Exploring Hambledon with Cockburn’s & Graham’s Port houses

English Sparkling Wine Meets Port: Exploring Hambledon with Cockburn’s & Graham’s Port houses

As I am seeing the sunshine, I realise English Sparkling Wine Week will come around very quickly. This year, in collaboration with @winesbychix, we’re hosting a home tasting that explores an unexpected, delicious synergy: Hambledon English Sparkling Wine and premium Ports from Cockburn’s and Graham’s in cocktail form.

This isn’t just a quirky idea to illustrate the breadth of the Symington Portfolio. I think these iconic brands and wines can really work together — from mixologists seeking new takes on aperitivo-style serves to sommeliers keen to reframe how guests experience fortified wines. So let’s see….

Why Hambledon?

As the birthplace of English sparkling wine, and one of England’s most historic vineyards, Hambledon brings a distinctive Blanc de Blanc style to the table with minerality, and well balanced acidity. The Classic Cuvée for example, is vibrant and makes a versatile base for long drinks — particularly those that benefit from a citrus lift and structure.

Why Port?

Port has a long history with mixologists  — from the classic Port Tonic to rich, aromatic riffs on Manhattans and Negronis. But pairing Port with sparkling wine takes things up a level. The acidity in Hambledon wines balances the sweetness and weight of Port, creating elegant, layered drinks that play with contrast: dry/sweet, bright/deep, light/complex.

We’re focusing on two core Port styles for this tasting:

  • Graham’s Six Grapes: Lush, fruit-forward, and velvety — ideal for berry-accented cocktails.
  • Cockburn’s 10 Year Old Tawny: Nutty, oxidative, and spiced — the perfect partner for bitters and citrus peels.

Three Cocktails to Change Minds

Here’s a sneak preview of what we’ll be creating with Chix during the week.

  1. The South Downs Spritz

A refreshing aperitif with Port richness and English sparkle.

  • 30ml Graham’s Six Grapes
  • 15ml Italicus or elderflower liqueur
  • Top with Hambledon Classic Cuvée
  • Garnish: Fresh thyme and blackberry

Bright, floral, and berry-laced — this is essentially a Port Royale reimagined for 2025.

  1. Tawny 75

A riff on the French 75 with a nutty, autumnal twist.

  • 25ml Cockburn’s 10YO Tawny
  • 15ml fresh lemon juice
  • 10ml sugar syrup
  • Top with Hambledon Première Cuvée
  • Garnish: Orange twist

Complex but approachable — great for guests who want something drier than a mimosa but more expressive than a straight fizz.

  1. Ruby Noir

Bitter, bold, and built for late evenings.

  • 25ml Graham’s Six Grapes
  • 20ml sweet vermouth
  • 15ml Campari
  • Dash of orange bitters
  • Top with Hambledon Classic Rosé
  • Garnish: Dehydrated blood orange

This is your Port Negroni’s glamorous cousin, lightened and lengthened for summer nights.

Why It Works

Port and sparkling wine might seem like odd bedfellows — one rooted in tradition, the other in a new movement. But together, they highlight the best of each other: Port adds depth and texture; Hambledon brings clarity and cut. These are cocktails that can stand confidently on a wine list, work at volume on a bar menu, or simply elevate your next home get-together.

For English Sparkling Wine Week, this tasting with @winesbychix is our small contribution to a bigger movement — one that says: let’s drink better, with fewer rules and more imagination.

Follow on Instagram @getcomfortable and @winesbychix for live tasting notes, pairings, and behind-the-scenes action.