The South Downs is famous not only for 260 miles of stunning chalk coastline and endless green landscapes, but also for its wine production. The region’s finer climate, proximity to the sea, and geology of the area make this the perfect setting for creating delicious and award-winning wines. These sun-soaked vineyards in the South Downs have the same chalky subsoil as the Champagne region in France, which is a dream for creating heavenly batches of sparkling wine. If you’re looking to sample some of England’s finest sparkling and white wines, the South Downs is the ultimate place to explore.
These homegrown delights can be savoured in many of the region’s establishments or purchased locally, where they can be enjoyed during a picnic on a balmy summer’s day, or on dreamy evenings from the comfort of your retreat. If you’d love to experience the processes of wine making first-hand, then why not spend a day touring one of Sussex’s beautiful vineyards…
Read on for top five vineyards to visit in the South Downs…
Stopham Vineyard
Nestled in the heart of Sussex, Stopham Vineyard specialises in still white wine, however, also produce some sparkling wines. Wine from this vineyard was served on the Royal Barge during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration and is also served at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir. With the region’s Area of Natural Beauty status in mind, the passionate team at the vineyard are incredibly conscious about preserving the ecosystem which sustains the quality of their product. The vine to table tours provide an in-depth tour of both the vineyard and winery, where you’ll be educated on the meticulous processes of wine making in Stopham’s Grade II listed Victorian Barn. Afterwards, you will be guided through a tasting by the guide. Tours are held for the public most Saturday mornings between April and October, where you have the option for a riverside lunch at The White Hart on the River Arun.
Kinsbrook Vineyard
Kinsbrook Vineyard, is a family-owned vineyard located at the foot of the South Downs with a brand curated around an inclusive, sustainable lifestyle culture. Their lovely hand-crafted wines are made using minimalist practices with sustainability at the forefront of their methods. The vineyard is open most days, serving their delicious wine alongside coffees, cakes, and antipasti at their relaxed café, The Kin Bubble. They offer a full vineyard tour, or their very own Kin Wine Flight tour, where you can sample all of their creations in one session. With a love for hosting special events, Kinsbrook hold a Supper Club series monthly where guest chefs create appetizing courses cooked over fire in an intimate setting, while they also hold their very own acoustic Sunday Sessions, where live music can be enjoyed in their stunning location.
Wiston Estate
The historic Wiston Estate has been cared for by the Goring family since 1743, however the 16-acre vineyard wasn’t planted until 2006, and had been long term dream by Pip Goring, who had always wanted to create a vineyard inspired by those from her childhood in South Africa. You can participate in a tasting and tour of Wiston’s vineyard from Tuesday through to Sunday, and you can also visit the on-site Chalk restaurant, where the chefs advocate seasonal produce from the region, presenting dishes using ingredients grown on the 6000-acre estate. The restaurant is open every day of the week apart from Mondays. Enthusiastic ramblers are spoilt with walks and picnic spots, and Wiston’s expansive estate is a great spot for uncovering local wildlife.
Nyetimber Vineyard
The Nyetimber Estate is both award-winning and world-renowned. The vineyard’s first vines were planted in 1988, and since then, the vineyard has gone on to achieve global acclaim from some of the world’s most celebrated wine masters. All wines produced at Nyetimber are done so traditionally to create intricate flavours. The vineyard has only been open to the public for tours since 2014, where you are welcomed in the White Barn by Nyetimber’s brand ambassadors who will teach you all about the estate. You’ll then wander the vineyards and revel in the magic of the picturesque South Downs, afterwards head to Nyetimber’s enchanting 15th century Medieval Barn for the ultimate wine tasting experience. The estate also occasionally holds dining events where their wine is paired with a multi-course tasting menu. Tickets for events and tours at Nyetimber are incredibly limited, so you’ll need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Nutbourne Vineyard
Nutbourne Vineyard has been managed by the Gladwin family since 1991 and is now considered one of the best wine producers in the Southeast of England. Throughout the summer season, Nutbourne host their popular tours, which begin by the historic windmill, here you’ll be served fresh cakes baked by the co-owner, Bridget. You will be led through the vineyards and wildflower meadows, as well as exploring the lakes to meet the on-site alpacas! Finally, your tour will end with a well-deserved tasting of the vineyard’s various award-winning wines. Nutbourne also offer picnic boxes full of seasonal Sussex produce, which can be devoured in one of the many charming picnic spots which can be found around the estate.
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