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Tinwood Estate Vineyard

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TINWOOD ESTATE VINEYARD: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Mon - Thu 09:00 - 16:00
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• (0.06 mi) Tinwood Estate Lodges
• (0.42 mi) The Old Store Guest House
• (0.56 mi) The Brufords Bed and Breakfast
• (0.27 mi) Chestnut Lodge, Sussex
• (0.29 mi) SELF CATERING en-suite STUDIO APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION
• (0.34 mi) Anglesey Arms
• (0.95 mi) Cassons Restaurant
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Tinwood Estate: Day Trip to a West Sussex Vineyard

All hail the English wine, it’s certainly having a moment. Thanks to warmer climes and ingenious winemakers, they’re winning coveted awards which usually crown wines from France, New Zealand and Australia.

VIneYard Tour Sussex

Full Disclosure:  I was a guest of Tinwood Estate, however, all views, opinions and photos are my own and remain a copyright of the Curious Pixie . This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission but come at no extra cost to you.   Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy  here.

Sparkling wine is the English forte, due to UK’s cooler climate compared to other regions, combined with the chalky southern soils it provides ideal growing conditions.

Now we don’t need to travel to France to enjoy a wine overlooking a vineyard. With more than 500 British vineyards in the country, there are plenty to choose from for a great day trip.

Tinwood Estate in Sussex is an ideal choice as I discovered on a recent trip. This West Sussex vineyard, close to Chichester and at the foot of South Downs National Park, boasts 65 acres worth of vines.

Walking into the estate on a summer’s day with their modern, chic, inside-outside feel Tasting Room I was momentarily transported to some of the South African vineyards I’ve visited. Tinwood has taken some of the best elements and made them its own.

How Tinwood Estate Began

Tinwood Estate started life as an iceberg lettuce farm. Art Tukker took over the farm from his father in 2007. The idea of a vineyard came from Art’s final year dissertation at university. His research examined the viability of planting a vineyard on an English Farm and he soon discovered the land had great potential for producing sparkling wine.

There are now 110,000 vines in total with the Estate growing the three classic varieties of sparkling wine – Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier. The grapes are taken to award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate for wine production and return to Tinwood for ageing.

Partnering with the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate, the journey began in 2006. The first vines were planted in 2007 and the first harvest was two years later.

The Tinwood Estate ethos is to work with nature rather than against therefore no insecticides are used in the vineyard. Instead wildflower meadows and hedgerows have been introduced to help promote biodiversity on the farm. It’s also home to beehives producing two types of honey – a solid buttery variety and clear runny honey.

Tinwood Estate Wine Tasting Tours

For only £18 per person book a 1.5-hour West Sussex vineyard tour and wine tasting. Learn about winemaking and the beautiful English wine region. End with trying three glasses of sparkling wines. For an additional £14 order the cheese platter for two. I highly recommend the cheeses and the Tinwood Honey was divine.

We started with the Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. It’s a delicate pale gold wine with silvery highlights and notes of honey and brioche.

Next up was the Brut, which could rival some champagnes. Pale in colour, crisp and fresh it carries hints of citrus melon fruits and honey. Made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot noir and 20% Pinot Meunier.

Tucking into our cheese platter and admiring a sun-drenched surrounding, what I loved most about this wine tasting it’s taken at a leisurely pace with a chance to finish your glasses. Last but not least the Brut Rosé arrived, soft salmon in colour with raspberry red currant and hints of strawberries. The perfect end for a summer’s day.

Although we didn’t want the day to end so ordered a bottle of our favourite the Blanc de Blancs and relaxed on the beautiful tasting room patio until our train time beckoned.

Take a 15 second tour of Tinwood Estate

@thecuriouspixie Best day out! #uk #travel #england #vineyard #favoritememory #tiktoktravel #learnontiktok #5starreviews #travelathome #hiddengems #travelmemories ♬ Summer – Calvin Harris

Tinwood Estate Lodges

The estate also has three luxury wooden lodges available for overnight stays looking out to the vines and the setting sun.

Each one has a private decked terrace, a two-person jacuzzi, a fully stocked wine fridge and a shared wine barrel-shaped sauna. It’s the most tranquil and idyllic location.

Nightly rates start from £195 per night for two people including breakfast.

The lodges are very popular and need booking in advance. If you’re unable to book there are other options:

The elegant Goodwood Hotel elegant sits within the 12,000 acres of Goodwood Estate, at the gateway to the South Downs.

Check availability and book The Goodwood Hotel

Or stay in the Cathedral city of Chichester in the Grade II listed Chichester Harbour Hotel and Spa.

