Just outside Horsham in the tranquillity of the Sussex countryside lies Bolney Wine Estate, one of England’s oldest and most beautiful vineyards, producing award-winning still and sparkling wines, writes Nick Mosley.
The Bolney Wine Estate has long been at the fore of English wine production, indeed they celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. The accolades continue to – quite literally – pour in, including a Gold Medal for their Estate Chardonnay at this year’s Wine GB awards.
“Since we started our journey in 1972, we are one of the pioneers of English wine and we hope that our innovation and passion has encouraged others in our craft”, said head winemaker Sam Linter.
Bolney can rightly claim to have been one of the first English vineyards to diversify into the world of wine tourism – worth an estimated £40 billion globally – having offered tours, tastings, cellar door, local produce retail and dining options long before many of their neighbouring Sussex wineries.
“With a focus on staycations this summer, Sussex is becoming increasingly popular and quite rightly so”, continued Sam. “We are delighted to welcome guests to our estate and share our passion of wine whilst hero-ing local Sussex produce”.
Last month, Bolney added a new string to its bow with the introduction of yoga events.
“We hosted our first Yoga event in June to celebrate English Wine Week and International Yoga Day”, said Sam. “We felt that this was the perfect time to host ‘Yoga in the Vines’ and work with The Yoga Garden UK to make this happen”.
The next ‘Yoga amongst the Vines’ will be hosted on Saturday 24 July, offering a synergy of a relaxing morning of yoga followed by an English sparkling wine brunch.
Nina Fowkes, founder of The Yoga Garden UK said: “The vineyard is a perfect setting for a tranquil yoga session, aligning with Bolney’s ethos of being guided by nature”.
“Anyone is welcome to join us for this exclusive event whether you are a yoga pro or beginner. It’s perfect for those who want to add a little something extra to their yoga session and will make a great morning out with a friend for a relaxing start to the weekend”.
If yoga doesn’t tempt you then Bolney’s Eighteen Acre Café serves up a creative menu of locally sourced produce dishes from their dining room and terrace overlooking the rolling slopes of vines. You can also pick up a picnic hamper, have a wander and find your own perfect spot in the estate to enjoy food and wine with family and friends.
The vineyard is also championing a summer ‘wine-down’ until 8.30pm every Friday. Enjoy a glass or two of award-winning wine – or Bolney’s own gin and vermouth – to mark the end of a busy working week.
“We are welcoming wine lovers to savour our wines in the glorious Sussex summer sun on our stunning vineyard balcony”, said Sam. “And pick up a bottle or two of our wine to take home to enjoy”.
Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB