Coolhurst Vineyards sits in the High Weald region of West Sussex near Horsham. The estate is family owned and focuses on producing small batch English sparkling wines using traditional Champagne grape varieties. Planted on warm sandstone soils, the vines benefit from a sheltered microclimate that aids slow ripening.
What You Can Do
Visitors can join guided walking tours through the vines to learn about vine management and soil characteristics. Tastings are held outdoors near the vineyard or inside the tasting barn depending on the weather. Guests can sample current vintages alongside informative discussions led by the winemaking team. Private group tastings and cellar door purchases are available throughout the open season.
What They Offer
The vineyard produces vintage sparkling wines including a Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs and a sparkling Rose. Accommodations on the estate feature converted agricultural buildings provided for overnight stays with self catering facilities. Guests have access to clear views across the vines, quiet outdoor seating areas, and private parking. The estate also hosts seasonal outdoor workshops focused on local ecology and wine production.
Activities
Footpaths extend from the property directly into the surrounding High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Walking and cycling trails connect the estate to nearby ancient woodlands and historic villages. Visitors can spend time watching local wildlife or join seasonal pruning and harvest demonstration sessions organized on site.
Food to Eat
Dining focuses on local Sussex produce. Tasting sessions include generous charcuterie and cheese boards featuring local creameries and artisan bakeries. Wine pairings are simple and highlight regional flavors such as smoked meats and Sussex cheeses.
Why Visit
Coolhurst Vineyards delivers a focused look at independent English sparkling wine production. The calm environment and clear access to winemakers make it an ideal stop for practical wine enthusiasts.
My visit to Coolhurst Vineyards felt welcoming and thoroughly educational. The sparkling Rose was exceptional with clear red fruit notes. The outdoor tasting space can feel a bit breezy on cooler afternoons, but the quality of the wines and the quiet scenery easily offset the chill.