There is something about the Candover Valley that gets under your skin. The chalk stream winding through the valley, the wide Hampshire skies, the particular quality of light over the vines in the early morning, it all adds up to a place that feels genuinely apart. It is this landscape that gives our wines their character, and it is the people who live and work within it that give Candover Brook its soul.
This spring, that sense of belonging feels more alive than ever.
We are proud to have been stocked by Candover Valley Store from the very beginning, and that relationship has grown into something truly special. Built on shared pride in the valley, theirs has been one of our most loyal and enthusiastic partnerships. So it was with great delight that we recently raised a glass together to mark a remarkable milestone: Candover Valley Store has now sold its 1,000th bottle of Candover Brook. It is a moment that speaks volumes about the appetite for local, thoughtfully made wine, and about the community that has championed us from day one.
Looking ahead, we are also thrilled to be supporting The Candover, the much-anticipated new pub opening in Preston Candover this spring. Described as "a beacon of hospitality nestled in the Candover Valley," The Candover promises to be a wonderful new focal point for local life, somewhere to nurse a pint by a roaring fire, enjoy a long Sunday lunch with family, or sip something cold, sparkling and local on the terrace as the valley turns golden. We have been proud to work with the team ahead of their opening, creating a special-edition wine to mark the occasion. We cannot wait to welcome them to the neighbourhood.
Community has always been woven into the fabric of what we do here. Local venues, including the Village Hall and The Yard, have hosted screenings of A Year in the Life of a Vineyard, offering neighbours a behind-the-scenes look at the seasons, challenges and regenerative philosophy that shape our wines. These spaces, and the people who fill them, have played a key role in helping us share our story.
In return, we support a range of community, business and charity events throughout the year, raising a glass to the groups that make the valley thrive. And the support flows both ways. It is a group of hardy neighbours who come together for Frost Watch, lighting candles to protect the vines on the coldest spring nights, reinforcing the sense that our vineyard grows through collective effort and community pride.
As Mark puts it:
"This valley shapes everything we do, the land, the wildlife and the community around us. From frosty nights to choosing Candover Brook for celebrations, the local support is extraordinary, and we're proud to give back. Making wine here is a partnership with both place and people."
To everyone who has bought a bottle, volunteered for frost watch, attended a screening, or simply spread the word, thank you. Here's to the valley, and to everything still to come.