Coates & Seely

In 2008 two old friends, Nicholas Coates and Christian Seely, set out with successful careers behind them, an unshakeable belief, and a burning desire to make a sparkling wine to rival the best in the world.

Their search led them to the ancient chalk downlands of Hampshire, to a secluded valley in the hills where chalk soils and south-facing slopes offered near-perfect terroir. They planted vines and began.

A decade on, their wines are poured in royal palaces, Michelin-starred restaurants and iconic houses around the world, and the house has been named Best Overall English Sparkling Wine producer. The chalk beneath Hampshire, it turns out, is the same seam that runs beneath Champagne.