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.

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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.

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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.

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Take a 15 second tour of Tinwood Estate

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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