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.'
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.
MEET ABEONA
Our still is called Abeona. She was the Roman goddess of outward journeys, watching over those who set out on their adventures. She also watched over children as they left home for the first time to explore the world.
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 Wiltshire Downs.
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.
LOCAL BOTANICALS
These are a range of botanicals that are foraged for or sourced locally. Once used all our botanicals are composted for the vineyards.
herbaceous & Sweet
Alfalfa / lucerne
An ancient plant whose history goes back to the Romans who called it the 'father of all foods' with it's ability to put nitrogen back into the ground. It is an important food source for the Great Bustard on Salisbury Plain. Young shoots are sold as bean sprouts at markets and used in salads. This provides the herbaceous back bone to Great Bustard Gin.
FLORAL & PINE
RED CEDAR
Known as the "Tree of Life" the leaves of Western Red Cedar are bright green with a fragrant aroma when crushed. The oils provide woody, bright, citrus, pine over tones which pairs well with juniper. The tree originated from the west coast of America in 1852, where it is revered and used in totem poles and dream catchers. It provides the back bone to Explorer's Gin.
Cacao & Pepper
CHARDONNAY POMACE
Used in our Chardonnay Vodka. Most discard their pomace once the grapes have been pressed. We take the skin, stems and seeds, barrel it and ferment it prior to distilling. The skins provide a very distinctive profile which are cacao and pepper notes, alongside the sweet notes you expect from the wine. Once distilled we compost the pomace. A sustainable spirit.
Mild, sweet & nutty
walnuts
There are several walnut trees growing around the distillery and what a great way to show local provenance through our Nocino. Wet walnuts are cut and infused alongside various spices, coffee beans and vanilla. Maple syrup is used to sweeten the spirit creating a liqueur rich in flavour, that has a distinctive earthy, herbal note. A sustainable spirit.
