Wiston Estate Winery

The Goring family has owned Wiston Estate since 1743, making it one of England's longest-standing family-managed rural estates. The decision to plant a vineyard came in 2006, driven by the vision of Pip Goring, who identified the south-facing chalk escarpment as an ideal site for sparkling wine production. The first vintage was released just two years later in 2008, and the estate has since grown into one of England's most decorated producers.

• Goring family ownership dates to 1743
• Vineyard established 2006 on Pip Goring's initiative
• First vintage released 2008
• Located within the South Downs National Park, West Sussex

Wiston's 16-acre vineyard sits on a chalk base scattered with flint, a soil profile closely comparable to Champagne's Côte des Blancs. The estate benefits from a cool English climate overall, but its particular microclimate, sometimes called the Banana Belt, is relatively warm and dry, positioned approximately 10 miles from the sea. This combination of chalk soils and a favourable microclimate creates the conditions needed for consistent ripening of Champagne varieties.

• Soil: chalk base with flint scatter, mirroring the Côte des Blancs
• Microclimate known locally as the Banana Belt, warmer and drier than surroundings
• Approximately 10 miles from the sea
• South-facing aspect maximises sun exposure

Wiston grows the three classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. All wines are produced using the traditional method, the same technique used in Champagne, which involves secondary fermentation in bottle to create fine, persistent bubbles. The estate is one of only a handful of producers outside France to use a traditional Coquard press, widely regarded as the gold standard for gentle, high-quality juice extraction. Farming is conducted along sustainable and biodynamic principles.

• Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
• Traditional method (secondary fermentation in bottle)
• Uses a traditional Coquard press, rare outside France
• Sustainable and biodynamic farming

Wiston Estate has accumulated an exceptional record of critical recognition. WineGB named it Winery of the Year four times: in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Decanter awarded the Blanc de Blancs 2011 Best In Show, one of the most prestigious accolades in the international wine press. These awards have helped cement Wiston's status as a benchmark producer for English sparkling wine.

• WineGB Winery of the Year: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022
• Decanter Best In Show for Blanc de Blancs 2011
• Consistently regarded as a benchmark English sparkling wine estate

The estate offers vineyard tours and tastings, giving visitors a close look at its chalk soils and traditional production methods. On-site, the Chalk Restaurant provides a destination dining experience within the South Downs National Park, pairing the estate's wines with food in a setting that reflects the character of the surrounding landscape.

• Vineyard tours and tastings available
• Chalk Restaurant on the estate
• Set within the South Downs National Park