Tinwood Estate
The luxury lodges at this special vineyard are as private as
they are beautifully-appointed, offering the perfect setting
to relax with a glass or two of Tinwood’s fabulous fizz
as the sun sets over the vines.
Close to Goodwood, Chichester, the sandy beaches of the Witterings, and with forest walks and mountain bike trails
on your doorstep, a wine weekend here has the
makings of a longer staycation.
they are beautifully-appointed, offering the perfect setting
to relax with a glass or two of Tinwood’s fabulous fizz
as the sun sets over the vines.
Close to Goodwood, Chichester, the sandy beaches of the Witterings, and with forest walks and mountain bike trails
on your doorstep, a wine weekend here has the
makings of a longer staycation.
The 85-acre estate, owned and managed by the Tukker family was formerly a lettuce farm. Having made the decision to swap lettuces for vines in 2007, the estate is now home to 65 acres of vines.
For any wine nerds out there, the flint in the ground here helps to drain rain away from the vines, whilst the soil’s chalky base is perfect for cool-climate wines; and being only three miles from the sea, fresh breezes keep frost and moisture at bay. The vineyard has been planted with traditional sparkling wine in mind, with 50% Chardonnay grapes, 30% Pinot Noir and the remaining 20% with Meunier.
In 2013, Tinwood’s cellar door opened and in 2016, the family created luxury lodges for guests to relax in and stay overnight amongst the vines . By 2019, a larger state-of-the-art tasting room was built creating a bona fide and unique wine tourism experience in the South Downs.
The Tukkers live and work at the vineyard, so don’t be surprised to bump into one of the family, or their golden Labradors – Bubbles and Fizz – on a tour or tasting.
THE WINE
Made from the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes grown on the estate, the wines here are all sparkling, with a Brut, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs.
The 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs is the driest of the Tinwood wines, with notes of fresh green apple, citrus and honey rolling into a lovely long brioche finish supported by that famous English acidic backbone.
The Chardonnay dominant Brut, is supported by Pinot Noir and Meunier. This is slightly fuller bodied and more complex than the Blanc de Blancs, adding melon and more classical hints of toast to the palate.
The sparkling Rosé is a pink bubbling sensation, its Pinot Noir dominance expressive with notes of raspberry and red currant, followed by a perfectly English strawberry and cream finish.
WINING & DINING
There is no restaurant at Tinwood, however the (still relatively new) tasting room makes for a great afternoon out.
The tours and tastings here are varied, one offering being the most English of traditions, a walk (around the vineyards), a tipple (tasting sparkling wines) and afternoon tea (a delectable selection of savoury and sweet treats).
Other tours and tastings include a choice of cheese platters or a selection of canapés.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE VINES
Almost Scandi in design, the three vineyard lodges are beautifully appointed and perfectly positioned with a view over the vines and setting sun. Each lodge comes with its own huge Jacuzzi bath (what better way to enjoy a glass of sparkling), as well as barrel saunas outside for cooler evenings.
There are complimentary mountain bikes to explore and best of all, the extra-large king-size beds sound super cosy to curl up in with a coffee the next morning. Oh, and did we mention they are dog friendly too.
OUT & ABOUT
This is walking country, with trails over the farm and into the National Park, Goodwood is only a short drive away, and within ten minutes’ drive of the Estate there are no less than eight pubs and restaurants.
In nearby Chichester, art lovers will be spoilt for choice with the modern art museum, Pallant House Gallery, which champions British art from 1900 to modern times across 20 galleries in a stunning Queen Anne townhouse.
History buffs can make for the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace Gardens . For walkers, there’s the ancient forest of Kingley Vale, filled with some of the oldest living trees in the country, archaeological sites and unique flora including more than 10 types of orchids.
Friends and family will love the Weald and Downland Living Museum in Singleton, this open-air museum has 40 acres to discover, with buildings dating back to 950 AD..
For those who want to taste even more local wines, new this year, a hop-on-hop-off bus service is available between several Sussex vineyards. Organised by Great British Wine Tours, the bus links three vineyards and a brewery around the village of Ditchling with services running to and from Brighton, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill train stations.
LOCATION
Found on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just a stone’s throw to Goodwood Estate, you’re in the centre of West Sussex and all it can offer when you stay at Tinwood,.
Tinwood is approximately two hours’ drive from London and 10 minutes from Chichester train station (1 ½ hours by train from London).
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Vineyard Lodges start from £225 per night and include breakfast (based on two guests sharing). If you’re a guest, your discounted vineyard tour and wine tasting with cheese is £45 for two.
*Experiences, packages, prices and dining venues are subject to change, advanced reservations are required for tours, events and accommodation.
