Bluebell Vineyard Estates

26/11/2023

Today is your last chance to save 40% across our range of still & sparkling wines. The sale is live online and in our Tasting Room and ends at midnight tonight!

https://bluebellwines.com/collections/all-wines

23/11/2023

BLACK FRIDAY 40% discount in store and online - 24th, 25th & 26th only.
https://bluebellwines.com/

02/11/2023

Thank you to our harvest team, it has been another great year! Looking forward to tasting another beautiful vintage together. 😍

02/11/2023

Thank you to our harvest team, its been another great year! Looking forward to tasting another beautiful vintage together.

27/10/2023

27/10/2023

30% off all wine this weekend only. Use code HARVEST2023 online or in person at the vineyard!

12/10/2023

As our 2023 harvest begins to come to its close we wanted to extend a huge thank you to all who have been a part of the creation of this fabulous vintage as well as letting you all know the final few ways you can get involved. To our wonderful pickers, we offer a huge gratitude and we will be in touch soon to invite you to our end of Harvest celebration. It has been so incredible getting to know so many of you in the vines and we hope to see you there. 

 If you haven't yet had the chance to get stuck in with Harvest and are still looking to, it is not too late. We have the following events running this weekend.

 14th October Grape Treading: Has it always been on your wine-bucket list to make your own wine by treading grapes? Join us for a traditional approach to pressing (squashing) the fruit. Arrive between 10-12am, head out with our field team to harvest a picking tray full of grapes. Then head up to our winery to join our winemaking team as you press the grapes using the stomping method - you can even try the juice if it tempts you! When the wine is ready, we will send you a bottle of an Ashdown Still picked and pressed by your group.

15th October Volunteer Day: Come and volunteer at the Bluebell Vineyard for a day of harvesting in the vines. Join our field team from 8-5 as they pick our 2023 Vintage. We will be picking come rain or shine so be sure to be prepped for the weather and bring along your packed lunch. Secure your place now so that we can set aside a bottle of wine for you!

 If you are interested in booking or further information please have a look on the Tours, Tastings and Events section on our website as we would love to see you there.

https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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11/10/2023

Beautiful memories were created for all who attended the Shine bright event.

The vineyard was illuminated amidst our woodland setting, with magical entertainment along the trail to commemorate.

Becky and the team at St. Peter & St. James Hospice worked passionately to make this event truly memorable. It was a pleasure to support this flagship event. ✨
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03/10/2023

On a lovely afternoon, as the sun cast its warm glow upon the vineyards, family and friends came together for a delightful harvest day. 🌄

They were there to pick the Chardonnay grapes, which were in the midst of veraison, turning into a beautiful array of colours, just waiting to be handpicked. 🍇
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28/09/2023

We are currently bottling our Multi Vintage Classic Cuvee, composed of 5 different vintages - including last year's, which makes up around 40% of the blend.

At this point the wine has been through primary fermentation and has an alcohol content around 10.5%. Now we add sugar and yeast to the tank, mix and gradually pump to our filling unit, once filled to a desired level they are moved to the table and are given a crown cap - gold in this case, which will remain until we disgorge.

Once bottled, secondary fermentation will take place, converting that sugar into carbon dioxide which will dissolve back into the wine giving us bubbles and an alcohol content of 12%.

The pallets with cardboard between the layers are how we receive bottles from our manufacturer, each holding 1200 or so. On a good day we can go through 8 or 9 pallets.

Once capped they are laid in stillages/cages until we feel the wine becomes balanced, saporous and expresses notes we desire. Each stillage contains around 500 bottles and will remain full until the disgorging process begins in 3+ years.
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26/09/2023

The 2023 harvest season began over the weekend here at Bluebell vineyard. 🍇🍇

Our dedicated field team, along with a group of enthusiastic volunteers, have been hard at work gathering grapes at our picturesque Home View site.
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23/09/2023

Exciting News! We're thrilled to introduce fresh editions of beloved classics to elevate your wine experience.

Ashdown Bacchus 2022 - Tangy and refreshing, this vintage is bursting with aromas of peach, pear, lime, and baked apples, harmonized with a tropical palate featuring notes of nectarine, melon, and white mango.

