Ambriel

This vineyard is open by appointment only. Contact them directly to arrange a visit.

Reservations required for all visits

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Ambriel offers a truly personal and engaging vineyard experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the South Downs. Expect a warm welcome and a chilled glass from owners who are deeply hands-on in every aspect of their boutique winery.

Bookings: Tours and tastings at Ambriel are by appointment only. Both standard and bespoke private tours of the vineyard and winery are available.Opening Hours: Ambriel Sparkling is open throughout the year for tours and tastings.

Restaurant/Cafe: There is no restaurant on site.

Special Events: The vineyard can host private events, including picnics, banquets, and corporate away days, either in the vineyard, winery, or tasting barn.

Accommodation: There is no accommodation directly on site.

Children/Dogs: Children are welcome on private tours and tastings if arranged in advance, but are not permitted on public tours or tastings due to the focus on wine. Dogs are also welcome on Private Tours and Tastings, but not on standard public visits.

Tastings and Tours: Three experiences are available, all requiring advance booking. A standalone Tasting (from £20 per person, 30 minutes) lets you sip four sparkling wines in the tasting barn or on the garden terrace. The Tour and Tasting (from £30 per person, 1 hour) adds a walk through the vineyard and winery. For something more personal, the Private Tour and Tasting (from £40 per person, 1 hour 30 minutes) can be hosted by the owners or winemaker. Book via the visits page.

Cellar Door and Wine Club: A 10% cellar door discount applies to purchases made on the day. Ambriel also runs a wine club with two tiers: Sipsters receive one bottle per delivery at a frequency of their choice, with a 10% discount and two complimentary tasting tickets. Fizzicists receive a case of six bottles, free delivery, four Tour and Tasting tickets, and access to Library wine tastings. No joining fee; cancel any time.

Private Hire: The vineyard, winery, and tasting barn are all available for private hire. Occasions catered for include picnics, banquets, corporate away days, and charitable events. Bespoke private tours hosted by the owners or winemaker can also be arranged.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available adjacent to the winery buildings.

Ambriel specialises in producing Traditional Method English Sparkling Wines, made exclusively from estate-grown grapes. The vineyards are planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier - the classic Champagne triumvirate - which thrive on Ambriel's warm, free-draining greensand soils. The range includes a Classic Cuvée, Huzzah Rosé, an English Reserve (Demi-Sec), Blanc de Noirs, and Blanc de Blancs, all made in the on-site winery for full control from vine to bottle.

The estate was planted in 2008 by Charles and Wendy Outhwaite, who came to winemaking from unconventional first careers. Their division of labour is neat: Wendy grows the grapes, Charles ferments them, and blending is done together. Ambriel wines have earned recognition at the IWSC (Classic Cuvée Brut NV, Silver 2020) and featured in Decanter World Wine Awards tasting sets.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the operation. The vineyard holds carbon-neutral certification and practises regenerative viticulture - no insecticides or herbicides are used, wild flowers are encouraged, and a small flock of Ouessant sheep graze the vineyard floor through winter. The winery runs on green energy and is designed to minimise heating and cooling needs, with zero waste as a guiding aim.

The vineyard occupies a south-facing hillside within the South Downs National Park, with sweeping views across the Downs. The greensand geology - rare, warm, and free-draining - is a key part of what gives Ambriel's wines their character.

By Car: The vineyard address is Redfold Vineyards, Nutbourne Lane, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 2HS. Your sat nav should guide you, but detailed directions from Billingshurst or Pulborough are available on their website. Free on-site parking is available next to the winery buildings.

By Train: Ambriel sits equidistant between Billingshurst and Pulborough stations, each around a 10-minute drive away. Trains from London Victoria run approximately every 30 minutes, with a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. There are no taxis waiting at either station, so it is essential to pre-book one before you travel. Local taxi services include South Downs Taxis and Pulborough Taxis.

By Bike: Cyclists are welcome at Ambriel.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

Notable Restaurants

• The Countryman Inn: A multi-award-winning rural pub and restaurant in Shipley, known for serving delicious food made from fresh, local ingredients in a cosy atmosphere. Visit website.
• Chalk Restaurant: Located within the Wiston Estate in Pulborough, Chalk offers a unique fine dining experience showcasing the best of Sussex's seasonal produce, with many ingredients sourced directly from the estate. Visit website.

Notable Hotels

• The Roundabout Hotel: Situated near Pulborough, this charming hotel offers a traditional country experience with local cuisine and beautiful gardens, just a short drive from the South Downs National Park. View on Booking.com.
• Amberley Castle: A magnificent 900-year-old castle transformed into a luxury hotel, offering a unique stay steeped in history with elegant rooms and grounds, located at the foot of the South Downs. Visit website.

Notable Attractions

• South Downs National Park: England's newest National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, extensive walking trails, and diverse wildlife, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit website.
• Arundel Castle: A stunning, restored medieval castle in Arundel, featuring over 850 years of history, magnificent architecture, and beautiful gardens overlooking the River Arun. Visit website.