Orion 2022 — English White Wine From The Wharie Experience

A light, aromatic English white wine from Hampshire's New Forest. Orion 2022 is made by Swiss-trained oenologist Guillaume Lagger at The Wharie Experience — elderflower, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit on the nose, with soft acidity and the kind of easy drinkability that makes you forget it's from a micro winery in the English countryside.

The Orion grape — something genuinely different

Orion is a PIWI hybrid variety — a grape bred specifically to thrive in cooler climates without needing heavy chemical intervention. It was developed in Germany in 1964, and it's still relatively rare in UK wine. That matters because it means this wine isn't trying to imitate what warmer countries do. It's doing something the English terroir is genuinely suited for: light, fragrant, aromatic whites with real character. The Wharie Experience is one of the few places in the UK growing and championing PIWI varieties, and Orion is a perfect example of why they should.

Elderflower, honeysuckle, and sunshine

The aromatics on this wine are gorgeous. Elderflower and honeysuckle lead — properly English, properly seasonal — with tropical fruit underneath adding a touch of warmth. On the palate, it's light-bodied with soft, balanced acidity. Nothing sharp, nothing aggressive. Just a clean, refreshing white wine that tastes like a Hampshire summer afternoon. Serve it ice-cold and enjoy it with fresh seafood, salads, or absolutely nothing at all.

Minimal intervention, maximum care

Guillaume Lagger doesn't add what doesn't need adding. His approach at The Wharie Experience is minimal intervention — let the fruit do the talking, guide it gently, and don't mask it with technique. The 2022 vintage shows exactly what that philosophy produces: a wine that tastes honest and alive. No over-processing, no heavy manipulation. Just grapes, talent, and patience.

About The Wharie Experience

The Wharie Experience is a micro winery near Sway in Hampshire's New Forest, founded in 2020 by Guillaume Lagger. Guillaume trained at Switzerland's Changins — one of Europe's most respected wine universities — before settling on his wife's family farm in Hampshire. He's planted 7,500 PIWI hybrid vines on the estate while sourcing grapes from neighbouring vineyards for his current releases. The result is some of the most interesting, forward-thinking English wine being made today. Explore The Wharie Experience range at Natty.

Also from The Wharie Experience: The Rosé.

Who is Orion 2022 for?

English wine curious? Start here. Orion 2022 is approachable enough for someone exploring English wine for the first time, but interesting enough for anyone who already knows what PIWI varieties can do. It works for summer drinking, light lunches, aperitif pours, or whenever you want something fresh without the heaviness.

If you enjoy aromatic whites, also check out our full white wine collection. For something with bubbles, try Top Cuvee's Good Day Pet Nat — another brilliant English wine.

Bristol same-day delivery & UK shipping

English wine, delivered same-day in Bristol. Order before 2pm and we bring it to your door across BS1–BS16 for just £3.50, or free on orders over £40. Grab a bottle of Orion plus something from our deli and you're sorted. UK-wide delivery takes two days at £8.50 (free over £80). See our full delivery and shipping details.

Frequently asked questions

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