Helping you discover the best of Britain’s vineyards

Helping you discover the best of Britain’s vineyards
A Guide to Visiting the best Vineyards near Petworth photo 1 A Guide to Visiting the best Vineyards near Petworth photo 2 A Guide to Visiting the best Vineyards near Petworth photo 3 A Guide to Visiting the best Vineyards near Petworth photo 4

A Guide to Visiting the best Vineyards near Petworth

Tucked into the South Downs in West Sussex, Petworth is a small market town with a big reputation for art, antiques, and stately grandeur. Most people know it for Petworth House - a National Trust mansion with one of the UK’s best collections of Turner paintings - but it’s also a charming base if your idea of a good weekend includes wine, wandering and the odd rummage through an antique shop or 30
Best times to visit Return to contents

Petworth is an all-year kind of place, but the surrounding countryside really shines in spring and autumn. The parkland landscaped by Capability Brown is at its best with either lambs or fiery leaves, depending on the season. Summer brings the Petworth Festival (July - music and arts across the town) and the Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair (May/November, link), both of which attract a well-heeled but relaxed crowd. Vineyards nearby are generally open for tastings year-round, though tours are mostly spring-autumn.

The vineyards near Petworth Return to contents

You’re spoiled for choice here: within 15 minutes you can be sipping sparkling wine at Upperton, Kinsbrook, or the world-renowned Nyetimber (though tour dates are limited). Extend your radius to half an hour and Roebuck Estates and Wiston Estate join the party. The theme? Mostly sparkling, and mostly excellent - this corner of Sussex is often compared to Champagne for good reason.

Vineyards to visit from Petworth

Map

Wineries in Petworth Return to contents

All 5 vineyards near Petworth produce their wines on site.

Upperton Vineyards
Upperton Vineyards is dedicated to producing English sparkling wines using traditional methods. Visits are by private appointment.

Roebuck Estates
Roebuck Estates is dedicated to producing exceptional vintage sparkling wines, employing the traditional method. Public tours and tastings are available.

Kinsbrook Vineyard
Kinsbrook farms several vineyard sites across West Sussex, growing varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, and Précoce Pinot Noir . Public tours take in the winery and production area.

Wiston Estate
Home to breathtaking views, wine with royal connections, and surely one of the UK's best vineyard restaurant. Public tours and tastings are available.

Nyetimber
Nyetimber produces traditional-method English sparkling wine using estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier . Public tours take in the winery and production area.

What else is there to do in Petworth? Return to contents

Aside from the vineyards, Petworth is known for antiques - the high street is packed with shops ranging from high-end dealers to bric-a-brac that might yield a treasure after a glass or two. The town itself is picture-perfect, with cobbled lanes, old coaching inns, and easy access to South Downs walks. Petworth House’s deer park is open to wander for free (though there are parking charges if you’re not a National Trust member), and there’s a quiet charm to just poking about.

Where to eat and drink in Petworth Return to contents
  • Budget: Saddlers in Saddler's Row is a cosy cafe perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
  • Create a splash: The Angel Inn - Michelin-recommended fine dining in a 16th-century coaching inn, with a wine list that includes English bottles.
  • Push the boat out: E.Street Bar & Grill - Michelin-recommended dining in buzzy spot serving wood-fired grills, oysters, and cocktails, with a good wine list.

Wine-wise, the area doesn’t yet have a standalone “wine bar” pouring Sussex fizz on tap, but the restaurants above often list bottles from local producers. For picnics or self-catering, The Hungry Guest Food Shop is the local foodie hub, and there’s a small Co-op in town for basics.

Where to stay Return to contents

In town:

The Angel Inn - boutique inn with rooms above the restaurant, from £165 per night.

East House B&B - stylish guesthouse in a Georgian townhouse, from around £120.

For budget, options are slimmer in Petworth itself, but nearby Pulborough Premier Inn does the job if you’re keeping costs down.

The nearest vineyards with accommodation are about a 30-minute drive from Petworth:

Kinsbrook Vineyard Lodges - wooden cabins set right in the vines, from around £190 per night.

Wiston Estate Cottages - rural-chic cottages on the estate, from £150 per night.