A taste of Hampshire: All about local food and drink

But it wasn’t until I joined Hampshire Fare that I truly began to understand the depth and diversity of our county’s rich natural larder — and the passionate people behind it.

Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and championing our local food, drink and craft producers.

With over 350 members across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight — from farmers and cheesemakers to chefs, farm shops and vineyards — we exist to connect people with the incredible produce grown, reared and made right here on their doorstep.

Bunches of grapes ready for the press (Image: Supplied) At the heart of it all is our mission: to encourage people to buy local, not just for the flavour and quality, but because every time you choose a local product, you’re supporting the independent businesses that help our communities thrive.

Whether it’s honey from the New Forest, Isle of Wight tomatoes, Hampshire strawberries or Pannage pork, our county is brimming with incredible seasonal produce — and a growing number of people dedicated to preserving, celebrating and innovating with it.

Since joining Hampshire Fare in late 2023, I’ve had the joy of visiting producers across the region.

No two stories are the same — some are multi-generational farms steeped in history, others are new entrepreneurs driven by purpose and creativity.

But what unites them all is passion.

That’s what I call the "three Ps": people, passion, and produce.

It’s also what inspired this column — a chance to bring their stories to you, and hopefully inspire you to discover, taste and explore more of what Hampshire has to offer.

Over the coming months, A Taste of Hampshire will shine a spotlight on local food heroes, explore our best-known products, uncover hidden gems and guide you through farmers’ markets, food festivals, and seasonal recipes.

I’ll share behind-the-scenes insight into the world of local food and drink — from a chalk stream trout farm to an award-winning vineyard, to the kitchen of a chef who’s as passionate about provenance as they are about flavour.

I’ll also highlight where you can try and buy local – from independent farm shops and food halls to our bustling seasonal events like the New Forest Show, Alresford Show, Romsey Show and our very own Local Produce Guide, which hopefully many of you will have seen.

Our guide is your year-round companion to discovering producers and where to eat, drink and stay across the county – perfect for your kitchen or coffee table, glovebox or weekend planning list.

You can also view it online at www.hampshirefare.co.uk.

Buying local isn’t just a feel-good gesture – it’s a powerful way to support sustainability, reduce food miles and enjoy food that simply tastes better because it hasn’t travelled hundreds of miles.

It’s about celebrating the connection between land, producer, and plate.

So consider this your invitation – whether you live here or you’re just visiting – to explore more of what Hampshire has to offer.

Try a new farm shop, book a table at a local restaurant that champions seasonal produce, or head to a food festival and meet the makers.

By choosing local, you’re not just getting something delicious – you’re supporting the people behind it, preserving skills and traditions, and helping our rural communities thrive.

There’s so much to discover – and I’m really excited to take you on this journey with me.