Check availability and book the Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa

How to Get to Tinwood Estate

In the heart West Sussex and close to both Goodwood and Chichester, here are a couple of options for getting to Tinwood Estate:

BY CAR You can drive (if you’re not drinking) and park in the car park on the estate. If there isn’t a designated driver obviously go with the second option. Tinwood Estate is about a two-hour drive from London, just off the A285 between Petworth and Chichester, on Tinwood Lane in the hamlet of Halnaker.

BY TRAIN The nearest train station is at Chichester, an hour and a half from London Victoria Station. From here it is a 10-15 minute taxi or bus ride away.

For further information please visit the Tinwood Estate website.

There’s really no better way to enjoy a day trip – English sparkling wine, delicious cheese and beautiful surroundings.

Have you visited an English vineyard? Let me know in the comments box below .

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This looks amazing!!! I am so gutted I missed it but I will try and convince Amit to go for a tasting here!

His arm will be easily twisted!

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Tinwood Estate Vineyard

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tinwood Estate Vineyard - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Tinwood wine tasting, a superb day out in West Sussex

By: Author Kathryn Burrington

Posted on Last updated: 14 April 2023

Soaking up the warmth of the sunshine in a sleeveless summer dress, I’m overlooking a vineyard with a glass of top-notch sparkling wine in my hand. The shadows lengthen as the sun sinks lower in the sky, but the warmth has not yet gone from the day.

It’s late February, my birthday as it happens, but I’m not in The Douro Valley, Catalan, Bordeaux or Champagne. I’m in West Sussex at the Tinwood Estate on the south coast of England and not only is the weather remarkable, so is the wine.

English sparkling wine, most notably Sussex sparkling wine, has been getting quite a name for itself in recent years.

The Story of Tinwood Estate, West Sussex

When Art Tukker inherited Tinwood, an iceberg lettuce farm just north of Chichester in the hamlet of Halnaker, he started researching the viability of transforming it into a vineyard. Partnering with the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate in 2006, the journey began.

The first vines were planted in 2007 and the first grapes were harvested 2 years later.

above: Pinot noir vines after the harvest in Autumn, below: Art and Jody

Now with 65 acres of vineyard and three grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier, there are 110,000 vines in total. The grapes are taken to Ridgeview for the wine production, before returning to Tinwood for ageing.

As Art’s wife Jody explained during our tour, one reason for the success of Sussex white wines is the well-draining chalky soil found along and around the South Downs. The abundant flint also traps the heat of the sun and warms the soil.

The success of each year’s harvest is dependent on the weather. If early warm weather encourages the vines to bud too soon, a late frost can be devastating. Being just 5 miles from the sea, a warming breeze in spring helps protect from frost.

Despite this, in 2016 one frosty night in April took out 70% of the crop, resulting in just 30,000 bottles of wine that year. Last year, however, brought in a bumper crop with 200,000 bottles of wine being produced.

Custodians of the land

The environment has always been important to Tinwood’s owners, Art and Jody Tukker. in 2010 they entered the Entry Level Stewardship scheme, a government grant initiative aimed at protecting the environment, character and history of the landscape.

Preferring to work with nature rather than against it, no insecticides are used at Tinwood. Wildflower meadows, new hedgerows and a great many trees have been planted on the estate. Most recently wildflowers have been introduced amongst the vines, all helping to promote biodiversity on the farm.

Tinwood is also home to beehives and the bees gather pollen from the flowers, producing two types of honey. Each spring, pollen from the rape blossoms produce a solid, buttery honey, reputedly great for hay fever sufferers. In summer, the flower meadow pollen results in a clear runny honey, perfect drizzled over teacakes or perhaps a vintage cheddar cheese with a glass of Tinwood Brut.

Tinwood Wine Tasting, West Sussex

I’ve been leading guided walks in this area since last Autumn and strolled through these vineyards many times, but I knew little about the estate and had never tasted Tinwood Wine. My birthday this year seemed the perfect excuse, so Neill and I booked a guided tour of the TInwood Estate.

The first wine we sampled was the Blanc de Blanc , a refreshing pale golden wine, perfect for a summer’s day – close your eyes and imagine biting into a crisp green apple. While a wine this good should be sipped and savoured I found it slipped down far too easily. It’s made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and costs £29 a bottle.

Next, we tried the Brut which is also pale golden in colour. It has a rounder taste in the mouth with notes of honey and is far better than any Champagne I’ve tasted lately. It’s made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot noir and 20% Pinot meunier and costs £29 a bottle.

Lastly, while sitting on the viewing deck overlooking the vineyard as the sun sank lower in the sky, we tried the Brut Rosé , a delicate salmon coloured wine tasting of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The perfect blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot meunier and 20% Chardonnay, costs £31 a bottle.

My personal favourite was the Blanc de Blanc but it was a close call as I loved them all. I can honestly say this was my favourite wine tasting experience I’ve ever had. I’m sure the sunshine helped, but as someone who prefers red wine to white and is not generally a fan of sparkling wines, it was a real delight to discover not one but three wonderful sparkling wines, right here on my doorstep.

