This family run wine estate in the heart of Sussex, boasts a vineyard which carries on a tradition brought to Britain by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago.
The vineyard started back in 1972, with just three acres of vines. It has grown steadily since then and now boasts 40 acres of vines. Having already produced international and national award winning wines the completion of a brand new state of the art winery in 2005 has allowed the vineyard to achieve its goal of making top quality white, red and traditional sparkling wines. This is a great opportunity to experience how a working vineyard and winery operate. Find out how wine is made by the professionals and then try the finished products.
After tea or coffee on arrival you will enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard. You will be able to look at a few of the different vines, learn how they are trained and find out about the growing and harvesting seasons.
The vineyard and winery are active all year round so there is always something of interest to see. During September and October there is the opportunity to look at all the different grape varieties that are grown here, at other times you may be able to taste wines straight from the vat and compare with the finished product .
The tour always includes a visit to the state of the art winery where the winemaking process is discussed from the arrival of the grapes through to the bottling of the finished wine. You will be able to take a look at all the specialist equipment used in the most advanced still wine producing winery in England, if you are lucky enough you may get to see this fascinating mechanical process in action.
Your tour will end with a tasting of three of the vineyard's own award winning wines. A ploughman's style buffet using local cheeses and home made chutneys is also included. We also offer similar vineyard tours and wine tasting experiences at other English wine producing estates across the country.
- Tea or coffee and biscuits upon arrival
- A tour of the vineyard
- Tour of the winery and bottling plant
- A tutored tasting of 3 to 4 of the vineyards finest wines
- A Sussex Cheese and Pickle Ploughmans style Luncheon or supper
- ‘For two’ guests will receive one complimentary bottle of still wine per couple
Lunch tours operate all year round on selected Weekdays and Saturdays (Sundays are not available). Between May to October there are usually at least eight dates available per month with fewer dates available between November to April. Morning tours start at 10.15am, with tea/coffee served from 9.45am and lunch served at about 1pm. Afternoon tours (available in spring/summer months) start at 3.30pm, with tea/coffee served from 3pm and supper served at about 6pm.
The venue is approximately 10 miles south of Crawley between Cowfold and Bolney, just a few minutes from the A23/A272.
Minimum age is 18 years. Additional wine is not included with lunch but can be purchased by the glass on site. No pets are allowed on site (except guide dogs).
This activity is not suitable for spectators. There are good facilities on site and you will be well fed and watered with local produce!