Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex reopens with new picnic site

Bolney Wine Estate near Haywards Heath is now welcoming groups of six or two households back to enjoy exploring its acres of vines and views of the South Downs, as lockdown is eased.

The estate has new picnic areas nestled around the vines where guests can  enjoy takeaway dishes from the estate’s Eighteen Acre Café and Restaurant.

There will be a special takeaway menu over the Easter weekend from today until Sunday, including Easter Petit Fours and an Easter Cream tea with hot cross buns and mini chocolate eggs.

The Bolney Balcony will be opening later this spring for al fresco dining. Photo: Chris Orange

Hot and cold takeaway dishes such as a Sussex cheese box and the Bolney beef burger are also now available from the cafe, which is open every week between Wednesdays and Sundays.

Sam Linter, managing director and head winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, said: “I love nothing better than watching families and friends enjoy our beautiful estate and I am beyond thrilled that it’s time for us to re-open our doors once again.

“We have made a significant financial investment into improving the already stunning estate during this time and the team has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes.

“I’m confident our guests will be bowled over by more than just the wine – although of course grapes have continued to grow and our 2020 harvest has been particularly successful.”

From April 12, the estate will reopen the balcony for alfresco dining at the Eighteen Acre Café and Restaurant, which overlooks the ripening vines.

The restaurant will be offering small plate style dishes, such as cheese croquettes and smoked trout salad, with matching wines.

Bolney picnic hampers featuring perfectly paired Sussex produce and Bolney wines will also be available from the vineyard shop for visitors to enjoy in the picnic areas.

Sam Linter, who runs Bolney Wine Estate

From May 17 the estate will be fully open for various tours and tastings, including its Wine Tasting and Tour with Luxury Cream Tea, the Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour and the Ultimate Wine and Food Tasting Tour.

The Eighteen Acre Café and Restaurant will also reopen completely for indoor dining.

Established in 1972 by Janet and Rodney Pratt, the Bolney Wine Estate was one of the first of its kind in England.

Janet and Rodney were pioneers, and guided by nature – the mild climate and the sandstone soil – they discovered the best varieties of grapes to grow in the ecosystem.

Their daughter Sam now heads up the family business, having inherited her parents’ love and passion for making wine.

Sam, along with her expert team, produces award-winning still and sparkling wines, from the estate’s Pinot Noir and Estate Bacchus to its classic sparkling Bolney Bubbly and Blanc de Blancs.

The whole estate is dog-friendly and has recently installed the first community solar-linked electric vehicle charging point in the South East.

For more information, visit www.bolneywineestate.com.