I’ve already started planning some return visits with family and friends. And I’m looking forward to adding a stop at the Tinwood Estate during my guided walks around Halnaker .

Tinwood Estate Lodges

With over 600 vineyards in England, no longer do you have to travel overseas to enjoy a wine tasting holiday. Several wine estates here in Sussex offer accommodation including the Tinwood Estate with three luxury wooden lodges looking out of the vineyards with a perfect view of the setting sun, each with a lovely private decking area, over-sized king bed, two-person jacuzzi and a shared wine barrel shaped sauna. Magic!

Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Farm, Tinwood Lane, Halnaker, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0NE 01243 537372 [email protected] TinwoodEstate.com

Tinwood Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting

The tour and wine tasting costs £18 per person and includes a tour of the vineyard, 3 glasses of sparkling wine and takes one and a half hours. The tours run daily at 3pm as well as at noon on a Saturday.

You can stay on after the tour and enjoy another glass (£6 per glass) or bottle (from £29) in the elegant wine tasting room or out on the pretty patio area. Or you can simply pop by and sample a glass anytime the winery is open between 10am and 6pm. Occasional, special events see the winery open throughout the evening too.

In the summer months, tables are laid out across the lawns leading down to the vineyards, a fabulous way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Where to buy Tinwood Wines

As well as at the Tinwood Estate onsite and online shops, Tinwood wines can be bought at some of our favourite Sussex pubs and restaurants including The Anglesey Arms in Halnaker, Goodwood’s Farmer Butcher Chef , The George in Eartham, The Crab and Lobster in Sidlesham and The Gribble Inn in Oving.

How to get to Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Estate is about a two hour’s drive from London, just off the A285 between Petworth and Chichester, on Tinwood Lane in the hamlet of Halnaker.

By Train and Bus

The nearest train station is at Chichester, an hour and a half from London’s Victoria Station. From here it is a 20-minute taxi or bus ride away.

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Travel writer ‘Travel With Kat’ , holistic therapist , walking guide , and co-founder of Hello Sussex.

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Suzanne Jones

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

This looks fabulous - It makes me very happy to discover a new Sussex wine but 3 different ones all in one day is especially good. I'll have to visit next time I'm over that way.

Kathryn Burrington

You won' be disappointed!

Design, Interiors, Fashion & Lifestyle

Tinwood Estate vineyard tour and wine tasting in the UK.

I never thought our UK weather would be compatible with growing grapes.

From the guided tour, I learned that the success of vineyards in this part of West Sussex, was down to the soil composition and special micro climate.

This land was originally a Lettuce farm, until Art Tukker took over from his dad in 2007.

Art was studying Agriculture at University and he discovered through research that the soil here was ideal for growing grape producing vines.

He pursued further studies on how to grow and manage a vineyard, and so the rest is history.

Can you spot the deer in the distance? There’s apparently a lot of wildlife in this area, which is wonderful.

So what is special about the soil and climate here?

Apparently the soil is quite similar to those in the wine producing regions of Champagne and Burgundy.

There is a top flint rock layer that provides good soil drainage and a chalk layer beneath that stores water, sufficient to hydrate the vines on hot Summers.

This chalk layer, I’ve been told, also gives the wines a crisp and fresh flavour.

The Estate grows 3 classic Champagne varieties – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meurnier.

The climate in South England is not warm enough to produce the high sugar content in the grapes required to produce a good still wine, hence the decision to produce sparkling wines.

The hand harvested grapes are sent to Ridgeview, a renowned winery, to make the wines and then returned to Tinwood to be stored and matured.

Despite not being warm enough to produce still wines, the location is still warmer than most parts of the UK.

This micro-climate is attributed to the Estate being close to the coast that blows over warmer air, whilst being shaded from excessive rain by the Isle of Wight to the North and protected from the winds by the South Downs behind.

The most nerve wracking time is apparently when the vines wake up, the so called ‘bud burst’. If the temperature falls below zero degrees for more than 10 minutes, then the whole vineyard crop can be lost. So no wine for that vintage year.

Thankfully the warmer microclimate in that part of West Sussex helps. Tinwood Estate have also invested in a frost buster machine.

Here are the 3 main Sparkling wines from Tinwood Estate that we got to taste:

Blanc de Blancs, a pale coloured Chardonnay with a stream of small bubbles. Zesty lemon peel notes with a hint of elderflower. It’s refreshing with a crisp green apple taste.

Brut, an Estate blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot meunier. It has a golden hue with aromas of citrus and melons. A hint of brioche and honey on the palate and a final gentle cream finish.

Rosé, a bubbly pink blend of 20% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir and 20 % Pinot Meunier. It has a dominant berry taste of raspberry, red currant and like strawberries and cream on the palate.

