An exciting, family owned English vineyard
Beacon Down vineyard occupies 18 acres of the beautiful High Weald near Heathfield in East Sussex in England. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the vineyard is set on gentle South East facing slopes with stunning views over to Eastbourne and the South Downs. Two fields on the site were planted with nearly 10,000 vines in May 2015 by Paul and Al Pippard, which have thrived on the sandstone slopes and Sussex sunshine.
On holiday in 2012 we started having one of those ‘what if’ conversations and we decided that it was now or never. On our return we took action to realise a dream of owning a vineyard. We bought some land and planted the vines, setting up the vineyard from bare fields. We run all aspects - growing and tending to the vines, selling and packing up wine for delivery, leading the tours and providing our delicious picnics. Click below to read more about our story including a gallery of pictures from bare fields to our first harvest.
Award-winning wines and tours in a unique and beautiful location
Our still and sparkling wines have won a number of awards including a SILVER at the 2020 Sommelier Wine Awards, a SILVER at the 2020 IWSC, a Bronze for our Riesling 2018, a medium-sweet wine. Case offers available.
“We opened a bottle of your English Sparkling Wine last night. I’d like to say I think it’s the best sparkling wine I’ve ever had! Fresh, fruity, light and citrusy - it’s absolutely stunning!!” Helen, November 2019
Our award-winning wines
Available to buy with discounted delivery and case offers available
During the spring and summer months we run open afternoons and in-depth tours, tastings and stylish picnics to enjoy in a stunning location with fantastic views. These can also be purchased as gift vouchers. We also have a self-guided tour option and free click and collect for wine orders. During the autumn and winter, call Paul in advance to check we are there before popping by - 07870 851138.
“Really lovely vineyard experience. Warm welcome and fascinating tour around this unpretentious family start-up business. Excellent picnic lunch in a beautiful location and delicious wine. Can’t wait to sample their first sparkling wine when it becomes available later this year. Highly recommended!” Susan, August 2019
We have a number of great gift ideas and options including our Lease a Vine packages. These are a great opportunity to get involved; or give a unique and special gift - and offer a unique insight to the vineyard, cool-climate viticulture and an experience to remember. If you are buying as a gift you can add a personalised message at checkout.
OUR WINES
Award-winning Beacon Down wines encapsulate both our style and sustainable approach, where we minimise inputs and intervention wherever possible and deliver a fantastic product for your enjoyment. They are made with attention to detail at every step of the journey - we personally tend the vines year-round in all weather; we ensure precise care in the winery; we taste, finish and package the bottles and we hand-deliver to your door or serve them to you on one of our tour days.
We’ve won a number of awards for our still and sparkling wines and our Blanc De Noirs can also be found in 21 Waitrose stores across the South East as well as on WaitroseCellar.com.
Our sparkling wines are vegan friendly, our still wines use isinglass (fish) as a filter medium.
If you are buying as a gift you will be able to add a message at checkout.
Use code: LOCAL for FREE delivery to these postcodes ——> BN71; BN72; BN85; BN86; TN210; TN218; PE280, plus all Lewes, Brighton and Hove and Heathfield.
VISIT US
Tours, Tastings and Picnics
We love to welcome visitors and are open through the spring and summer. Come and experience our vineyard first hand and enjoy breathtaking views across to the South Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In-depth fully guided tours, including tastings of all the current wines can be booked during the spring and summer. We also also open up the vineyard on Saturday afternoons in August for free tastings, for you to enjoy a relaxed glass of wine and a walk in the vines.
Vouchers for tours and picnics are also available to buy all year round and make a great gift.
Explore Wealden
There is also much to do in the surrounding area for you to make a day, weekend or longer holiday of it in the area - take a look at: www.explorewealden.co.uk.
If you are cycling or fancy an extended walk then you could visit the Cuckoo Trail, 11 miles of former railway track converted into a wildlife-friendly green corridor running from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park.
Herstmonceux Castle and the Observatory Science Centre are around 25 minutes' away - the fantastic moated castle has interiors to explore, an Elizabethan walled garden and tea shop; the Observatory is great fun with its telescopes and large interactive science games. Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s beautiful Jacobean home with National Trust cafe, is only 20 minutes away.
To entertain the kids, you could try Urban Jump Trampoline Park in Heathfield (5 minutes) or the adventure playgrounds, rides, waterplay, and zoo at Knockhatch Adventure Park (15 minutes).
Places to Stay
Should you be looking to stay in the area the following are all highly recommended and can cater for differing numbers of guests. The Old Stables (link) is opposite the vineyard; just round the corner is a charming country house, Spring Farm (link); as is this cosy period cottage (link); and not far away in Heathfield is this lovely vaulted barn. A more extensive list is available if you click here.
Directions
ADDRESS: Beacon Down Vineyard, Browns Lane, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex. TN21 0QJ
GOOGLE MAPS: find the pin on the map
WHAT3WORDS: fetch.cubic.beefed.
Parking is available onsite. The vineyard’s entrance is a farm gate about 300yards on the left down Browns Lane, from Firgrove Road.
If you are visiting us then please do look to use public transport or sharing lifts - public transport or car-pooling will help reduce traffic movements. The nearest bus stop is a 10minute walk along Firgrove Road - the 29A connects Brighton & Hove - Lewes - Uckfield; the 51 joins up to Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne. Other buses include the 195, 225, 318, 331.
SOCIAL
@BEACONDOWNWINES