Tinwood Estate

Art Tukker established Tinwood Estate in 2007, transforming land that had previously been used as an iceberg lettuce farm into one of West Sussex's most recognised sparkling wine estates. The first vines were planted in 2007 and the estate produced its first grape harvest in 2009. A winemaking partnership with Ridgeview Wine Estate was in place from 2006, with Simon Roberts and Mike Roberts of Ridgeview overseeing wine production. Art and Jody Tukker continue to own and operate the estate today.

• Land converted from iceberg lettuce farming to viticulture in 2007
• Partnership with Ridgeview Wine Estate established in 2006
• First harvest took place in 2009, two years after planting
• Family-owned and operated, based near Chichester in North Chichester

Tinwood sits on the edge of the South Downs National Park near Chichester, just three miles from the south coast of England. The estate benefits from a temperate maritime microclimate: warming sea breezes reduce frost risk, and the Isle of Wight provides a natural shield against excessive rainfall. South-facing vines at 35 metres above sea level maximise sun exposure during the growing season, conditions that are critical for ripening Champagne varieties in England's cool climate.

• Located 3 miles from the south coast in West Sussex
• South-facing aspect at 35 metres above sea level
• Isle of Wight shields the site from excessive rainfall
• Sea breezes moderate frost risk throughout the growing season

The vineyard sits on gravel soils over chalk, with additional fertile loam and flint. Chalk depth across the site varies considerably, from 50cm to 300cm depending on location. This geological profile mirrors the sub-soil conditions found in Champagne, providing excellent drainage and contributing mineral tension to the wines. The estate employs sustainable and environmentally friendly viticultural practices throughout, with all grapes hand-harvested. Annual yields sit between 300 and 400 tonnes.

• Gravel over chalk with loam and flint; chalk depth from 50cm to 300cm
• Soil profile comparable to the chalk geology of Champagne
• All grapes hand-harvested from the family farm
• Sustainable viticultural practices employed across the 45 hectares

Tinwood produces four sparkling wines using the traditional method: Blanc de Blancs, Estate Brut, Rosé, and a Limited Edition Blanc de Noir. The Blanc de Blancs is both the best-selling wine and the most frequently award-winning in the range. Grapes are transported to Ridgeview Wine Estate for vinification, then returned to Tinwood for aging and release. All wines carry Sussex PDO status, a designation awarded in 2022 that makes Sussex the first and only official PDO wine region in the United Kingdom.

• Four wines produced: Blanc de Blancs, Estate Brut, Rosé, Limited Edition Blanc de Noir
• Blanc de Blancs is the estate's most acclaimed and best-selling wine
• Traditional method production in partnership with Ridgeview Wine Estate
• Sussex PDO awarded 2022; the UK's first and only PDO wine region

Tinwood Estate offers a substantial visitor offering alongside its wine production. Guests can join vineyard tours and wine tastings, dine at the Vineyard Kitchen, and stay overnight in one of eight luxury lodges on the property. The estate's setting on the edge of the South Downs National Park makes it a destination for both wine tourism and countryside hospitality in West Sussex.

• Vineyard tours and wine tastings available to visitors
• Eight luxury lodges offer on-site accommodation
• Vineyard Kitchen provides dining within the estate
• Located on the edge of the South Downs National Park near Chichester