I really loved the Duck confit dish.

The lodges are luxuriously furnished with a Jacuzzi bath.

If you fancy a fun weekend of wine, country walks and good food, then I do recommend a visit to Tinwood Estate. You can also check out some of the other Staycation places in the UK that I have written about here .

It was an easy journey for us from London on the train and then a short taxi ride. I would have stayed longer, but alas I had to go back to London to work at the hospital.

Hope you have enjoyed the post. Wishing you a wonderful week.

( All photography are copyright to Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell. )

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• About the Winery
• Experiences

Accommodation

Tinwood estate vineyard, explore sparkling wines like never before.

Travel to the beautiful wine region of Sussex and soak up the beautiful views of the vineyards. Established in 2007, Tinwood Estate is situated on the edge of the South Downs, near Chichester. The Tukker family grow high-quality grapes that produce award-winning English Sparkling Wines using the traditional method. 

Open all year round, visit the beautiful Tasting Room and enjoy a Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Learn the story of Tinwood Estate and the journey from grape to glass while exploring the vineyard, usually lasting around an hour and a half. Then sit back and relax in the tasting room to enjoy a portfolio of our English Sparkling Wines with a wine tasting. We offer perfectly paired cheese boards to match our wines.

Join one of our Sparkling Afternoon Teas, enjoy three glasses of English Sparkling Wine with homemade sandwiches, fresh scones and delicious sweet cakes. Our Afternoon Teas often sell out, to ensure you do not miss out regularly check our website and follow our social media.

Extend your experience on this stunning vineyard by staying in one of three luxury vineyard lodges. The lodges have beautiful views over the vineyard with a private terrace, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a glass of bubbles. Perfect for a tranquil short break away. 

Tinwood is dog friendly, infact we love dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend! Enjoy beautiful trails around the vineyard, walk past the historical Boxgrove Priory and then return for a glass of your finest bubbles.

Stay updated with speciail events hosted at Tinwood throughout 2023 by subscribing to the newsletter and following our social media accounts.

Our Experiences

Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Tinwood Estate Vineyard

Relish Top Notch Organically Crafted Wines at Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO180NE, United Kingdom

Spoken Languages:

Services / facilities, visiting hours:.

Monday : 09:00 - 17:30 Tuesday : 09:00 - 17:30 Wednesday : 09:00 - 17:30 Thursday : 09:00 - 17:30 Friday : 09:00 - 17:30 Saturday : 09:00 - 17:30 Sunday : 09:00 - 17:30

Wine types:

• Sparkling Wine

Grape varieties:

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Stay the Night at Tinwood Estate

Enjoy your holidays at the best Hotel of Tinwood in the beautiful Sussex Wine Region

Sparkling Wine  

Blanc de blancs - tinwood estate vineyard tinwood estate vineyard.

100% Chardonnay Grape

Brut - Tinwood Estate Vineyard Tinwood Estate Vineyard

A beautifully balanced finish.

Rose Wine  

Rosé - tinwood estate vineyard tinwood estate vineyard.

Ideally suited to a romantic interlude or when enjoying a glorious summer evening.

Other wineries in Sussex

Highweald Wine Estate

Uncover Highweald wine: award-winning sparkling wines from England's pristine High Weald. Sustainable farming, natural beauty, and expert craftsmanship await in Sussex wine region

Oastbrook Estates

Unwinding with Wines at Oastbrook Estates in Sussex

Frequently Asked Questions about Tinwood Estate Vineyard

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Home >   Places >   Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Estate

Established in 2007 by Art Tucker, the focus at Tinwood is on producing delicious top-quality sparkling wine. From the beautiful modern tasting room, visitors can tour the vineyards, taste the wines and stay in overnight luxury lodge accommodation every day of the week.

Tinwood Estate. Photo: Daniel Alford

Photo: Daniel Alford

Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NE

https://www.tinwoodestate.com/

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UK Vineyards : A Tour and Tasting at Tinwood Estate

Driving up to Tinwood Estate, just north of Chichester in the hamlet of Halnaker, it is hard to imagine that it first began its life as an iceberg lettuce farm. Art Tukker inherited it in 2007 and throughly researched the viability of transforming it into a vineyard, an idea which was sparked whilst doing his final year dissertation at university.

Today Tinwood Estate is an absolutely gorgeous vineyard with 65 acres worth of vines, producing some truly incredible wine! The three classic varieties for sparkling wine are produced here; Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier. The grapes are taken to nearby award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate for the wine production and return to Tinwood for the ageing process.

Sparkling is produced here primarily because the weather (i.e. lots of rain) dictates what style wine can be produced. Sussex white wines have also particularly been successful due to the well-draining chalky soil found along and around the South Downs as well as the abundant flint that also traps the heat of the sun and warms the soil.

