THE WINE
The 2022 vintage was an exceptional one for Lucie and Jules, blessed with abundant sunshine during the ripening season, resulting in fruit with remarkable phenolic complexity and healthy yields. Motivated to explore the full potential of their Chardonnay, they set out to uncover new and unique expressions of the variety with Dan Ham at Offbeat Wines.
 
Organically and regeneratively farmed, the Chardonnay underwent a fermentation and ageing for 20 months in ex-Burgundian barrels.  Intensely mineral, long finish with a growing complexity.  
 
Of less than 297 bottles made only 144 have been released for sale - so get yours whilst you can!
 
THE PEOPLE
Ham Street Wines is the passion project of Lucie and Jules, a husband-and-wife duo who planted four hectares of vines four years ago on the edge of Romney Marsh. 
 
Initially, they saw the vineyard as a way to reconnect with nature while balancing their full-time careers in accounting. However, their journey soon deepened into a commitment to regenerative agriculture. They quickly realized that prioritizing soil health, encouraging biodiversity, and minimizing disruption to the natural ecosystem were essential for producing healthy fruit and vibrant wines.
 
Starting with organic farming practices and achieving certification in 2022, Lucie and Jules continued their dedication by securing biodynamic certification in 2024. They consistently exceed standard requirements, utilizing teas, plants, and adopting a no-till approach since April 2020, fully embracing the principles of regenerative agriculture. Their work is a powerful testament to the potential for transformative agriculture in the UK.
 
THE PLACE
Ham Street Wines is a biodynamic-certified vineyard located near the village of Hamstreet in Kent, England. Established in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Lucie Swiestowska and Jules Phillips, the 10-acre estate is planted with over 16,000 vines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, and Pinot Gris. The vineyard adheres to regenerative agricultural practices, focusing on soil health and biodiversity, and employs low-intervention winemaking techniques to produce natural wines that reflect each vintage's unique character. Their inaugural harvest was in 2021, with the first wines released in 2022. 
 
The UK natural wine scene is increasingly defined by a new wave of producers embracing low-intervention viticulture and winemaking. Across regions like Kent, Sussex, and Essex, growers are shifting toward organic and biodynamic practices, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. In the cellar, many work with native yeasts, avoid filtration, and limit or eliminate sulfur use, allowing the wines to reflect their vineyard origins and the nuances of each vintage. This hands-off approach is resulting in expressive, characterful wines that challenge traditional expectations of English wine and are helping to shape a more diverse and dynamic national wine identity.