There’s so much more to Black Chalk than just our award-winning wines. When you visit our estate, we invite you to immerse yourself in the story of Black Chalk and take in the beauty of the vineyards we care for. Previously, exploring our vineyards was only possible as part of a booked tour and tasting experience. But we wanted to offer a more relaxed way for guests to enjoy the estate and the stunning natural surroundings of Hampshire’s Test Valley. That’s where the self-guided walking tour map comes in! To bring this idea to life, we teamed up with the talented illustrator Helen Cann, who designed a trail map that’s as visually captivating as it is practical.
The Vision
Nestled in the stunning Test Valley, Hampshire, Black Chalk is celebrated not just for its exceptional sparkling + still wines but also for its bold, distinctive black chalk branding and strong ties to the art world. That meant our Self-Guided Vineyard Tour map couldn’t just be functional, it needed to look like a piece of art in its own right, perfectly reflecting our modern, minimalistic identity. Enter Helen, whose unique illustrative style was the perfect fit to bring this vision to life!
The Artistic Process
We collaborated with Helen Cann with a clear vision in mind: a map that embodied simplicity, contemporary style, and a tactile quality to make it feel as special as the experience it represents. Hand-drawn in white ink on A4-sized black Ingres paper, the map’s textured surface added depth and character, making it as satisfying to hold as it is to look at. The monochromatic design perfectly reflected our bold branding, capturing the essence of Black Chalk while delivering a striking, modern aesthetic. Helen’s minimalist yet elegant lines and shapes echoed the simplicity of the walking trails themselves. Every detail was carefully crafted to guide visitors effortlessly while doubling as a piece of art, beautifully complementing our deep connection to creativity and ensuring the map would be as memorable as the journey it guides.
Enhancing the Experience with QR Codes
The vineyard walking tour map isn’t just visually appealing, it’s also interactive. Two self-guided walking routes are mapped out, with strategically placed QR code points along the trails. By scanning these codes with a mobile phone, visitors can access audio content from our winemaking team, that provides insights into the vineyard's history, winemaking processes, and the surrounding natural environment - blending traditional map-reading with modern storytelling techniques.
Where the Journey Ends
No vineyard tour would be complete without a rewarding finish, and at Black Chalk, all trails lead to the tasting room! After exploring the scenic beauty of the vineyard and hearing its story, walking tour guests are invited back to the Tasting Room to enjoy a glass of our Classic Sparkling Wine, a wine which has made Black Chalk so celebrated.
Plan Your Visit
For those eager to experience this curious combination of art, wine, and nature, our Self Guided Vineyard Walking Tour is available for visitors to book online as well as onsite. Simply visit our Tours + Tastings page here to book your slot. Pick up a map, follow the trails, and enjoy the charm of Black Chalk Wines, we promise an unforgettable adventure.