I love that sustainability is also important to owners Art and Jody Tukker, who entered the Entry Level Stewardship scheme in 2010, a government grant initiative aimed at protecting the environment, character and history of the landscape. At Tinwood Estate absolutely no insecticides are used in the vineyard. Instead wildflower meadows and hedgerows have been introduced to help promote biodiversity on the farm. It’s also home to several beehives that have been producing two distinct types of honey.

UK Wine really has come a long way and according to the UK Vineyard Association, there are over 700 individual vineyards in the British Isles ranging from extremely small ones (the smallest only has six vines) to ones of almost 90-ha (222-acres).

The Tours and Tasting

The Tour & Tasting at Tinwood Estate cost £18 per person and for additional £14 you can also indulge in their incredible cheese platter, perfect for sharing between two. You get to try three different wines and we absolutely loved it! So much so that we even bought a voucher for friends as a Wedding present as it is the perfect experience to do together. It was so relaxed, fun and informative.

Our Tour & Tasting was led by Jody and she was so knowledgable and engaging to listen to. Best of all we got to meet their three resident dogs Pinot Noir, Bubbles and Pinot Meunier.

The estate is dog friendly so feel free to bring your furry pals! There is lots of lovely space for them.

I learned so much despite having been to so many Vineyard tours and tastings. For instance, noticing the little details such as the colour of the posts denoting which grapes were being produced amongst those rows of wine.

As it was harvest season, there was a lot of activity on and I really enjoyed seeing the buzz of the Vineyard at its prime!

The tasting itself was held on their outdoor terrace, which was absolutely stunning and really well spaced out, adhering really well to Covid 19 safety measures without taking away from the experience. We really lucked out on the weather during our visit but if it is a drizzly day when you happen to visit they do have a fabulous indoor space, that also looks out to the Vineyard.

My favourite from the wines we tried was the Blanc de Blancs, which is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes. It was such a refreshing crisp wine, perfect for a summer’s day, especially when chilled. Very, very easy to drink!

I also really enjoyed the Brut Rosé, a delicate salmon coloured wine with tasting notes of fresh berries. The perfect blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay.

If you just want to pop in to enjoy a bottle of wine on the grounds you can do that too! It has the perfect ambience and is just such a stunning place.

Tinwood Estate Lodges

If you are looking for a unique stay and want to have a vineyard break, there are three three luxury wooden lodges looking out to the vineyards, each with a lovely private decking area, over-sized king bed, two-person jacuzzi and a shared wine barrel shaped sauna that you can book! They start from £195 a night.

I really loved my day out at Tinwood Estate and so much so that we are booked to go back for another tour, tasting and of course to indulge in that cheese platter again!

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Tinwood Vineyard Tour

Travel to the beautiful wine region of England and meet the winegrowers themselves. Tinwood Vineyard is situated in the picturesque South Downs region which is known for its favourable climate for grape cultivation.

Take A  Tour Of Englands Wine Region

Whether you’re in the mood for indulging in a splendid Sunday pub lunch,  discovering our daily culinary delights , or simply unwinding with a pint of Butcombe and a Scotch egg, you’ll experience an authentic British pub atmosphere.

Our generously proportioned  rooms , blending rustic refinement with modern aesthetics, mirror our commitment to excellence and the allure of rural life.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TINWOOD VINEYARD

Tinwood Vineyard is situated in the picturesque South Downs region of West Sussex, which is known for its favourable climate for grape cultivation.

The vineyard primarily specializes in the production of sparkling wines, including traditional method sparkling wines similar to Champagne. English sparkling wine has gained recognition in recent years for its quality, and Tinwood Vineyard has contributed to this reputation.

Visitors to Tinwood Vineyard can often enjoy tours and tastings, where they can learn about the winemaking process, and the specific terroir of the region, and sample the vineyard’s products.

The Vineyard Experience

Upon arriving at Tinwood Vineyard, guests are greeted by endless rows of meticulously tended vines stretching across the landscape. The picturesque setting sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of winemaking with guided tours of the vineyard and winery. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through the vineyard, sharing insights into the terroir, grape varieties, and cultivation techniques. Witnessing the winemaking process firsthand, from vine to bottle, offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each glass of Tinwood wine.

Tasting Experiences

No visit to Tinwood Vineyard is complete without indulging in a wine tasting. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, there’s a tasting experience to suit every palate.

The Classic Tasting allows guests to sample a selection of Tinwood’s signature sparkling wines, showcasing the distinctive flavours and elegant effervescence that have earned the estate acclaim. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Vineyard Tour and Tasting offers a guided exploration of the vineyard followed by a tasting session in the scenic surroundings.

Events and Celebrations

Tinwood Vineyard serves as a captivating backdrop for a variety of special events and celebrations. From weddings and private parties to corporate gatherings and team-building retreats, the estate offers bespoke event planning services tailored to each occasion.

