The Class of 25
Finding Our Voice: The Award-Winning Wines 2025
"The vine loves the knife and the pruning-hook; then at last it returns a richer yield."
— Virgil
Musicians often talk about the difficult second album. After a successful debut, it's the opportunity for a difference in sound and to evolve from the debut record. Winemaking can feel remarkably similar.
Our first vintage was one of the most challenging growing seasons English winegrowers have faced in recent years. Against the odds, we released around 5,000 bottles from the 2024 harvest, a small but significant beginning for Abingworth Vineyard.
As we looked towards 2025, enhanced by a glorious summer and growing confidence in the vineyard and winery, we hoped for a different story.
It certainly was.
The 2025 vintage was transformational. Production increased sixfold to around 30,000 bottles, allowing us to explore the full potential of the vineyard for the first time. Instead of asking whether we could repeat what we had achieved in 2024, we began asking how we could build upon it.
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
For Dominic Travers, Head of Winemaking and Viticulture, 2025 feels like the year Abingworth began to find its voice.
"For me, that's what makes the 2025 release so exciting. It wasn't just a larger vintage; it was the first year where we could really start exploring the potential of the vineyard and winery. Wines such as Sunken Stones, Hidden Verse and Guiding Light feel like the beginning of the Abingworth winery finding its voice."
Finding Our Voice
Finding a voice is one thing; having it heard is another.
Just days before English Wine Week, Hidden Verse Rosé 2025, Sunken Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2025 and Guiding Light Pinot Gris 2025 were each awarded Silver Medals at the WineGB Awards.
For a young vineyard releasing only its second vintage, the recognition feels particularly meaningful. For us, the three Silver Medals are an encouraging milestone and the start of an incredible journey.
A Vintage of Opportunity
Reflecting on the growing season, Dominic notes just how different 2025 was from its predecessor.
"2025 was a very different vintage from 2024. The growing season was excellent, with fruit ripening to a much higher standard in the vineyard and considerably lower disease pressure. That said, it wasn't completely straightforward. The warm conditions meant acidity dropped surprisingly quickly, particularly in Chardonnay, so we still had to be very careful with picking dates to retain freshness for the sparkling.
It was only our second year operating the winery. There is always that moment at harvest when you wonder whether you'll remember how to use all the equipment properly, especially when many of the machines are used only once a year. Compared to 2024, however, there was much more confidence and familiarity throughout the process.
2025 was really the first year we saw the winery operating at full capacity. In 2024, many of the vessels sat empty, whereas in 2025 we were filling tanks, barrels and concrete vessels across the winery. At one point I was genuinely concerned we might run out of space, but with some careful planning and logistics, everything came in and fermented as intended."
One of the most exciting aspects of the harvest was finally having enough fruit to make full use of some of the vessels we had long hoped to utilise.
"We finally had a concrete egg dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc, with its neighbouring vessel used for Pinot Gris."
As a young winery every vintage teaches us something new about the site itself, the vessels we ferment in and the styles of wine we create.
Meet the Class of 2025
So, what does this year's graduating class taste like?
Hidden Verse Rosé 2025
Subtle and elegant in colour, Hidden Verse Rosé continues the delicate style that has become a hallmark of the wine. Wild strawberry, redcurrant and cranberry notes sit alongside refreshing acidity and a gentle mineral character, creating a rosé with both poise and character.
Sunken Stones Sauvignon Blanc 2025
The Sunken Stones 2025 vintage offers a broader expression than its predecessor. Gooseberry, green apple and lime remain at its core, while zesty citrus notes and a distinctive chalky texture bring added complexity. The result is a wine that captures both freshness and depth, reflecting the limestone-rich soils beneath the vineyard.
Guiding Light Pinot Gris 2025
Guiding Light Pinot Gris showcases layers of white blossom, peach and lemon curd. The warmth of the vintage has brought generosity and texture, while vibrant acidity maintains balance and freshness throughout.
Together, these wines represent an expression of what Abingworth Vineyard can achieve and a full range of refreshing English wines to serve every palate this summer.
A Time to Celebrate English Wine
The timing feels particularly fitting. As we launch the Class of 2025, we also look forward to English Wine Week, an annual opportunity to celebrate the growers, winemakers and vineyards helping to shape the future of English wine.
This year is especially significant for us, as it coincides with our first Open Day at Abingworth Vineyard on 21st June and the launch of our summer tours and tastings programme.
Visitors will have the opportunity to walk the vineyard, learn about our journey from planting to bottle and, of course, taste the new collection, including the three Silver Medal-winning wines from the 2025 vintage.
Throughout the summer we will also be opening the vineyard for tours and tastings on selected dates, offering a chance to explore the vines, discover the stories behind the wines and experience firsthand the landscape that shapes every bottle we produce.
The Next Chapter
Every vintage tells a story impacted by weather, decisions, setbacks, discoveries and moments of good fortune.
The Class of 2025 feels like an important chapter.
Whether you join us during English Wine Week at our Open Day, attend a summer tasting or enjoy your own bottle at home, we hope these wines offer a glimpse of where Abingworth is heading.
We look forward to sharing the journey with you.
