Downton is one of the oldest villages in England, settled between 4,000 - 3,000 B.C. The surrounding countryside can both show and tell the tales of Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman occupation with hill forts and the Moot. The lands surrounding Downton were granted to the Bishops of Winchester by King Alfred the Great. They lived in Parsonage Manor until the early 14th Century. The diocese of the Bishop of Winchester ran from the Isle of Wight and later the Channel Islands to the south bank of the River Thames at Southwark close to London Bridge where the remnant shell of Winchester Palace can be seen. It formed one of the largest and richest sees in the country. In 1560 Parsonage Manor became a grace and favour home for the Queen. In 1583 it became home to a famous English Explorer 'Sir Walter Raleigh', who influenced Explorer's Gin with his fabled exploits.
PARSONAGE MANOR
The Distillery was located next to the former home of Sir Walter Raleigh, in the old carriage shed. The 'Ark Royal' was our original copper still. In 2021 the distillery moved to Botley Farm, home to Domaine Hugo.
DOMAINE HUGO
Now 50m away from the organic, bio-dynamic vineyard of Domaine Hugo. Using their pomace we create our award winning Chardonnay Vodka. We also use their old wines to create an award winning limited edition Eau de Vie.
BOTANICAL GARDEN
Overlooking the Wiltshire Downs, our botanical garden acts as both a teaching tool for what we use in our spirits, but also as a nursery for young juniper saplings before they get planted out around the vineyard.
our own adventure
Technology seems to have shrunk the world around us, web cams can place us on the Great Wall of China, apps can translate language and air travel makes more remote destinations accessible. It has not changed what we feel for the love of a challenge, the excitement and tension prior, then the mental and physical demands that we place upon ourselves, more so when things are not going our way.
Exploration is more than a destination, it is about the experiences that change us and those around us on the journey. Setting up Downton Distillery was our own adventure, full of challenges, twists and turns. It continues to be so, where you are continually learning and moving forward. We took a leap of faith into the unknown, a world filled with colour, flavour, and beauty. There were no boundaries and through journeying the currents we have discovered new shores.
Our adventure has seen obstacles overcome, dead ends navigated, and new doors opened. Our lives have been enriched by a wonderful vibrant community who have welcomed us with open arms. Downton Distillery has been able to become more than the concept it once was, drawn up on a piece of paper. As with all ventures, trust your gut instinct when a situation may not seem right, walk away when needed, it is all part of the journey. Learn, laugh, grow and live to work, for your adventure has only just begun.
meet the distiller
Having had a career in the Scots Guards, traveled through South America with Operation Raleigh, raced across the Andes, cycled down and across Europe, bagged various munros and mountains, it was time for a new challenge.
Having had a Great Uncle who was both a brewer and distiller, the stars were aligning but everything clicked when taking his partner on a course at the City of London Distillery. It was then finding a mentor and learning the craft. Downton Distillery was founded in 2018.
Since then he has completed the WSET Level 1 & 2 Spirits & Sake Level 1 course. In 2024 he became a judge for the Gin Guide Awards.
All our spirits have been designed and made at the distillery, by Hugh. Where possible local provenance is sourced / used within our spirits.
If you are a cyclist you may find him Zwifting in the evenings under Downton Distillery.
OUR DESIGN
Was created to celebrate the Explorer's of the 'Golden Era of Discovery'. Its colour represents the depths to the surface of the ocean, whilst the lines symbolise map and star navigation lines.
The central logo is the compass rose, together with the radiating and intersecting rhumb lines our navigation lines, were the basic elements of the portolan charts used by all navigators of this era.
The choice of botanicals are also part of our story. Western Red Cedar the backbone to the gin came back from the New World, now grows outside the distillery. Pink Pepper from South America tips our hat to Sir Walter Raleigh's final expedition for the lost city of gold. Sichuan pepper links our most famous explorer to this era 'Sir Francis Drake' having completed his voyage around the world (1577 - 1580) on Golden Hind.
TOURS ON THE DOWNS
Our distillery is sat on the Wiltshire Downs which boast stunning, rolling landscapes characterized by sweeping chalk hills, open grasslands, and picturesque valleys. The undulating terrain offers panoramic views that change with the seasons, showcasing vibrant colors, including lush greenery in spring and summer and golden hues in autumn.
The Downs are home to a diverse array of habitats, including chalk grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and heathlands. This rich biodiversity supports a wide variety of plant and animal species including the 'Great Bustard' adding to the area's natural beauty and ecological significance.
After a tour, take a walk down our local drovers track and immerse yourself in nature.
