West Sussex Vineyards – raise a glass to the best English sparkling wine this region has to offer
You can’t pop a cork in the West Sussex countryside and downlands without hitting amazing West Sussex Vineyards producing award-winning wines and offering incredible wine tours and tasting experiences.
Join us as we round up 12 of the best West Sussex wineries – all within easy reach of Arundel. We give you the lowdown on where to wet your whistle and enjoy a great day out.
Why are West Sussex Vineyards so good?
Put simply, it’s all about the soil!
Chalky, rocky, free-draining soil dominates the topography of this unique area – similar to that of the Champagne producing regions of France – meaning, the soil is perfect for producing the high-quality grapes essential for great English sparkling wines.
This, combined with the climate, produces the best growing conditions for the huge number of West Sussex vineyards and West Sussex wineries.
Fun fact: Sussex has around 50 wineries – more than any other county in the UK!
So, let’s get into the best West Sussex Vineyards…
1. Ambriel Wines at Redfold Vineyards, nr Pulborough, West Sussex
The vineyard: This gem of a family-run West Sussex Vineyard is made up of 9.5 hectares of high-quality vines, nestled into the slopes of the South Downs.
The wine: Growing classic Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier), their sparkling wine is high quality – but affordable – making this West Sussex vineyard a must visit!
The experience: There is so much on offer at this wonderful venue – including private event hosting! But, if you’re looking for something more ‘hands-on’ you can take a private tour through the West Sussex Vineyard hosted by the owners or winemaker, enjoy a guided taste of the sparkling wine, and learn all about the specific sparkling wine making process. You can even enhance your experience with bespoke requests – focus on specific areas of the process, or even enjoy a private picnic amid the vines!
The location: Situated on the sunny south-facing slopes of the South Downs, this vineyard is just north of Arundel and around 13 miles/25 minutes away meaning that once you have indulged in the vineyard’s ‘hospitality’, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the local area too. Enjoy a round at the West Sussex Golf Club, or check out the history of the enchanting Bignor Roman Villa, but if history isn’t your thing, the villa is also surrounded by spas and superb restaurants – take your pick! Or if you fancy another tipple, you can check out Stopham Estate Vineyard (No 9) which is just a stone’s throw away.
2. Ashling Park Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
The vineyard: This West Sussex Vineyard really is the complete package! From high end dining at the restaurant to luxury stays at their bespoke on-site lodges, you can take it all in at your own pace.
The wine: Award winners galore grace the cellars of this vineyard, and you can pick up single bottles, cases, and gift boxes to make sure you really take the whole experience home with you!
The experience: The immersive group tours of the historic vineyard take place Thursday to Sunday and can be booked online. The experience concludes with five tastings – including award winners: Trophy Winning Cuvée voted ‘Best NV Sparkling in UK’ 2020 & 2021, Trophy Winning Sparkling Rosé voted ‘Best Sparkling Rosé in UK’ 2020 & 2022, and Blanc de Blancs – Silver Medal Winner.
The location: Located just west of the county town of West Sussex in historic Chichester, you’re only 14 miles/27 minutes away from Arundel, so why not add some other local points of interest to your itinerary? The cathedral is known for its sculptures and artworks and is worth a visit. Or for a more interactive experience, pop in to the Weald & Downland Living Museum – home to BBC’s ‘The Repair Shop’! Or if you want to boost your wine tasting West Sussex experience, Tinwood Estate Vineyard (No 10) is a short drive away.
3. Blackdown Ridge Estate, Lurgashall, West Sussex
The vineyard: Making the most of its elevated position – 440 feet above sea level in the Sussex Weald – this 10.5 hectare West Sussex Vineyard offers unparalleled views over the South Downs National Park.
The wine: Producing a mix of still and sparkling wines, they recently introduced Sauvignon Blanc grapes, joining the established Bacchus and Triomphe varieties. Yet again, several awards adorn the walls of this West Sussex winery, including medals from the Independent English Wine Awards.
The experience: Education and understanding form a big part of this vineyard’s wine tour, but don’t worry, you won’t be bored! With a maximum of 20 guests each Friday and Saturday, you can be assured of personal attention and have all your burning questions answered. You will finish with a taste of all the wines – still and sparkling – and a few tasty morsels to eat as you discuss the tour, wines, and hopefully make new friends and create great memories. You can also snap up your favourite wines at a discount.
The location: Hidden away deep in the countryside, this West Sussex Vineyard can be difficult to find, so check out the super helpful directions on their website, to make sure you don’t miss anything. About 36 minutes/19 miles from Arundel, you are so close to the South Downs National Park, it would be a shame not to explore the woodlands and wildlife on the trails or visit the Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Conservation Reserve.
https://www.blackdownridge.co.uk/
4. Digby Fine English, Arundel, West Sussex
The vineyard: A unique addition to our list as this isn’t actually a West Sussex Vineyard! The vineyard is located in Tonbridge in Kent, where the unique clay-sandstone soil which runs from Kent through to Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset, creates the perfect terroir for producing award-winning English sparkling wine. But, this wine producer makes our list for its distinctive wine tasting West Sussex experience – the Wine Flight Tasting Experience at their sophisticated tasting room in Arundel.
