Exton Park partners with H2Vin for on-trade push

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 27 January, 2016

Newly launched Hampshire vineyard Exton Park has partnered with premium on-trade distribution specialist H2Vin to push its wines to restaurants and hotels in London and elsewhere.

The partnership, which comes into effect on February 1, will also see H2Vin distribute Exton Park's range to leading independent retailers nationally.

The 55-acre vineyard is located on the South Downs.

It launched its first 2011 vintage sparkling wines last year - a Chardonnay Blanc de Blanc and a Pinot Meunier-led Rosé - in small batches of 2,500 and 700 respectively.

Mark Ferguson, sales manager at Exton Park, said: "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.

"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."

Mark Ferguson, Exton Park

Neil Sommerfelt MW, fine wine buyer at H2Vin, said: "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 Master Sommelier Matt Wilkin MS.