Winklestone Vineyard Ltd

Discover still wines crafted from land named for the ancient fossilised winkle shells embedded in Sussex's very soil.

https://www.winklestonevineyard.co.uk

Seeley Cottage, Fairwarp, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3BU, England. Get directions

Nearest station: Buxted (4.2 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Winklestone Vineyard offers a welcoming and intimate experience as a small, family-run organic vineyard nestled in the picturesque Ashdown Forest, where a passion for wine meets a dedication to environmental stewardship. Visitors consistently note the personal touch and delightful atmosphere of this charming setting.

Visiting information

Tours & Tastings: Tours and tastings are available by appointment only. A typical experience lasts 1.5 hours and includes a guided tour of the vineyard, an informative talk about their winemaking philosophy, a tasting of their organic wines, and a selection of homemade nibbles. The cost is £20 per person.

Restaurant/Cafe: There is no dedicated restaurant or cafe on site, however, homemade nibbles are provided during tastings. The Foresters Arms, a village pub serving food, is just a five-minute walk away.
Special Events: Winklestone Vineyard participates in local events. For updates on these and other special happenings, it is advisable to check their website or sign up for their newsletter.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation directly on the vineyard premises.
Children & Dogs: Both children and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your visit.

The Wine

Winklestone Vineyard produces a range of high-quality organic wines. Their first full harvest in 2023 yielded a delicious, clean, crisp, and fragrant still white wine, specifically their Organic Bacchus 2023. They also offer an Organic Rosé 2024. These wines are produced in small batches, with a philosophy of minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process.

The vineyard is deeply committed to sustainability, being certified organic and employing a zero-till policy to improve soil health and reduce erosion. They use no pesticides or herbicides. This commitment extends to their packaging, with bottles made from 75% recycled glass, plastic-free materials, labels printed on recycled paper, and bottle caps made from biodegradable wood pulp. Winklestone also operates a bottle return scheme, encouraging reuse. In 2024, they established their own winery on site, allowing them to oversee every step from vine to bottle.

Getting here

Winklestone Vineyard Ltd, Fairwarp, East Sussex, TN22 3BU

By Car
From the B2026, turn into Fairwarp and continue on The Street, passing The Foresters Arms on your left. Keep going down the hill, and after passing Normansland on your left, take the next left turn where you will see the vineyard on the left. Head up the track and park at the top on the left.

From the A26, go down Oldlands Hill, through the water splash until you reach a sharp left with iron gates on your right. Follow the road left, continuing on Oldlands Hill until you pass the Queen Elizabeth II football pitch on your left. After this, take the next right turning up the track with the vineyard on your left. Head up the track and park at the top on the left.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Buxted, approximately 4 miles southeast of Fairwarp. A taxi from Buxted station to the vineyard would take around 10-15 minutes.

Local bus services, including the 249 (Community Transport for Lewes Area), stop at The Foresters Arms in Fairwarp, which is just a 4-minute walk from the vineyard. Other bus routes (261, 29, 31A) also pass through Fairwarp.

What's nearby

Restaurants:
- The Foresters Arms (Fairwarp): A traditional village pub offering meals, just a 5-minute walk from the vineyard.
Hotels:
- Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club (Wych Cross): A luxurious 4-star hotel set within 186 acres in the heart of Ashdown Forest.
- The Chequers Inn (Maresfield): An 18th-century coaching inn on the edge of Ashdown Forest, approximately 1.7 miles from Fairwarp.
Attractions:
- Ashdown Forest Centre (Wych Cross): Explore the ancient Royal Hunting Forest, famous for being the setting of Winnie-the-Pooh stories, with extensive footpaths and an information centre.
- Ashdown Pottery (Fairwarp): Located on the edge of Fairwarp, this studio offers pottery classes and workshops in the scenic surroundings of Ashdown Forest.