long-term potential of the English sparkling wine market and are therefore extremely excited to welcome Hambledon into our portfolio, one of the original pioneers of the category. Altesino, is also a welcome addition. They are a highly respected, family-owned winery with a history in winemaking dating back to the 15^th century and an acknowledged leader in the production of Brunello wines."

He also welcome Joseph Burrier, a "highly respected, family-owned winery" whose wines from Mâcon-Villages, Beaujolais-Villages, Pouilly-Fuissé, Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent "will add further strength to our French portfolio”.