Charles Palmer Vineyards

Each bottle here receives a hand-applied label, personally infused with the owner's anguish and pride.

https://www.charlespalmervineyards.co.uk

Wickham Rock Lane, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4AG, England. Get directions

Nearest station: Winchelsea (1.8 miles).
Approx walking time: 40 minutes.

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Award-winning

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Charles Palmer Vineyards offers a refined and historic vineyard experience, nestled within the beautiful East Sussex countryside. Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with sweeping views, centred around the charming 16th-century Wickham Manor.

Visiting information

Cellar Door: The cellar door is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday including Bank Holiday Mondays from 12pm to 4pm. You can drop in to purchase wine or enjoy a glass overlooking the vineyards without pre-booking. During colder months, indoor seating with a log burner is available.Tours & Tastings: Guided wine tastings and tours of the on-site winery require pre-booking. Options include:

Guided 3-wine tasting at 11am (Wed-Sat)
Wine & Cheese Experience (4 wines paired with local cheeses) at 1pm (Wed-Sat) or 12pm (Sunday)
Guided 4-wine tasting at 3pm (Wed-Sat) or 2pm (Sunday)

Special Events: The vineyard hosts various events throughout the year, some requiring pre-booking and some open for spontaneous visits. Check their social media for current happenings. "Signature vineyard feast lunches" by Vine + Country can be pre-booked, and private chefs are available for tailored dining experiences. Picnic hampers are also offered daily.
Accommodation: Accommodation is available on-site at the beautifully restored Wickham Manor, a 16th-century National Trust property which offers bed and breakfast. This historic manor has also served as a film set for "Mr Holmes" and "The Crown".
Accessibility: Supervised children are welcome. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on a lead in the Cellar Door and outside on the premises. In drier months, a 25-minute vineyard trail is open for visitors to stroll through the vines.

The Wine

Charles Palmer Vineyards produces a focused range of both sparkling and still English wines. Their traditional method sparkling wines include a Classic Cuvée Brut (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir), Rosé Brut (100% Pinot Noir), Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), and a Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir). Since 2018, they have also been crafting still Pinot Noir, responding to the constantly warming climate. The estate cultivates specific clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and also a new hybrid variety, Sauvignac.

The wines have garnered acclaim, with their Blanc de Blancs 2014, for example, winning a Platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. One of their wines has also been served at The Black Swan at Oldstead, a highly regarded restaurant.

The vineyard practices what they describe as a "minimum intervention" or "sustainable agriculture" approach, aiming for low sulphur input and relying on natural yeasts where possible. They prioritize the health of their vines through innovative pruning and low planting density to encourage airflow, minimizing the need for fungicides. Charles Palmer Vineyards maintains a philosophy of working in harmony with the landscape, returning all organic matter back into the vineyard after harvest.

The estate boasts its own on-site winery, where winemakers Charles and his son Robert Palmer have been producing all their wines in-house since the 2017 vintage, ensuring meticulous attention to detail from grape to bottle.

Getting here

By Car: Charles Palmer Vineyards is located in Winchelsea, East Sussex, postcode TN36 4AG.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Rye, approximately 5 miles away. A taxi from Rye station typically takes around 11 minutes. Some tour packages may include transport from local accommodation or train stations.

What's nearby

Discover more of the charming East Sussex region around Charles Palmer Vineyards:

Other Vineyards:
- Oxney Organic Estate: As the UK's largest organic vineyard, Oxney offers tours, tastings, and on-site accommodation, focusing on sustainable viticulture.
- Tillingham: Known for its natural wines, this estate features a restaurant and rooms, providing a unique experience with views over the countryside.
Notable Restaurants:
- The George in Rye: A beautifully reimagined 16th-century coaching inn in the heart of Rye, offering a refined dining experience.
- Webbe's at the Fish Café: Located in Rye, renowned for its fresh, locally sourced fish and vibrant atmosphere.
Notable Hotels:
- The George in Rye: A stylish and historic hotel providing a luxurious retreat in the centre of medieval Rye.
- The Mermaid Inn: One of England's oldest and most historic inns in Rye, with parts dating back to the 12th century, offering a unique stay.
Notable Attractions:
- Historic Rye Town: Explore the charming cobbled streets, independent shops, and medieval architecture of this ancient Cinque Port town.
- Camber Sands: A vast, beautiful sandy beach popular for walks and watersports, located a short drive from the vineyard.