Imagine exchanging vows amidst the vine-clad hills, toasting to love and happiness with glasses of Tinwood’s finest sparkling wine. The tranquil beauty of the vineyard provides an idyllic setting for unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

Sustainability and Stewardship

At Tinwood Vineyard, a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability are central to the ethos of the estate. From practising organic farming methods to minimizing waste and energy consumption, every effort is made to reduce the vineyard’s environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings.

By prioritising sustainability and stewardship, Tinwood Vineyard not only produces exceptional wines but also contributes to the long-term health and vitality of the ecosystem.

DIRECTIONS TO THE WHITE HORSE FROM TINWOOD VINEYARD

The White Horse is approximately 15 minutes by car from Tinwood Vineyard.

Exit the vineyard and turn left onto A285

Turn right onto New Rd

Continue onto Fordwater Rd

Turn left onto Pook Ln

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Lavant Rd/A286 Continue to follow A286

Turn left onto B2141

Turn right and the White Horse will be on your left.

We're no longer taking bookings for this year. See you next year for more wine tours!

South Downs Wine Tours Vineyards

At South Downs Wine Tours, we work closely with a number of vineyards in the area, all with their own character, history, and unique wine selections. Book your tour today to explore the South Downs wine region.

Ambriel at Redfold Vineyard

Located on a truly beautiful site with a view of the South Downs across a small river fed by a natural spring, Ambriel is a truly idyllic spot. With Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines, Ambriel specialises in classic sparkling wines. Their dedication to quality and flavour shines through in a delicious product not to be missed.

https://ambrielsparkling.com

Ashling Park Estate

A charming family-run vineyard, Ashling Park boasts some wonderful still and sparkling wines, as well as an excellent in-house gin. Ashling are in the process of opening up a beautiful new restaurant and bar with luxury accommodation on site.

https://www.ashlingpark.co.uk

Blackdown Ridge

Maybe one of the most beautiful settings you can picture, Blackdown Ridge sits in the Weald with views of the South Downs. 25 years of loving work by the owner have created a range of wonderful and distinctive wines that will be enjoyed by all.

https://www.blackdownridge.co.uk

Hambledon Vineyard

The oldest commercially run vineyard in England, Hambledon is a heavyweight of the English wine scene. The utmost care is taken in the production of their exquisite sparkling wines, with strict adherence to the traditional Champagne method of production. Hambledon believes in minimal intervention during the wine making process, whilst investing heavily in the most up to date production facilities, One not to miss for any serious wine buff.

https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk

Kinsbrook Vineyard

One of the newer vineyards in Sussex, Kinsbrook is run by a young and exciting team who are developing a delicious range of still and sparkling wines, as well as local and sustainable food from the surrounding area.

https://www.kinsbrookvineyard.com

Nutbourne Vineyard

An established vineyard with vines as old as 40 years, Nutbourne is a beautiful family run establishment centred around an ancient windmill. Nutbourne has an interesting range of still, sparkling, red and white wines which they process themselves on-site in their very own winery.

https://www.nutbournevineyards.com

Stopham Vineyard

Established in 2007, Stopham produces a range of world class still and sparkling wines. Planted using the latest technology, the site was specially selected for its southerly aspect and sandy well draining soil. Stopham boasts a modern winery housed in their traditional timber framed barn.

https://www.stophamvineyard.co.uk

Tinwood Estate

Situated on the southern slopes of the South Downs, Tinwood is a beautiful spot to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. Established in 2007, Tinwood produces a number of delicious award winning wines.

https://www.tinwoodestate.com

Home > Vineyards & Wineries in Sussex

Vineyards & Wineries in Sussex

With Sussex boasting some of the best weather in the country, it is not short of beautiful vineyards. We have rounded up a list of our favourite vineyards in Sussex that are well worth a visit for a vineyard tour or to sample a glass of wine (or two!).

Some also provide the opportunity to stay overnight allowing you to wake up with a view across the vines.

Stopham Vineyard

Stopham vineyard was planted in 2007, with a focus on white wines using Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois grape varieties. They also produce a few sparkling wines using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. They offer a tour of the vineyard and winery most Saturdays between April and October with wine tasting to finish. There is also the option to add a two-course lunch by the river to your tour from either The White Hart pub or The Labouring Man pub.

Address: Stopham Vineyard, Stopham, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1EE

Kinsbrook Vineyard

Kinsbrook Vineyard was founded in 2014 by the Beckett family. Their vineyard is open to visitors – they have a restaurant, farm shop and you can enjoy casual live acoustic music on a Sunday from 2pm. They also offer tours and tasting, visit their website for more info!

Address: Kinsbrook Vineyard, Picketty Corner, West Chiltington Road, West Chiltington, RH20 2LU

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine Estate is one of the oldest vineyards in Sussex dating back to 1972, and produce a range of red, white, rose and sparkling wines. They run a range of vineyard tours and events and their location on the edge of the South Downs.

