Sip Your Way Through Hampshire & the New Forest’s Top Distilleries, Vineyards & Breweries
This summer what could be better than an adult break away in the New Forest National Park sipping a local tipple in the sunshine at our very own Neigh Bar or enjoying a celebratory glass of something sparkling - knowing it’s only travelled 4 miles. From boutique vineyards, independent breweries and micro-distilleries, it’s time to discover what the New Forest has to offer for the drinks menu.
New Forest Foodie Breaks: Lymington Seafood Festival & Local Vineyard Wines
If you’re looking for the perfect pairing of a food and drink experience, there’s still time to book your tickets to the popular Lymington Seafood Festival (11th – 13th July) and make it a luxury weekend break for two. Head to Lymington for the day and sample some truly delicious treats and local drinks offerings, plus, two of Careys Manor’s chefs will be showcasing their skills on the demonstration stage on Saturday and Sunday.
If, however, you’re perusing our drinks menu this summer, you can sit back and sip your way through the New Forest, starting with offerings from just 4 miles away at the award-winning Marling’s Vineyard.
One of the oldest vineyards in Hampshire, although you can’t visit the winery itself, you can sample several of their wines at our New Forest hotel. A small dedicated team, they specialise in high quality English sparkling wines, notably their Sparkling Rosé Brut, which you will find on our drink’s menu, alongside their ‘Ravishing Rosé’ and ‘A Polite White.’
Explore Hampshire & Isle of Wight Distilleries from Our New Forest Hotel
If a good old-fashioned G&T is your tipple of choice, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is not in the New Forest National Park itself but is only a 55-minute drive away from our Hampshire hotel, where you can book their tours or experiences and “discover the history of Bombay Sapphire and Laverstoke Mill with a host to guide you.”
On our drinks menu this summer we also have Mermaid Gin and Mermaid Pink Gin from the Isle of Wight Distillery, as well as their sea salt vodka. Try our delicious ‘Ocean Breeze’ long cocktail, mixing Mermaid sea salt vodka, Silver tequila, Curacao Blue, pearl powder, topped up with lemonade.
Sustainability is at the core of all they do at the Isle of Wight Distillery, taking inspiration from their distinctive island landscape; they use “ethically sourced and natural ingredients wild-foraged from the island’s shores.”
The distillery doesn’t offer tours but it does have the Mermaid Bar and their still room can be viewed through a glass wall. Spirit Taster boards can be purchased from the shop and their knowledgeable team are always happy to talk you through the distillation process if you frequent the bar.
To get to the Isle of Wight from our New Forest hotel you’ll need to make a day of it and hop on a ferry from nearby Lymington, so perhaps plan a day of exploring the island too before returning to our hotel in the heart of the National Park.
From Flack’s Brewery to Hattingley Valley: A Taste of Hampshire’s Finest
If local breweries catch your eye, you’ll want to sip something from Flack’s Brewery. Just 28-minutes from our Hampshire hotel on the outskirts of the New Forest in Romsey. Their Taproom has limited opening times, on Friday’s and Saturday’s, but don’t fear if you’re dreaming of tasting the Back Jack Porter, the Flacks Double Bitter or Gold Ale during your midweek break, simply step into our hotel bar, lounge or al fresco Neigh Bar.
If ideas of an English sparkling got your attention, we’re also delighted to share with you another on our menu, from local award-winning vineyard, Hattingley Valley, just 55 minutes from our New Forest hotel, near the beautiful city of Winchester. Book their 2-hour winery tour and tasting experience, taking you ‘on a journey from grape to glass’. Or take a seat in our bar and sip their Sparkling Brut Classic Cuvée from the comfort of our hotel.
You needn’t travel far to find a locally crafted thirst-quenchers you’ll fall for this summer, with more to discover off our menu, from Setley Ridge Vineyard just 5-minutes from our hotel, book a tour during your adult break and take a taxi from our door. EIGHT TWO O Spirits, a 15-minute drive away, their bar, The Distillery is open Wednesday to Sunday inviting visitors to try their spirits, join a class or create their own. And just 17 minutes from us, in the New Forest, the village of Burley is home to the traditional New Forest Cider – where you can try the unpasteurised, real cider straight from the barrels.
Ready to sip and explore?
No matter whether you’re getting away to celebrate or simply need a break to reconnect and spend time together, make it romantic getaway where you can sit in the sun and sip some local bubbles and relax in a most peaceful setting.
