Court Garden Vineyard

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

All visit types (guided tours, self-guided tours, self-guided picnic tours) are booked via an online tour calendar - no shop or walk-in option found on fetched pages (home, vineyard-tours, contact-us).

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

What's the vibe?

Court Garden Vineyard offers a warm and welcoming experience at a family-run, single-estate vineyard nestled on a south-facing slope with the picturesque South Downs as its backdrop. It’s a place where passion for winemaking meets a beautiful, serene setting.

Can you pop in for a drink or do you need to pre-book a tour? Pre-booking experiences is essential, as walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Tour dates: Tours are available most Saturdays throughout the year, with specific dates and times available for online booking.

Is it open year-round? Yes, tours run for much of the year on Saturdays. A special Autumn and Winter Winery Experience is also offered seasonally.

Tour prices: Self-guided vineyard tours start from £23.50 per person. Guided vineyard and sparkling wine tours start from £27.50 per person. A wines and cheese tour - pairing Court Garden's range with Sussex cheeses - is available from £37.50 per person. Tours last approximately two hours.

Restaurant or cafe on site: There is no restaurant or cafe, but visitors can pre-book a homemade picnic lunch to enjoy on site, available from around £19.75 per person between 1:00 and 2:00pm on Saturdays.

What kind of special events are there? The vineyard hosts a range of events including choral evenings, author talks, and charity fundraising evenings, as well as private hire for weddings and other occasions in their Sussex barn.

Accommodation on site: There is no accommodation on site.

Can dogs come? Dogs are welcome at the vineyard. The self-guided tour option is particularly well suited to those bringing a dog, as it allows you to set your own pace around the estate.

Facilities: The vineyard features an on-site tasting room, vineyard walking trails, covered outdoor seating, free parking, and is wheelchair accessible. The site sits on a south-facing slope, so some paths may be uneven; visitors with specific access requirements are advised to contact the vineyard in advance.

Court Garden Vineyard is a single-estate producer known for its award-winning English Sparkling Wines, hand-crafted using traditional Champagne varieties. The primary grapes grown are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Beyond sparkling wines, Court Garden also produces a range of still wines under their 'Ditchling' label, including white, rosé, and red varieties, utilizing grapes such as Pinot Gris, Ortega, Pinot Blanc, and Rondo. They even cultivate rare old Champagne varieties like Arbanne and Petit Meslier.

The vineyard has garnered numerous national and international accolades for its wines. Notable achievements include a Gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2021, and two prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) trophies in 2015 for Best English Sparkling and Best English Vintage, awarded to their 2010 Blanc de Blancs. The 2015 Blanc de Blancs also received Silver medals at the IWSC and Decanter World Wine Awards in 2020. Their Classic Cuvée has consistently won awards, including Silver at Decanter World Wine Awards and IWSC in 2019.

Court Garden operates its own winery on site, where grapes are pressed within 150 metres of the vineyard, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The vineyard is committed to environmentally friendly viticulture and minimal intervention practices. They foster biodiversity by maintaining ancient woodlands and hedgerows, creating wildflower meadows and ponds, and using sheep to manage grass growth.

Address: Court Gardens Farm, Orchard Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex, BN6 8TH.

By Car
There is plenty of free parking available on site. The vineyard is approximately a 30-minute drive from Brighton.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Burgess Hill, which is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the vineyard. Alternatively, Hassocks station is accessible via a 5-minute taxi ride or a 40-minute walk (a shortcut away from the main road is available). Hassocks station is on the main London to Brighton line.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

• Notable Restaurants:
  • The Bull (Ditchling): A charming country pub offering good food and featuring boutique rooms, recognized in the Michelin Guide.
  • The Fig Tree (Hurstpierpoint): An elegant dining venue in a picturesque village, known for its fresh, seasonal dishes made with local produce.
• Notable Hotels:
  • South Lodge Hotel (Horsham): A luxurious country house hotel offering breathtaking views, an acclaimed spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Ockenden Manor (Cuckfield): A fine Elizabethan manor house set in beautiful grounds, providing a luxurious country retreat with an outstanding restaurant and spa.
• Notable Attractions:
  • Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft (Ditchling): Located nearby, this excellent museum showcases the work of renowned local artists and craftspeople.
  • Ditchling Beacon: The highest point in East Sussex, offering panoramic views across the South Downs and beyond.