Hampshire wine producer Hambledon Vineyard has bought a neighbouring estate for an undisclosed sum.

It will take over Meonhill’s 46 acres on Winchester Hill in the South Downs and acquire some of its bulk reserve wine stocks.

Didier Pierson, joint founding shareholder from Meonhill will join the Hambledon Vineyard team as a consultant.

Hervé Jestin will continue to lead the Hambledon winemaking team, and the new vineyards will come under the management of Peter Crabtree, Hambledon’s experienced vineyard manager.

Hambledon’s founder and managing director Ian Kellet said: “I am delighted with this acquisition. This expansion is consistent with Hambledon Vineyard’s strategy of expanding its sparkling wine vineyards, locally in Hampshire, in order to develop one of the leading English sparkling wine brands.”

Hambledon Vineyard is set to launch its first commercial sparkling wine next month, Hambledon Classic Cuvee NV. The official launch will take place in London on May 6.