Classic Cuvée NV Magnum - A 150cl classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Straw gold with fine bubbles boasting aromas of baked apples, brioche, and elderflower, leading to lime, red apple skin, mandarin spice, and pastry on the palate. A long lingering finish makes it the perfect aperitif.

These exceptional vintages are currently available from our website and cellar door. Enjoy a taste of pure excellence!
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19/09/2023

Join us for a traditional wine treading experience on the 14th of October. 🍇

Follow the link below to book your ticket:
https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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18/09/2023

Join us for our next open mic night on Friday the 29th of September! 🎤

Don't miss out on an evening of entertainment from talented local musicians & vocalists, complimented by our award winning wines, local beers, spirits & soft drinks.

We are delighted that The Safari Pizza Co Pizzeria & Wine Bar will be joining us between 6-9 and serving their delicious pizzas.

Please follow the link below to pre order your pizza 🍕.
https://order.tucktrucks.co.uk/vendor/safari-pizza
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Set amidst bluebell-strewn woods from which the vineyard derives its name, Bluebell Vineyard Estates

15/09/2023

It was a pleasure to be back at the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club this year, and serve our wines for the teams participating in the golf day. 🥂⛳

The sun shone across the course for this event, which was held in support of Mind the mental health charity and sported .
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11/09/2023

Staff favourites - IAN BUGGINS – Field Worker – Hindleap Rose 2016

For long days of working in the field, Ian is the perfect companion as he has the most fantastic stories for every occasion. Kind hearted with witty humour, he keeps our field team thoroughly entertained.  

Outside of the vineyard Ian can be found completing DIY projects, gardening and enjoying weekends away.

He likes the Hindleap Rose because it “looks really nice in the bottle, I’ve found that it’s a wonderful gift for family and friends. The perfect drink to share with loved ones before a meal”
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10/09/2023

The weekend at Bluebell Vineyard was busy with tours & tastings, and people dropping in to enjoy our award winning wines.

The weather was just perfect for enjoying our sparkling and still wines on our decking, which offers stunning views. ☀️🥂

Customers had a great time exploring our shaded woodland walks and afterwards indulging in our boozy sorbets and ice creams.

Book online on our website to book your tour & tasting.
https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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08/09/2023

A busy day at Battersea Arts Centre for 's Trade & Press tasting on Tuesday.
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06/09/2023

Bluebell Vineyard Estates extends a warm invitation to join us in the 2023 harvest season. You have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in this year's vintage during our Volunteer Days. On both the 24th and 29th of September, we invite you to partake in the grape harvesting experience, from 8 AM to 5 PM, with a one-hour break included. 🍇

Come rain or shine, we'll be out in the vineyard, so please ensure you are well-prepared for varying weather conditions and don't forget to bring a packed lunch. We kindly request that you inform us of your intention to join, and as a token of our appreciation, we'll set aside a bottle of our finest wine for you!

To join us please sign up on our website https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling.

Or contact our office at [email protected] or call 01825 791561.
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04/09/2023

Fantastic evening at Bluebell Vineyard for the St Peter & St James Hospice music festival. It is always truly magical to witness the vineyard come to life in the evening as the sun sets over the ponds and estate. Grizzly Bear Events added a special touch, transforming the atmosphere beautifully.

Throughout the evening, we were treated to the talents of fantastic musicians who created an amazing vibe. Our great friends from Bestens Brewery kept the beers flowing, while Miall's Sorbet delighted us with her Boozy sorbets and Boozy ice creams. Resident Pheasant also added to the culinary delight with her delicious chocolate creations and ice creams.

There was a diverse range of food vendors on hand, including Twisted Toppings Pizza , OX Burger , and Alfresco Fish And Chips Van , ensuring that everyone's taste buds were satisfied and let's not forget our award-winning wines served on the lawns; our award-winning sparkling Rose was a definite crowd-pleaser on this sunny evening.

Its always a great pleasure to support St. Peter & St. James Hospice and a special thanks to Chaily tractor club for helping out with the logistics on the day.
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31/08/2023

We were delighted to host a private birthday picnic celebration at the Vineyard on Saturday.

Picnic perfect bespoke furnature was provided by Skinner Designs and guests enjoyed our award winning wines, and servings of delicious ice cream from Resident Pheasant in the sunshine.

For private party bookings email [email protected].
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28/08/2023

Join us for an another evening of live music at the vineyard!

