Bluebell Vineyard Estates
French terms used in production
A family-run East Sussex estate crafting award-winning English sparkling wines from nearly 100 acres of Sussex vines.
Bluebell Vineyard Estates is a family-run English producer with nearly 100 acres under vine across East and West Sussex. Established in 2005 on a former farm, the estate has grown to over 100,000 vines and earned more than 80 international awards for its Hindleap sparkling wine range.
- Founded in 2005 on the site of a former farm in East Sussex
- Nearly 100 acres under vine spanning East and West Sussex
- Home to over 100,000 vines; vineyard has more than doubled since first plantings
- Sparkling wines released under the Hindleap label; still wines under the Ashdown label
- Hindleap sparkling wines have received over 80 international awards
- Winemaker Kevin Sutherland leads production using méthode traditionelle
- Located on the edge of Ashdown Forest, named for surrounding bluebell-strewn woodland
Origins and Setting
Bluebell Vineyard Estates was established in 2005 on the site of a former farm in East Sussex. The estate takes its name from the bluebell-strewn woods that surround the vineyard. It sits on the edge of Ashdown Forest, positioned between the Bluebell Steam Railway and Sheffield Park and Garden. Since its first plantings, the vineyard has more than doubled in size and now covers nearly 100 acres across East and West Sussex.
- Founded 2005 on a former farm in East Sussex
- Named for the bluebell woodland surrounding the property
- Situated between Bluebell Steam Railway and Sheffield Park and Garden
- Vineyard area has more than doubled since establishment
Viticulture and Grape Varieties
The estate grows a range of varieties suited to the temperate maritime climate of southern England. Classic Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier form the backbone of the sparkling wine program. The estate also cultivates Bacchus, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Chasselas, and Merlot, supporting both the sparkling and still wine ranges.
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier for sparkling wine production
- Bacchus and Ortega for aromatic still wines
- Seyval Blanc, Chasselas, and Merlot also grown on the estate
- Over 100,000 vines across nearly 100 acres in East and West Sussex
Wine Ranges and Awards
Bluebell Vineyard Estates produces two distinct ranges. The Hindleap label covers the estate's English Quality Sparkling Wines, made using méthode traditionelle, and has accumulated over 80 international awards. The Ashdown label covers the estate's still wine production. Winemaker Kevin Sutherland oversees both ranges, and the estate is recognised as one of the UK's leading sparkling wine producers.
- Hindleap: award-winning sparkling wine range with over 80 international awards
- Ashdown: still wine range featuring varieties including Bacchus and Ortega
- All sparkling wines produced using méthode traditionelle
- Kevin Sutherland serves as winemaker
Have a bottle from this producer?
Scan the label or type the name. Instant sommelier-level context for any bottle.
Look it up →Wine Tourism
As a family-run operation open to the public year-round, Bluebell Vineyard Estates offers tours, tastings, and self-guided woodland trails. The scenic setting on the edge of Ashdown Forest makes it a notable destination in the English wine tourism landscape, combining vineyard visits with access to the surrounding natural environment.
- Open to the public year-round
- Offers guided tours and wine tastings
- Self-guided woodland trails available through the surrounding bluebell woods
- Family-run operation with a focus on visitor experience
The Hindleap sparkling wines follow the méthode traditionelle style typical of English fizz: bright acidity, fine persistent bubbles, and flavors shaped by cool-climate viticulture. The Ashdown still wines reflect the aromatic character of varieties like Bacchus and Ortega, common in southern English wine production.
- Bluebell Vineyard Estates Hindleap Brut$30-45The flagship méthode traditionelle sparkling wine that anchors Bluebell's 80-plus international award haul.Find →
- Bluebell Vineyard Estates Hindleap Blanc de Blancs$35-50Chardonnay-led English sparkling from East Sussex, representing the estate's cool-climate style.Find →
- Bluebell Vineyard Estates Ashdown Bacchus$25-40Aromatic English still white from one of Sussex's most decorated family-run estates.Find →
- Established 2005 in East Sussex; nearly 100 acres across East and West Sussex; over 100,000 vines
- Sparkling wines produced using méthode traditionelle; classified as English Quality Sparkling Wines
- Two ranges: Hindleap (sparkling, 80+ international awards) and Ashdown (still wines)
- Grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Chasselas, and Merlot
- Temperate maritime climate; located on the edge of Ashdown Forest in East Sussex