Beacon Down Vineyard
Beacon Down Vineyard spans 18 acres of the stunning High Weald, just outside Heathfield in East Sussex. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its south–east facing slopes offer far–reaching views towards Eastbourne and the South Downs – an idyllic setting for growing award–winning English wine.
Founded in 2015 by Paul and Al Pippard, Beacon Down began as a ‘what if’ conversation on holiday. That moment sparked a bold decision to turn a dream into reality – planting nearly 10,000 vines and building a vineyard and winery from the ground up. Beacon Down offer tours, tastings and picnic lunches with a soon to open cafe and shop.
Browns Lane
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Wine Tasting
Guided Tours
Events
Pet Friendly
Cellar Door
Cafe & Restaurant
Outdoor Dining
Online Shop
Car Parking
Bike Parking
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OS: TQ 55606 20831
///fetch.cubic.beefed (opens in a new window)Beacon Down vineyard is a family owned and run vineyard, occupying 18 acres of the beautiful High Weald near Heathfield in East Sussex. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the vineyard is set on gentle South East facing slopes with stunning views over to the South Downs and the sea. Two fields on the site were planted with nearly 10,000 vines in May 2015 by Paul and Al Pippard, which have thrived on the vineyard’s sandstone slopes in the Sussex sunshine.
There are five grape varieties at Beacon Down and the vineyard produces a number of award winning still and sparkling wines. Amongst them is a fruity sparkling Rose, a refined 100% chardonnay Blanc de Blancs and a vibrant still Bacchus with keen notes of elderflower and citrus. The vineyard also is unique in its production of a delicious medium–sweet Riesling wine – a grape that is notoriously difficult to grow in the English climate.
Visiting Beacon Down
During the spring and summer months, you can enjoy an in–depth tour of the vineyard led by the owners. You will be taken on a journey from the transformation of the site previously used for sheep grazing and hay production to the beautiful vineyard we have today. The tour also includes a visit to the new winery, built in 2025, and a tasting of a range of the sparkling and still wines available. After the tour many visitors book onto a picnic lunch, comprising locally produced cheeses, charcuterie, salads and accompaniments.
In 2026, Beacon Down will be opening an on–site café and shop which will be a fantastic enhancement to the already five star rated visitor experience. The shop and café will showcase the best of Sussex produce to be enjoyed alongside the wines, including cheeses, chutneys, charcuterie, ice cream, chocolate and much more.
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