Bring your instruments and perform, or enjoy the Sussex countryside views and local entertainment with our award winning wine, locally sourced beers & spirits or selection of soft drinks. 🥂🍻🥤
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27/08/2023

It was a pleasure to host this wonderful birthday celebration at the vineyard last weekend.

The sun was shining, the wine was flowing, and it was so much fun to have our first silent disco at the vineyard. 🎈🥂

To book your bespoke event at the vineyard please contact:
[email protected]
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24/08/2023

We've been busy putting up new signage for our woodland walks with Firestory Events at Bluebell Vineyard. Join us as we invite you to explore the beauty of our vineyard and woodlands. Pick up a map from our tasting room and embark on a leisurely stroll along our trails, which wind past our ponds, provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, and offer spectacular views of the surrounding Sussex countryside.

After your adventure, treat yourself to our award winning wines, soft drinks or indulge in a delightful sorbet or ice cream. Children and dogs welcome, no admission fee, gates open from 10am until 5pm. 🥂
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23/08/2023

New date released for our cocktail evening at the vineyard with Booze-by-Bowe . 🍸🥂

Ticket price includes a glass of our sparkling Seyval Blanc on arrival, four hand crafted cocktails and live music throughout the evening. 🍹

Follow the link below to book your space!
https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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23/08/2023

From this bank holiday weekend at Bluebell Vineyard, we are offering delightful local sorbets and ice creams from two Lindfield-based businesses. Miall's crafts Boozy Sorbets and Boozy Ice Creams, while Resident Pheasant specialises in Ice Creams & Chocolate bars with attitude.

Miall’s Boozy handcrafts her products just down the road in Lindfield, using high-quality, natural ingredients. Two of her sorbet options are the Ashdown Rose and Hindleap Blanc de Blancs. These have proved popular at the vineyard, and we are eager to introduce more of Miall’s wonderful creations, including a wider range of sorbets and her new boozy ice creams. Importantly, all Miall's Boozy’s offerings contain real alcohol and avoid artificial ingredients which results in a premium product.

Additionally, we are thrilled to be selling ice cream with attitude from our local favourite Resident Pheasant, also made locally in Lindfield. Her range boasts a rainbow of delicious flavours, each bursting with fresh ingredients. Currently, our customers are raving about her wonderful chocolate bars, which are eco-friendly, ethical and totally delicious, these have been a big hit at the vineyard. 🍨🍫

It's truly fantastic to have such exceptional local suppliers right on our doorstep, crafting these fabulous products for your enjoyment.
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20/08/2023

During the initial stages of flowering, small grape buds form at the tips, enclosed by protective calyptra petals. As calyptra sheds, pollen is released, landing on the stigma and kickstarting berry development. Successful flowering follows as more calyptra sheds.

Next comes veraison, the shift from berry growth to ripening. The berries, previously hard like pebbles and intensely sour, transition at different rates, turning from green to green and red, eventually revealing rich red and purple hues. They soften, fill with juice and sugars, and develop desired flavours, known as phenolic ripeness.

Monitoring berry development is crucial for disease control and ensuring a high-quality crop. It also guides when to harvest and informs winemaking decisions, as winemaking is a true labour of love. 🍇
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18/08/2023

Explore our exclusive wine case deals, available both online and at our cellar door, showcasing the best of Hindleap Sparkling and Ashdown still wines.

Plus, don't miss our limited edition Blanc de Blancs winemaker's case, featuring the finest vintages of this exceptional wine. 🥂

See our website for purchases: https://bluebellwines.com/collections/case-deals/Case-Deals

or visit our cellar door!
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17/08/2023

Join us on the 26th and 28th of August for our picnic in the vines experience. In collaboration with The Wealden Kitchen & High Weald Dairy . 🥪🥂

Follow link to book!
https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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15/08/2023

Staff Favourites
KEVIN SUTHERLAND – Winemaker – 2014 Blanc de Blancs

Kevin’s extensive wine knowledge and charming humour makes him a hit at every event or tasting he attends. He was born in Kaikohe in New Zealand but moved to England in June 1988, where he has managed to build himself a respected and aspirational reputation as an Award-Winning Winemaker. 🥂

His creativity and willingness to try new things with his wines set them apart from the competition.