The wine: With a huge selection of award-winning English sparkling wines on offer, you really will be spoilt for choice! A closer look at these wines demonstrates the pedigree of this producer.
The experience: The Wine Flight Tasting Experience is the flagship experience at the tasting room. With up to six guests per table, you will learn about the wine making process and become immersed in the vision and mission of the impressive Digby brand. Your experience will include tastes of some of the top English sparkling wine West Sussex produces, paired perfectly with locally sourced food. Indulge yourself!
The location: Right on your doorstep, slap bang in the centre of Arundel, you can combine your visit to the tasting room with any number of other sites, activities, and events. Check out our recommendations for other things to do in Arundel.
https://digby-fine-english.com/tasting-rooms/
5. Highdown Vineyard, Ferring, West Sussex
The vineyard: A full-service venue, this beautiful West Sussex Vineyard hosts weddings, events, and celebrations at its beautiful event suite. However, if you’re looking for something a little more ‘low-key’, why not book yourself (and up to 20 of your most discerning wine-loving friends!) onto a bespoke, relaxed wine tasting and tour?
The wine: Producing a range of still and sparkling wines, owners Aly and Paul Englefield believe great wine starts with the soil, the vines, and the grapes.
The experience: Group tours for up to 20 people which take in the vineyard, the vines, and grounds – all helping you to understand the geography, grape varieties, and wine selection, before finishing with a tasting of Highdown’s wines to round off your experience. Or if you have something more bespoke in mind (birthday party… hen/stag do… corporate away days), the lovely team at Highdown will happily tailor your experience and add cream teas, light lunches, or canapes.
The location: Nearer the beach, this vineyard is just south of Arundel, around 8 miles or 13 minutes away. If the sun is shining, you could while away a few hours on the delightful beaches at Ferring or Littlehampton. Or if you fancy something a little more active, you could play a round at Littlehampton Golf Club. If you’re looking for more wine, you could pop to Wiston Estate Winery (No 12), which is just around the corner!
https://www.highdownvineyard.co.uk/
6. Kinsbrook, Pulborough, West Sussex
The vineyard: Progressive, laid back, and dog friendly, this West Sussex vineyard is part farm shop, part restaurant – with entertainment, amazing food, and over 56,000 vines, there is a lot to discover at Kinsbrook (named for the word ‘kin’ and the brooks which wind through the area).
The wine: A range of white and rose, still and sparkling, including their limited-edition: ‘21’ – a blend of Bacchus, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir Précoce.
The experience: You can enjoy a supper club, listen to musicians, and join the wine club. You could take a browse around the farm shop or indulge in a lovely lunch at the eatery. You can also take in a tour of the vines, learn about the wine making process, or book a wine flight – with so much to choose from, you might need to take the whole day for this one!
The location: Due north of Arundel, about 25 minutes/13 miles away, Kinsbrook is near Pulborough and Nutbourne, so you could combine your visit with a trip to Ambriel (No 1), which is not too far away.
https://www.kinsbrookvineyard.com/
7. Nyetimber, West Chiltington, West Sussex
The vineyard: The Nyetimber Estate is one of the oldest and most historic West Sussex vineyards on our list – getting its first mention in the Domesday Book! So, if you love history as well as wine, you really are in for a treat! The vines themselves are spread across several separate sites in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, with the Estate itself being situated in West Chiltington (one of the healthiest places to live in the UK! Maybe it’s the wine?!). The medieval barn at Nyetimber really is a sight to behold.
The wine: The first vines were planted in 1988, focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs and her team bring an uncompromising commitment to producing quality English sparkling wines which represent the spirit of the estate.
The experience: There is so much to take in at Nyetimber. You can attend events including wine tastings and luxury dinners prepared by the head chef, or take in an open day with other wine-lovers. There is even a vintage Route Master bus which tours UK events where you can enjoy a glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine!
The location: Only 13 miles north of Arundel and about 26 minutes by car, this West Sussex vineyard is easily accessible if you’re staying in Arundel. If you have any time or energy left after that, and you still fancy a drink, you can visit an event at the Greyhound Brewery!
8. Roebuck Estates, Petworth, West Sussex
The vineyard: Another treasure overlooking the South Downs, this West Sussex vineyard – Roebuck – is the ‘home’ vineyard of a collection of several throughout the county and home to their oldest vines, planted in 2006. This wine producer is a founder member of ‘Sustainable Wines of Great Britain’ and works closely with the environment to produce truly special English sparkling wine in West Sussex.
The wine: Produces a variety of rose and white sparkling wines, including the award-winning Classic Cuvée vintages, grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The experience: There are a number of exclusive events and experiences available to members of the wine club, subscribers and supporters. Contact the vineyard directly to find out more about upcoming events.
