Rowfant Vineyard

Opening hours vary - check the vineyard's website before visiting, as they can close for private events or change seasonally.

What's the vibe?

Rowfant Vineyard is a charming, small family-run estate with a strong commitment to working in harmony with nature. Adding to its unique character are Patsy and Patrick, two rescue donkeys who oversee the vineyard.

Tours and Tastings: Rowfant Vineyard offers a combined vineyard tour and tasting from July to September. The experience begins with a relaxed walk through the vines, where you can discover how the vineyard operates, followed by a tasting of the wines. Sessions last around 1.5 hours and are priced from £16 per person. Booking is required - tickets are available via the vineyard website.

On-site Facilities: There is no restaurant, café, or accommodation directly on site. Please also note that there are no toilet facilities on site, so plan accordingly before your visit.

Accessibility: The tour takes place on working vineyard terrain, which can be uneven in places. The vineyard has partial accessibility - if you have any mobility or access concerns, get in touch with the team before your visit so they can talk through the available options with you.

Rowfant Vineyard specializes in still wines, having planted just over 4000 Bacchus vines in April 2021. Bacchus is a grape variety well-suited to the UK climate, often likened to Sauvignon Blanc for its superb taste. The vineyard's first vintage, from the 2024 harvest, is now available.

The vineyard adopts a sustainable approach, emphasizing environmental stewardship in their practices. While they highlight their commitment to working alongside the environment, no specific organic or regenerative certifications are mentioned. Rowfant Vineyard works with an external winemaker, Kevin at Bluebell, to produce their wines.

By Car: The vineyard is easily accessible by car, located in Rowfant, West Sussex.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Three Bridges. From there, it's approximately a 4-minute taxi ride to the vineyard area.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

Here are a couple of notable places to visit in the vicinity of Rowfant Vineyard:

• Vineyards:
  • Kingscote Estate & Vineyard: Located near East Grinstead, this estate offers vineyard tours, wine tastings, and has a wine shop and cafe. They produce a variety of still and sparkling wines.
  • Bolney Wine Estate: As one of England's oldest vineyards, Bolney offers a range of award-winning still and sparkling wines, with tours, a restaurant, and a shop.
• Restaurants:
  • The Black Swan: A charming country pub in Pease Pottage, just minutes from Crawley, offering traditional pub fare and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
  • Smith & Western - Tilgate Park: Situated within Tilgate Park, this American-themed restaurant offers generous portions in a lively setting.
• Hotels:
  • Gravetye Manor: A luxury country house hotel near East Grinstead, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive historic gardens.
  • Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa: This five-star hotel in Turners Hill offers luxurious accommodation, an award-winning spa, and fine dining options set within 120 acres of parkland.
• Attractions:
  • Wakehurst Place: Owned by the National Trust and managed by Kew Gardens, this site features a historic mansion, stunning botanic gardens, and the Millennium Seed Bank.
  • Tilgate Park: A large recreational park in Crawley with lakes, woodlands, a nature centre, and various activities, perfect for families.