Kevin’s favourite is the Blanc de Blancs 2014 – “My favourite would be any vintage of the Blanc de Blancs. As a young wine they are fresh, fruity and crisp displaying citrus and apple notes, also tropical if the fruit is ripe. These attributes still show through as the wine develops over time displaying more complexity. If I had to pick just one it would be the 2014 vintage”

Outside of the vineyard you’ll find him gardening or attending local pottery classes.
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13/08/2023

Join us for another popular open mic night, on Friday the 18th of August!

Bring your instruments and perform, or simply enjoy the music in our picturesque Sussex setting, overlooking the vines.
🥂🎤🎼
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12/08/2023

Join us at Bluebell Vineyard on the 26th & 28th of August between 12.00-4.00 and enjoy our picnic experience in the vines, locally prepared by The Wealden Kitchen which includes cheeses from High Weald Dairy.

You will receive a free glass of our sparkling Seyval Blanc on arrival. Our bar will be open, serving local beers, spirits, soft drinks, and our award-winning wines. 🥂

Bring your blanket and select your idyllic spot by the ponds, amidst the woodlands, or take a leisurely wander through our picturesque vines, adding an extra touch of magic to your day. Children and dogs welcome. 🥪🧀🍓

Book online on our website: https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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11/08/2023

A lovely afternoon in the sunshine for our tour and tasting, and lunch guests yesterday! 🥂☀️

Visit our website for tour and tasting bookings!

https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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10/08/2023

Join us for guided tours and tastings, where guests can learn about our rich history and wine-making techniques. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about our wines and eager to share their expertise with visitors.

We use traditional methods to ensure only the finest grapes make it into our award-winning Hindleap Sparkling and Ashdown Still wines, which have gained recognition for their exceptional quality and taste.🥂✨

Our vineyard is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chasselas, and Merlot. We take great pride in being the only vineyard in England to produce Chasselas and one of the few to produce Merlot. 🍷

Bookings for tours and tastings can be found on our website.

https://bluebellwines.com/pages/scheduling
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08/08/2023

Unfortunately our cocktail evening with has been postponed.

However, we will be releasing the rescheduled date in due course. 🍸🍹
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02/08/2023

The field team has been working hard tending to the vineyard, focusing on several essential tasks. One of their main objectives is to preserve the canopy. Not only does this practice contribute to the overall health of the vines, but it also minimizes the risk of potential damage when operating tractors among the delicate growth. Additionally, it enhances both the workability and visual appeal of the vineyard.

A crucial aspect of their work involves ensuring uniform canopy development while controlling the height of growth. Pruning is vital to avoid wasting energy in the growing tips and to prevent casting shadows on neighbouring rows, which would otherwise limit sunlight exposure to the vines.

Currently, the vineyard has reached the stage of bunch closure, where the berries are beginning to swell, marking approximately 7 weeks until the start of harvest. This critical phase demands careful attention and dedicated efforts from the team to ensure a successful and fruitful harvest. 🍇🥂

Credit to for the fabulous drone images.
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31/07/2023

Join us for an evening of the finest mixology with Booze-by-Bowe on Saturday 12th August! ✨

Book tickets on our website under tours and tasting.
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26/07/2023

We are currently conducting a trial to determine the optimal amount of RCGM (rectified concentrated grape must - sugar) for inclusion in our final product.

Due to various yeast types and fermentation methods, we are exploring a range of 0.01 – 0.04 ml per litre to achieve a well-balanced and meticulously structured wine. Notably, this falls below our typical average of 0.25 - 0.5 per litre.

Kevin Sutherland, our Wine Maker, and Laurance Sutherland, our Assistant Wine Maker, trialling potential outcomes for one of our Still wines.
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24/07/2023

Last Friday we hosted Rural Business Breakfast at the vineyard.

It was wonderful to listen to the local speakers, who talked passionately about their businesses and Industries. ✨
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23/07/2023

Another visit from the big red bus
sampling our range of award-winning wines.

It was a pleasure to host such a lovely group for lunch, and see them enjoy our wines with an added taster of our Ashdown Boundary Block Merlot.

Keith, one of our wonderful tour guides proudly displayed the trophy awarded for our Hindleap Sparkling Rosé 2016. 🏆🥂

Keiths passion for our wine makes his tours & tastings such an enjoyable experience.

Visit our website for tours and tasting bookings!
For lunch enquiries email [email protected]
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