Located at the Estate is the Vineyard Shop, which offers a range of local produce as well as all their wines. Also located here is the Eighteen Acre Café serving locally sourced food to enjoy with a glass of wine with views across the vines.

Address: Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB

Nutbourne Vineyard

Nutbourne Vineyard is owned by the Gladwin family and produces a range of award winning still and sparkling wines. At the estate there is a self-guided vineyard trail which takes you amongst the vines to see the different varieties of grapes growing and to enjoy beautiful views over the South Downs. You may even spot a llama or two if you’re lucky!

Address: Nutbourne Vineyards, Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH

Nyetimber Vineyard

The Nyetimber Estate hold Open Days throughout the year which last for about 2 hours, where you can enjoy a tour of the vineyard, tastings and the opportunity to buy their wines.

Address: Nyetimber Vineyard, Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH

Rathfinny Wine Estate

The Rathfinny Wine Estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, producing high quality Sussex sparkling wines. At their 93 hectare vineyard located on a south-facing slope on the South Downs in Alfriston they have planted three grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Address: Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5TU

Tinwood Estate Vineyard

Tinwood Estate’s first vines were planted in 2007 and the vineyard today is well known for producing some of the highest quality English sparkling wines. They run daily vineyard tours and wine tasting which includes three glasses of sparkling wine and a tour around the estate.

Address: Tinwood Estate Vineyard, Tinwood Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NE

Albourne Estate

Albourne Estate was established in 2010 which now covers approximately 30 acres with 42,000 vines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus grape varieties. Their bottles all have beautiful designs which showcase the wonderful wildlife that can be found around the vineyard.

Address: Albourne Estate, Albourne Farm, Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 9DX

Wiston Estate Winery

The vineyard at Wiston Estate was planted in 2006 and consists of over 6.5 hectares of South facing chalk slopes on the South Downs. The grape varieties planted are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to produce a range of award-winning English sparkling wines.

Address: Wiston Estate Winery, North Farm, Washington, West Sussex, RH20 4BB

Bluebell Vineyard Estates

Bluebell Vineyard specialises in English sparkling wines but more recently in 2019 they have released the first range of ‘Ashdown’ still wines. Their grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Located at the vineyard is the Tasting Room which is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sundays 11am – 4pm during the growing seasons. Here you can enjoy wine tastings which take you through five of their award-winning wines.

Address: Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Glenmore Farm, Slider’s Lane, Furner’s Green, Uckfield, TN22 3RU

Ridgeview Wine Estate

Ridgeview Wine Estate was established in 1995 and has been producing world-class English sparkling wines since then, using Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier grape varieties.

Address: Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common, Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common, Sussex, BN6 8TP

Court Garden Vineyard & Winery

Court Garden is a family-run vineyard producing English sparkling wines as well as red, white and rose still wines since 2005.

They offer three different types of vineyard tour – a vineyard and sparkling wine tour, a wine & cheese tour and a sparkling taste-off tour.

Address: Court Garden Vineyard & Winery, Court Gardens Farm, Orchard Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8TH

Oxney Organic Estate

Oxney Organic Estate is located in Beckley, near Rye and is made up of 35 acres. Vineyard tours run on Saturdays between April and November giving you a tour of both the vineyard and winery and the chance to sample four of their best-loved wines. There is also the option to have a picnic lunch afterwards where they will pack up a basket filled with Sussex cheese, charcuterie, bread, olives and various other nibbles.

Address: Oxney Organic Estate, Hobbs Lane, Beckley, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6TU

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Sussex vineyard cycling: Take The Great Sussex Way wine route

The great sussex way wine route :.

• Tinwood to Ashling Park – 14km, relatively flat route
• Ashling Park to Upperton, via the South Downs Way – 35km, more challenging with on and off-road cycling
• Upperton to Tinwood – 23.6km, with some steep climbes

Escaping London

Summer is calling; a light-hearted bike tour in the picturesque South Downs visiting some of the best English vineyards and tasting sparkling wines sounds irresistible – especially after sheltering at home for nearly a year and a half.

It took less than two hours on the train from Central London to Chichester, a town in West Sussex and one of the sunniest spots in the UK.

We were greeted at the station by Gail Gardner, managing director of Ashling Park Estate . Gail drove us around the ancient but well-maintained Roman city walls guarding central Chichester, before heading northwest into the fields.

Just a 10 minutes drive from the station and we parked next to Ashling Park’s charming, modern-design tasting room. Despite the modern look, the estate itself dates back to 1822, said Gardner.

The 50-acre estate in the hamlet of West Ashling was the starting point of our bike expedition of West Sussex vineyards today.