The location: Only 11 miles and 20 minutes from Arundel, you could easily pop to Roebuck Estates as part of your visit to Arundel. It is also very close to Blackdown Ridge Vineyard (No 3), so maybe you could take in both? When you’ve had your fill of wine for the day, why not check out the National Trust property – Petworth House & Park? Or wander around the Petworth Antiques Market – a collection of vendors with a mix of antique items for sale.
https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk/
9. Stopham Estate Vineyard, nr Pulborough, West Sussex
The vineyard: Part of the South Downs National Park, this West Sussex vineyard takes full advantage of the free-draining soil and South Downs location to produce a specialist range of still wines, supported by an exclusive sparkling wine.
The wine: The state-of-the-art on-site winery bring out the best in the Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Bacchus grape varieties; and Stopham is one of the only still wine specialists on our list. Achieving the very special honour of being selected for the Queen’s party on the Royal Barge at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, top restaurants are also big fans including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.
The experience: Vineyard and winery tours happen most Saturdays from April to September. Led by the winemakers or vineyard manager, tours include the vineyard and all the technology and precision of the winery – you can also add in lunch to really make the most of your experience. If understanding more about the process and getting up close to all the equipment is your thing – this is the perfect tour for you!
The location: North of Arundel and about 10 miles/17 minutes drive away, there are lots of other vineyards nearby, including Ambriel (No 1) and Nyetimber (No 7) so you could really make a whole day of it!
https://stophamvineyard.co.uk/
10. Tinwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
The vineyard: Initially planted in 2007, this West Sussex vineyard is the brainchild of Art Tukker who originally investigated the feasibility of English vineyards as part of his university dissertation. Passion was ignited and the vineyard has grown in size and reputation ever since. Working with nature is important at this family-run vineyard, illustrated by their entry into the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
The wine: A range of white and rose sparkling wines, with lots of upgrades, gift options, and collections to choose from in the brick and mortar and online shops.
The experience: You can enjoy the beautiful views and commune with nature during a stay at one of the luxury wine lodges on the estate. Just staying for the day? Relax and enjoy a Sparkling Afternoon Tea, cheese and nibbles, or canapes after your informative vineyard tour. The vineyard tour itself is fun and informal, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly as you tour the grounds and vines, meet the makers, and learn more about the process. With daily tours and two on Saturdays, it should be easy to fit in a visit to this beautiful vineyard.
The location: 14 minutes or 8 miles from Arundel, you are a stone’s throw from Goodwood where you could enjoy a driving or flying experience! Or you could always combine your visit to Tinwood with a trip to Ashling Park Estate (No 2).
https://www.tinwoodestate.com/
11. Upperton Vineyard, Tillington, West Sussex
The vineyard: After downsizing in 2015, this West Sussex Vineyard is now made up of 6,000 vines and makes 6,000 to 10,000 bottles of excellent quality sparkling English wine each year. With a shop and a terrace bar enjoying beautiful views across the vineyard and the downs, this site is well worth a visit.
The wine: Growing a mixture of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties, this family-run vineyard produces a range of white sparkling wine, which you can buy at the shop or online and enhance with several gift, presentation, and upgrade options.
The experience: Exclusive to your private party, Andy the creator and owner of the vineyard will personally guide you through the story of the vineyard to date. Enjoy a tasting for two of your favourite Upton wines on the beautiful terrace to finish. Tours can be booked on Friday and Saturday evenings for six or more people.
The location: A quick trip from Arundel – about 23 minutes drive or 13 miles, you could spend some time after your vineyard tour wandering around the impeccably maintained market town of Petworth and take in its unique, independent, boutique shopping venues and eateries. If you’d like to add more wine tasting West Sussex style to your day, Stopham (No 9) and Roebuck (No 8) are both very near to Upperton.
https://www.uppertonvineyards.co.uk/
12. Wiston Estate, Washington, West Sussex
The vineyard: The Wiston Estate offers a truly immersive experience to wine lovers, nature lovers, and foodies alike. The estate covers 6,000 acres, encompassing the chalky inclines of the South Downs, sandy coastal terrain, and weald clay. The entire backdrop to this West Sussex vineyard is truly spectacular and you are invited to explore the whole estate and reconnect with the ancient landscape.
The wine: Offering a range of sparkling and still wines, Wiston has recently produced its first ever red wine – the Twenty Six Pinot Noir.
The experience: There are so many ways to discover the Estate including landscape and nature tours, off-road biking tours, and a very special ‘Sundowner Vineyard Safari Tour and Tasting’. The Wiston Tour & Tasting is the core offering and will not disappoint. Fully explore the newly refurbished winery, learn the story of the estate, and conclude with a guided tasting of the award-winning wines on offer at the estate. Two tours a day, Tuesday to Sunday. You can also dine at the top class Chalk Restaurant.
The location: East of Arundel – about 17 minutes away – you can take in a walk on the Downs after your wine tour or dinner at the Chalk Restaurant. If you’re still interested in more food, you could pop to Green Farm Barn and learn all about butchering your own meat!
By Visit Arundel
Photos: Vineyards own