Our Story
The story of Ditchling Vineyard unfolds in three chapters, each reflecting a passion for the land, the vine, and the people who have nurtured it.
The Early Years
Our mother was the inspiration behind Ditchling Vineyard, who in 1979 fulfilled her long-held ambition to establish a vineyard in the heart of Sussex. With funds from the sale of one of our father’s barns, she set out to find the perfect site on our farm, a gently sloping, south-east-facing field, ideal for vines.
Whilst our mother was responsible for managing the vineyard, our father focused on marketing the wine and selling directly to visitors from a small shop attached to the family home. Like many English vineyards of the time, the first plantings were predominantly German grape varieties, producing distinctive, high-quality wines that quickly gained a loyal following. The vineyard’s wines were sold in local shops, showcased at local agricultural shows and even won a blind tasting…., earning recognition for their character and craftsmanship.
The Plumpton College Years
As our parents grew older, they chose to lease the vineyard to Plumpton College, marking the second chapter in its history. For two decades, the college used the site as a training vineyard, providing generations of students with hands-on experience in viticulture.
In 2018, the College re-trellised and replanted with three classic grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier – laying the foundations for high-quality sparkling wine production. In 2024, Plumpton College ended its lease as it expanded its own on-campus vineyards, closing an important period in Ditchling Vineyard’s story.
The Next Generation
Shortly before the lease concluded, our parents passed away within a month of each other, leaving the vineyard to us, their children. We are proud to continue their legacy and to begin a new chapter that honours both tradition and innovation.
Today, we are embracing regenerative viticulture – an approach that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention – to ensure that Ditchling Vineyard remains as vibrant and sustainable as the vision our parents first imagined over forty years ago.