Tasting room at Ashling Park Estate. Credit: Lara Abel

From the second-floor terrace, we enjoyed a stunning view of the estate’s vineyards, surrounded by 200-year-old oak trees.

The estate produces a range of sparkling wines and gin distilled from their own Pinot Noir grapes. Most recently, they’ve also started making still wines using the exceptionally ripe fruits from 2020, available only at the cellar door.

The family estate is open for tasting tours and with prior booking, lunch and early supper, we were told. The chic eco-lodges dotted in the vines that some of us would stay overnight are also available for booking.

Heading east on the bike

After a light lunch, we took a short stroll into the sun-bathed vineyards to pick up our very own E-bikes for a one-hour ride.

E-bikes in the vineyards of Ashling Park Estate. Credit: Sylvia Wu

These pedal-assisted electric bicycles provided by Southern eBike Rentals make exploring the vast landscape of the South Downs much easier, especially if you’re not a regular cyclist.

With helmet, water ready and my fitness wristband set to outdoor cycling, I wiggled my way off the gravel path, away from the wine estate onto the paved paths of the countryside.

Cycling in the woods. Credit: Sylvia Wu

As we started to gain some speed, the cooling breeze reminds me that we are just a short distance away from the Atlantic ocean. The moderating sea breeze is also key for the local fizzes to achieve ripeness while retaining a crisp zing of acidity.

Although back in London I have an old-fashioned ladies bike with a basket and I enjoy the occasional bike touring during the pandemic, I’m far from a well-trained cyclist.

So my aim was to complete the 14km route with minimum electric boosts for some moderate exercise. Thankfully, these e-bikes come with several assist levels, and I can decide on how much effort I’d like to put into the ride.

Cycling in West Sussex. Credit: Sylvia Wu

On our way to the east, we travelled through the old forests of Kingley Vale, admired the views of wildflowers and golden wheat fields of West Stoke, passed by the chapels and cute red-brick houses of Lavant. After stopping briefly to take a photo in front of the magnificent Goodwood House, we finally reached the destination of the tour; Tinwood Estate.

In the end, I managed most of the ride without pedal assistance following the peloton, only cheated a little bit with small boosts when I was struggling up two rather long slopes.

My fitness wristband says I managed to burn 300kcal of calories during the pleasant hour-long bike tour with half of the journey counted as ‘fat burning’ and a quarter as ‘anaerobic’ exercise*.

*Individual results may vary.

The food and wine experience

Upon arrival, we were invited for a short tour into the neatly planted rows of Chardonnay vines by Art Tukker, owner of Tinwood Estate , accompanied by the family dogs Bubbles and Fizz.

These lands were once an iceberg lettuce farm, said the owner, who inherited the estate from his father and converted it to a vineyard.

Thanks to the free-draining stone and chalk soils, the estate makes its own quality sparkling range and has been providing a considerable proportion of its fruits to Ridgeview Wine Estate since 2006.

We were truly grateful when the first glass of ice-cold sparkling wine of the day, the Tinwood Blanc de Blancs, was poured into our glasses.

Afternoon tea at Tinwood Estate. Credit: Lara Abel

Basking under the sun outside the estate’s stylish tasting room, we indulged ourselves with scones with butter and jam, fresh strawberries, and delicate desserts.

There was also a selection of cheeses produced by the Goodwood Home Farm around the corner for us to try if we could stay a bit longer, we were told. Visitors can even stay the night in the estate’s three quiet lodges facing the vineyard – including a sauna housed in a wine barrel, two-person jacuzzis, huge beds draped in crisp linen and fridges filled with wine.

Wish we could stay longer, but dinner and more sparkling wines were waiting back at Ashling Park – which concluded our day of wine tour on two wheels.

For the mountain bikers

The cycle route from Ashling Park Estate to Tinwood Estate which we took was the easiest one of the three vineyard visit routes designed by The Great Sussex Way (TGSW), according to the marketing organisation of the Chichester District.

The cycle trail from Tinwood Estate (A) to Ashling Park (B) shown on Komoot.

The short and flat ride ‘caters for cyclists of all abilities’, with country pubs, farm shops and B&Bs along the way for people to casually stop by. Both Ashling Park and Tinwood have accommodation, so wine lovers can enjoy their nights in the vineyards to the full.

For more experienced cyclists, there is also the 35km route from Ashling Park Estate to Upperton Estate of the northeast.

As TGSW puts it, this route is a ‘challenging classic combining road and off-road sections, staying almost completely away from busy roads and taking you deep into some of the most beautiful parts of West Sussex.’

For hard-core mountain bikers, the 23.6km route from Upperton Estate to Tinwood Estate poses serious challenges with steep climbs and 3 miles off-road sections, which could perhaps use a little help from the E-bikes.

You can now view and download GPS coordinates of all cycle routes and find out more about E-bike rentals, places to eat and stay on The Great Sussex Way website .

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