Bluebell Vineyard Estates
Bluebell Vineyard Estates was established in 2005 in the heart of Sussex. Recognising the potential of the region's climate and soils for premium wine production, the estate was planted with the three classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Additional vineyard blocks followed in 2006, laying the foundations for what has become one of England's leading sparkling wine producers.
The vineyard's south–east and south–west facing slopes provide an ideal environment for growing high–quality fruit, allowing the team to craft wines that balance freshness, elegance and complexity. While the estate is best known for its traditional method sparkling wines, it also produces a range of still wines under the Ashdown label, including Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Combining careful vineyard management with a commitment to quality winemaking, Bluebell Vineyard Estates has built a reputation for producing expressive Sussex wines that reflect both the character of the region and the individuality of each vintage.
Glenmore Farm Sliders Lane
Uckfield TN22 3RU (opens in a new window)
Wine Tasting
Guided Tours
Vineyard Trail
Events
Family Activities
Pet Friendly
Cellar Door
Stay
Outdoor Dining
Online Shop
Car Parking
Coach Parking
Bike Parking
EV Charging
Uckfield TN22 3RU (opens in a new window)
OS: TQ 40308 25468
///remodels.hesitate.installs (opens in a new window)Bluebell Vineyard Estates was established in 2005 in the heart of Sussex, with the first vines planted to the three classic sparkling wine varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Since then, the estate has grown into one of Sussex's most recognised wine producers, building a reputation for quality, consistency and a commitment to showcasing the potential of English wine.
Over the years, the vineyard has witnessed a number of exceptional growing seasons, allowing the production of wines that have matured beautifully over time. Today, the estate is fortunate to have a library of older vintages, some now over ten years old, providing a fascinating insight into the ageing potential of English sparkling wine. These mature wines demonstrate how complexity, richness and character can develop with bottle age, challenging many preconceptions about English wine and offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of a vintage over time.
The estate has also received recognition through numerous awards and accolades in national and international competitions, reflecting both the quality of the wines and the dedication of the vineyard and winery teams.
At Bluebell Vineyard Estates, the focus is on producing wines that are elegant, expressive and reflective of both the vintage and the Sussex landscape. The winery is particularly known for its fresh, vibrant style, with an emphasis on purity of fruit, balance and natural acidity.
The estate's sparkling wines are produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation taking place in bottle and extended lees ageing adding texture and complexity. Bluebell has historically focused on vintage wines, allowing each bottling to tell the story of a particular growing season. The exception is the Classic Cuvée, which from the 2022 release became a Multi–Vintage wine, enabling greater consistency while maintaining the house style.
The classic Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier remain at the heart of the sparkling wine portfolio, producing wines that are fresh, elegant and food–friendly. Alongside the sparkling range, the Ashdown collection showcases the versatility of English viticulture through still wines including Bacchus, Ortega, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
The winemaking philosophy centres around patience and attention to detail, allowing the fruit and the vintage to speak for themselves. This approach has helped establish a portfolio of wines that are both approachable in their youth and capable of ageing gracefully for many years.
Bluebell Vineyard Estates offers a range of experiences designed to welcome visitors throughout the year. Guided vineyard and winery tours provide an opportunity to learn about grape growing, the winemaking process and the story behind English wine, while tutored tastings allow guests to explore a selection of sparkling and still wines in greater depth.
In addition to public tours and tastings, the estate hosts private events, corporate gatherings and bespoke experiences, making it a popular destination for celebrations and special occasions. Guests looking to extend their stay can also enjoy accommodation at the estate's own Airbnb, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the vineyard experience and the surrounding Sussex countryside.
One of the estate's most distinctive features is its Woodland Trail, which winds through the neighbouring woodland and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape. The trail is particularly special as it inspired the name Bluebell Vineyard Estates; each spring, the woodland floor is carpeted with native bluebells, creating a spectacular display of colour and providing a beautiful connection between the vineyard and its environment.
The estate is proudly dog friendly and welcomes well–behaved dogs to enjoy the grounds alongside their owners. Visitors are often greeted by Bertie, the vineyard's resident Labrador, who has become a popular member of the Bluebell team and is always happy to welcome guests.
Whether visiting for a wine tasting, a guided tour, a private event or a relaxing countryside stay, guests are invited to experience the warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings and award–winning wines that make Bluebell Vineyard Estates such a special destination.