Bluebell Vineyard Estates

When	Days	Hours
Tasting Room/Cellar Door	Thu, Fri	11:00–16:00
Tasting Room/Cellar Door	Sat, Sun	11:00–17:00
Vineyard & Woods	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun	See notes

Reconfirmed word-for-word on the site: Tasting Room / Cellar Door Opening Times: Thursday-Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm, plus explicit Drop in and treat yourself to a self-guided wine tasting language and Vineyard & Woods normally open 7 days a week. Guided Tour & Tasting remains a separate bookable product.

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

What's the vibe?

Set within bluebell woods on the edge of Ashdown Forest, this Sussex estate spans nearly 100 acres across East and West Sussex. The mood is unhurried and welcoming - whether you're dropping in for a self-guided tasting, joining a guided tour, or simply walking the trails with a picnic and a bottle from the cellar door.

Opening Hours: The Tasting Room/Cellar Door is open Thursday to Friday 11am–4pm, and Saturday to Sunday 11am–5pm. Bank Holiday Mondays are also open from 11am–4pm. The vineyard and woodland trails are open seven days a week during the growing season.

Tours & Tastings: Drop-in self-guided tastings are available during Tasting Room opening hours - no booking needed. Guided tours (which include a tasting) and wine and cheese pairing experiences are available but must be booked in advance via the website.

Self-Guided Walks: Visitors are welcome to enjoy self-guided walks through the vineyard and woodlands. Three distinct trails, ranging from 15 minutes to one hour, start at the Tasting Room where maps are provided. These walks do not require pre-booking and are open during the growing season.

Food & Drink: There is no restaurant or cafe on-site, but visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy from the terraced seating area overlooking the vines. Pick up a bottle from the cellar door to accompany your food. The nearby Butler's Pantry at Heaven Farm offers dining options.

Accommodation: There is self-catering accommodation available on-site, offered through Airbnb and set within the vineyard grounds - a rare option for those who want to extend their stay. Check the website for availability and details.

Special Events: Bluebell Vineyard Estates offers venue hire for weddings and private functions.

Dogs & Children: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the estate, including on the vineyard and woodland trails. Children are equally welcome, and families are encouraged to make a day of it with a picnic on the terrace.

Bluebell Vineyard Estates specialises in producing award-winning English Sparkling Wines using the traditional method, cultivating classic Champagne grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Seyval Blanc. Since 2019, the vineyard has also released still wines under their 'Ashdown' range, featuring varietals like Merlot, Chasselas, Ortega, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, and Riesling.

Across nearly 100 acres of vines stretching across East and West Sussex, the estate first planted in 2005 and made its first commercial release from the 2007 vintage. The wines are produced in an on-site winery under the guidance of winemaker Kevin Sutherland, with each blend finalised to reflect the character of the vintage.

The range has accumulated over a hundred national and international awards. In 2016, the Hindleap Winemaker's Classic Blend 2010 was named Best Sparkling Wine, and at the WineGB Awards 2023, the estate took three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal - with the Hindleap Rosé 2016 earning the Trophy for Best Sparkling Rosé.

By Car: Bluebell Vineyard Estates is located on Sliders Lane, off the A275, approximately two miles north of The Bluebell Railway at Sheffield Park. Ample free parking is available on-site. The vineyard is about a 40-minute drive from Brighton and an hour and a half from London via the M25 and M23. For precise directions, typing "Bluebell Vineyard Estates" into your preferred navigation app is recommended.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Haywards Heath, which has direct connections to London, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton. The vineyard is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey from Haywards Heath station.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

• Notable Restaurants:
  • The Butler's Pantry at Heaven Farm: Located very close by, this farm kitchen and bar focuses on local Sussex produce, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and a restaurant. https://thebutlerspantrysussex.co.uk/
• Notable Hotels:
  • Gravetye Manor: A historic 4-star country house hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, set within expansive gardens, offering a luxurious stay. https://www.gravetyemanor.co.uk/
• Notable Attractions:
  • Bluebell Railway: Experience a nostalgic journey on vintage steam trains through the Sussex countryside. https://www.bluebell-railway.com/
  • Sheffield Park and Garden: Explore a magnificent landscaped garden and parkland, known for its stunning seasonal colours, especially in autumn. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden