Learning about local producers

On a glorious, sunny day this month, we were delighted to co-host a tour of the idyllic Brook Hill Vineyard for the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Representatives from the NPA learned about New Forest Marque member Brook Hill and how the Marque supports more than 160 local businesses.

Brook Hill in Bramshaw is a family-run vineyard with around 2,500 plants, featuring six different varieties of grape. The owners Ian and Amanda Brown hand-pick their grapes then crush, ferment and bottle on site to create a wonderful a range of award-winning still and sparkling wines.

The vineyard produces around five tonnes of grapes, making 3,500 bottles of wine a year, which are sold in shops, restaurants and hotels across the New Forest, including many New Forest Marque members. The Marque’s network of businesses has helped Brook Hill flourish, and Ian and Amanda attribute most of their custom to their listing in the Marque’s Local Produce Guide.

The tour finished with tasting and refreshments in the garden, including a delicious selection of cakes from the New Forest Cake House, another Marque member.

The NPA supports the Marque in recognition of its work to promote businesses involved in the production, processing and distribution of local produce – businesses for whom the New Forest is at the heart of their product.

By shopping locally and buying New Forest Marque goods from our small-scale producers who are closely linked to the landscape, you can help nature and also reduce your carbon footprint. Your support helps ensure the New Forest National Park remains a special place into the future.

Find out how you can join the New Forest Marque.