Toast award-winning Sussex wine 

With its dry and sunny climate and chalky soil, West Sussex closely mirrors the temperature and terrain of France’s famous champagne region.  Boasting over 140 vineyards, Sussex has a growing reputation for producing distinctive sparkling wines.  Here are some of our area’s award-winning vineyards and wineries.

Ambriel Sparkling

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A banker and barrister walk into a bar, and before long a winemaking dynasty is born.   With a wit as sparkling as their wine, this dynamic duo pride themselves on their 100% local processes from vine to sparkling wine.  

Top Tip – Private tours and tastings can be tailored to your requirements for groups of all sizes.

Ashling Park Estate

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Best known for its sparkling wines,  luxury accommodation and fabulous restaurant, visitors also rate the vineyard’s knowledgeable staff and value for money.

Top Tip – book a Thursday night stay and enjoy a free tour and tasting experience for two.

Harvest Time: Usually lands in October. If you fancy helping with harvest or having a day with a difference contact here.

Blackdown Ridge

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Perched 440 feet above sea level, at the highest peak of West Sussex, Blackdown Ridge is passionate about innovating English wine making.  With views that once inspired Tennyson, the two-hour tours are available all year round for groups of 5-20.

Top Tip – The vineyard tour ends with breathtaking views of the South Downs National Park.

Kinsbrook Vineyard

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Operated by two of the UK’s youngest vineyard owners, Kinsbrook hosts a hive of activities in addition to their award-winning wines.  Masterclasses, workshops and monthly supper clubs are just a few reasons to plan a visit as well as the restaurant which is open on Friday and Saturday evenings (6-10pm).

Top Tip – The Kinsbrook Farm Shop promotes local producers is worth a visit for its excellent coffee alone!  

Harvest Time: Volunteers are well-fuelled with pastries and coffee at the start of the day, followed by by lunch and a glass of wine. If you stay for the afternoon, you’ll even get a bottle of wine to take home with you.

 

Nutbourne Vineyards

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A family affair from farm to shop – the Gladwins proudly oversee every aspect of growing, tending, harvesting, bottling and selling their Nutbourne wines.

Top Tip – Try their free self-directed tour to explore special spots throughout the vineyard and learn about the vineyard’s modern approach to sustainability.

Nyetimber Wines

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These world-renowned English Sparkling Wine producers use traditional wine making methods, combining art and science to deliver award-winning vintages.

Top Tip – If you can’t get to Nyetimber for a tour, keep an eye out for the iconic Nyetimber 1968 Routemaster bus which tours premium events throughout the summer including Epsom Derby and Henley Royal Regatta.

Roebuck Estates

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Since debuting its vintage wines in 2019, Roebuck has quickly amassed an accomplished collection of awards and trophies.  Using only hand-harvested, estate-grown grapes, Petworth-based Roebuck is a founding member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain certification scheme.

Top Tip – Enjoy a refreshing sundowner on Friday evenings from May through mid-September.  Wines by the glass or bottle are on offer with accompanying wood fired pizzas.

Harvest time: Experience an action-packed afternoon of hand-harvesting grapes followed by a well-deserved complimentary glass of vintage sparkling wine. Harvest dates will vary but book your place here.

Stopham Vineyard

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Precision and passion fuel the production at this Pulborough based award-winning vineyard.  They utilise the latest wine making technology to bring out the best in their locally grown grapes.

Top Tip – When visiting the vineyard be sure to view Stopham Bridge, the Grade I listed bridge, originally built around 1347 in timber, then in stone since 1422.

Tinwood Estate

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Once a lettuce farm, estate owner, Art, converted the land to a thriving vineyard producing award-winning sparkling wines.  In addition to their wines they have eight luxury (dog friendly!) lodges featuring jacuzzi baths and barrel saunas.

Top Tip – You can dance amongst the vines at their annual Summer Party in June, including live music, food and of course a selection of wines but act quick – tickets sell out as early as February!

Harvest Experience: The day starts with coffee, cake and an introduction with the owners, Art and Jody. After that, it’s out into the vineyard for a couple of hours of picking with the team, ending with a hard-earned three-course harvest lunch served with complimentary Tinwood wines (£65pp).

 

Upperton Vineyards

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Originating from 800 trial vines in 2005, Upperton grew to an impressive 32,000 vines until 2015 when owner Andy took semi-retirement.  It currently produces an impressive 6,000-10,000 bottles annually from the picturesque farm in Tillington.

Top Tip – Upperton owner Andy runs the wine tours, sharing his insights on grape growing, winemaking and the ethos of this Sussex vineyard.

Wiston Estate

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With winemaking roots as far back as 1743, this family owned and operated vineyard is passionate about people, nature and enterprise, encouraging all to thrive on the expansive estate.

Top Tip – Springtime visitors will be treated to a beautiful bluebell wood on the estate.

Harvest Time: there are volunteer Picking Days for harvest at Wiston. Pickers enjoy delicious sweet treats, teas and coffees and a hearty lunch from the Chalk team to stay fuelled up throughout the day. Finish off with a glass or two of Wiston to celebrate the day’s haul.

By Jennifer Cordero

Inspired to discover more about Sussex Wine? Have you discovered the Great Sussex Wine Cycle route?