Nutbourne Vineyards is a family-owned, single-estate winery in the heart of West Sussex, renowned for producing outstanding still and sparkling wines that capture the unique character of its South Downs terroir. First planted in 1979, the vineyard was acquired by the Gladwin family in 1991 and has since been expanded and nurtured into one of the finest boutique wine estates in the South East.

The 24-acre vineyard benefits from an ideal growing environment: a warm, sheltered microclimate, gentle south-facing slopes, and fertile green sand soils shared with much of the Champagne region. Across the estate, three trellising systems—Guyot, Scott Henry and Geneva Double Curtain—support eight grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc for sparkling blends, rosé and red wines, as well as Bacchus, Huxelrebe and Reichensteiner for aromatic white wines such as the signature Sussex Reserve. All vines are hand-tended throughout the year, with meticulous pruning in winter and careful canopy management in summer before harvest in September or October.

From grape to glass, every aspect of winemaking takes place on the estate. The Gladwins follow a minimal-intervention philosophy, allowing the vineyard’s character to shine through. Grapes are pressed, fermented, bottled, and—when needed—disgorged and finished for sparkling wines entirely on site. Production averages around 50,000 bottles per year, with an oak barrel room for fermentation and an underground cave for ageing vintage sparkling wines. Winemaking is led by Gregory Gladwin, supported by his father Peter and consultant Emma Rice.

The estate is very much a living, working family farm. Visitors may find Peter leading tours and tastings, Bridget arranging flowers or welcoming guests at the cellar door, Gregory tending the vines or working in the winery, Oliver cooking seasonal dishes in the outdoor kitchen, or Richard pairing Nutbourne wines with Local & Wild cuisine at special events. Together, the family grow, harvest, bottle and share their wines—bringing the spirit of the English countryside to life.