Bluestone Vineyards was established in 2016 by brothers Nathaniel and Toby McConnell.
The boutique producer of vintage-led sparkling wine primarily focuses on its Wiltshire vineyards. Hard work, dedication and an intimate knowledge of the site and its vines drive the quality of the fruit resulting in high-class English sparkling wines.
Derived by family, the innovative duo are determined to establish Bluestone Vineyards as a world-class wine estate. In this pursuit of excellence, the brothers work alongside Chef de Cave Hervé Jestin, formerly of Champagne Duval-Leroy and now Champagne Leclerc Briant to make award-winning wines at Hambledon.
The Bluestone team has a holistic approach to regenerative farming and takes a minimal intervention approach. Targeted spraying, the use of cover crops, to encourage biodiversity and build healthier soils, and spore capture are all part of the current management of the vineyard. Future plans include the potential integration of livestock in the vineyards - a move towards grazing-based viticulture. Sustainability is a core value for the wine producer; the estate is solar-powered and a borehole supplies naturally filtered spring water, whilst a pond and reed bed system support waste management.
Planted in 2016, the 10-acre site comprises 58% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier producing 25,000 bottles annually. The south and south-west-facing vineyards on the edge of Salisbury Plain, are made up of sandy, clay loam soils. Naturally high in organic matter, the nutrient-rich soil balances and retains moisture, draining excess water freely through the underlying chalk. The topsoil depth varies considerably on the slopes, from 3cm to 100cm deep, affecting fertility, water and soil temperature and lending different characteristics to the grapes.
The name Bluestone is a nod to the nearby World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and the peacock image is the iconic bird found at the family’s neighbouring Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
