With summer on the horizon and the promise of warm sun-drenched days spent with the friends and family we’ve been locked away from for so long, Tinwood Estate in West Sussex is the perfect venue at which to enjoy an al fresco gathering, complete with a vineyard tour and tasting of their delicious sparkling wines. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply welcoming the light evenings and balmier temperatures, Tinwood has just the fizzy tonic required!
Boasting a vast outdoor south facing terrace overlooking the vines, and a marquee that has been added for when the Spring weather is not so favourable, Tinwood Estate is located just over an hour from London, next door to the world renowned Goodwood Estate - making it ideal for a hot summer's day trip. Meet the winegrowers themselves and gain an insight into how they grow the vines and make the wines, with a vineyard tour and full tasting experience. Taking 1.5 hours, you will be shown around the vines and estate, followed by a tasting of three crisp glasses of Tinwoods finest. After the tasting, why not stay and indulge in an extra glass or a chilled bottle, or better still, indulge in a delightful sparkling afternoon tea on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the summer.
Since the first vines were planted in 2007 at the foot of the South Downs National Park, Tinwood Estate has quickly established a reputation for producing the very finest English sparkling wines, including the Estate Brut, the Blanc de Blancs and an exquisite Rosé. They recently released their 2018 vintages of all three varieties.. Owner Art Tukker says, ‘The weather in 2018 was the best year we’ve ever had at Tinwood, and we’re expecting great things from this vintage. I would go so far as to say this was the vintage of a generation.’
Tinwood’s three wines include:
Tinwood Brut
Tinwood Brut, the vineyard’s first English sparkling wine, is a delicate pale gold in colour with a lovely mousse and a fine stream of bubbles. Enjoy aromas of citrus melon fruits with hints of toast and honey. Fresh fruit flavours continue on the palate with depth and refinement added by the Pinots, while chardonnay dominance brings finesse, along with crisp fruit freshness and toasty notes.
Tinwood Blancs de blancs
Tinwood Blanc de Blancs, Tinwood’s second English sparkling wine, is a delicate pale gold wine with silvery highlights and persistent bubbles giving an exceptional mousse. The bouquet is subtle with a suggestion of honey and brioche, which will become more noticeable with aging. The palate has a firm attack which makes this wine truly refreshing, with citrus and white tropical fruits in abundance. This wine has a beautifully balanced finish that lingers and can be enjoyed and savoured on its own, or makes for a great pairing with light canapés and shellfish.
Tinwood Brut Rosé
Tinwood Rosé, our last English sparkling wine, is a gorgeous salmon colour with an abundance of bubbles and a beautifully creamy mousse. Chardonnay dominance brings freshness and finesse, whilst the pinots simply hint at the classic red fruits for which England is so acclaimed. A raspberry and red currant nose with hints of strawberries and cream carry through to a delightfully fruit driven palate. Tinwood recommends serving as a refreshing aperitif or accompany it with smoked salmon dishes or fresh English strawberries.