tinwood wine tours

Tinwood wine tasting, a superb day out in West Sussex

By: Author Kathryn Burrington

Posted on Last updated: 14 April 2023

Soaking up the warmth of the sunshine in a sleeveless summer dress, I’m overlooking a vineyard with a glass of top-notch sparkling wine in my hand. The shadows lengthen as the sun sinks lower in the sky, but the warmth has not yet gone from the day.

It’s late February, my birthday as it happens, but I’m not in The Douro Valley, Catalan, Bordeaux or Champagne. I’m in West Sussex at the Tinwood Estate on the south coast of England and not only is the weather remarkable, so is the wine.

English sparkling wine, most notably Sussex sparkling wine, has been getting quite a name for itself in recent years.

The Story of Tinwood Estate, West Sussex

When Art Tukker inherited Tinwood, an iceberg lettuce farm just north of Chichester in the hamlet of Halnaker, he started researching the viability of transforming it into a vineyard. Partnering with the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate in 2006, the journey began.

The first vines were planted in 2007 and the first grapes were harvested 2 years later.

above: Pinot noir vines after the harvest in Autumn, below: Art and Jody

Now with 65 acres of vineyard and three grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier, there are 110,000 vines in total. The grapes are taken to Ridgeview for the wine production, before returning to Tinwood for ageing.

As Art’s wife Jody explained during our tour, one reason for the success of Sussex white wines is the well-draining chalky soil found along and around the South Downs. The abundant flint also traps the heat of the sun and warms the soil.

The success of each year’s harvest is dependent on the weather. If early warm weather encourages the vines to bud too soon, a late frost can be devastating. Being just 5 miles from the sea, a warming breeze in spring helps protect from frost.

Despite this, in 2016 one frosty night in April took out 70% of the crop, resulting in just 30,000 bottles of wine that year. Last year, however, brought in a bumper crop with 200,000 bottles of wine being produced.

Custodians of the land

The environment has always been important to Tinwood’s owners, Art and Jody Tukker. in 2010 they entered the Entry Level Stewardship scheme, a government grant initiative aimed at protecting the environment, character and history of the landscape.

Preferring to work with nature rather than against it, no insecticides are used at Tinwood. Wildflower meadows, new hedgerows and a great many trees have been planted on the estate. Most recently wildflowers have been introduced amongst the vines, all helping to promote biodiversity on the farm.

Tinwood is also home to beehives and the bees gather pollen from the flowers, producing two types of honey. Each spring, pollen from the rape blossoms produce a solid, buttery honey, reputedly great for hay fever sufferers. In summer, the flower meadow pollen results in a clear runny honey, perfect drizzled over teacakes or perhaps a vintage cheddar cheese with a glass of Tinwood Brut.

Tinwood Wine Tasting, West Sussex

I’ve been leading guided walks in this area since last Autumn and strolled through these vineyards many times, but I knew little about the estate and had never tasted Tinwood Wine. My birthday this year seemed the perfect excuse, so Neill and I booked a guided tour of the TInwood Estate.

The first wine we sampled was the Blanc de Blanc , a refreshing pale golden wine, perfect for a summer’s day – close your eyes and imagine biting into a crisp green apple. While a wine this good should be sipped and savoured I found it slipped down far too easily. It’s made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and costs £29 a bottle.

Next, we tried the Brut which is also pale golden in colour. It has a rounder taste in the mouth with notes of honey and is far better than any Champagne I’ve tasted lately. It’s made from a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot noir and 20% Pinot meunier and costs £29 a bottle.

Lastly, while sitting on the viewing deck overlooking the vineyard as the sun sank lower in the sky, we tried the Brut Rosé , a delicate salmon coloured wine tasting of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The perfect blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot meunier and 20% Chardonnay, costs £31 a bottle.

My personal favourite was the Blanc de Blanc but it was a close call as I loved them all. I can honestly say this was my favourite wine tasting experience I’ve ever had. I’m sure the sunshine helped, but as someone who prefers red wine to white and is not generally a fan of sparkling wines, it was a real delight to discover not one but three wonderful sparkling wines, right here on my doorstep.

I’ve already started planning some return visits with family and friends. And I’m looking forward to adding a stop at the Tinwood Estate during my guided walks around Halnaker .

Tinwood Estate Lodges

With over 600 vineyards in England, no longer do you have to travel overseas to enjoy a wine tasting holiday. Several wine estates here in Sussex offer accommodation including the Tinwood Estate with three luxury wooden lodges looking out of the vineyards with a perfect view of the setting sun, each with a lovely private decking area, over-sized king bed, two-person jacuzzi and a shared wine barrel shaped sauna. Magic!

Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Farm, Tinwood Lane, Halnaker, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0NE 01243 537372 [email protected] TinwoodEstate.com

Tinwood Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting

The tour and wine tasting costs £18 per person and includes a tour of the vineyard, 3 glasses of sparkling wine and takes one and a half hours. The tours run daily at 3pm as well as at noon on a Saturday.

You can stay on after the tour and enjoy another glass (£6 per glass) or bottle (from £29) in the elegant wine tasting room or out on the pretty patio area. Or you can simply pop by and sample a glass anytime the winery is open between 10am and 6pm. Occasional, special events see the winery open throughout the evening too.

In the summer months, tables are laid out across the lawns leading down to the vineyards, a fabulous way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Where to buy Tinwood Wines

As well as at the Tinwood Estate onsite and online shops, Tinwood wines can be bought at some of our favourite Sussex pubs and restaurants including The Anglesey Arms in Halnaker, Goodwood’s Farmer Butcher Chef , The George in Eartham, The Crab and Lobster in Sidlesham and The Gribble Inn in Oving.

How to get to Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Estate is about a two hour’s drive from London, just off the A285 between Petworth and Chichester, on Tinwood Lane in the hamlet of Halnaker.

By Train and Bus

The nearest train station is at Chichester, an hour and a half from London’s Victoria Station. From here it is a 20-minute taxi or bus ride away.

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Travel writer ‘Travel With Kat’ , holistic therapist , walking guide , and co-founder of Hello Sussex.

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Suzanne Jones

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

This looks fabulous - It makes me very happy to discover a new Sussex wine but 3 different ones all in one day is especially good. I'll have to visit next time I'm over that way.

Kathryn Burrington

You won' be disappointed!

• About the Experience
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Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Tinwood Estate Vineyard

Relish top notch organically crafted wines at tinwood estate.

A member of the Tinwood Estate will escort you on a guided walk tour through the vineyards explaining the traditions and techniques used on the farm. Eventually, you will end up sitting down for a wine tasting in their ultra-modern building designed to be a fun and relaxed place. The tasting area is equipped with a large patio area which is a perfect palace to enjoy a cold glass of bubbles while enjoying the calming view of the vineyard.

A guided wine tasting and tour at Tinwood Estate is a unique experience for all wine lovers. Book easily via our platform and get instant confirmation right away.

Travel to the beautiful wine region of Sussex and soak up the beautiful views of the vineyards. Established in 2007, Tinwood Estate is situated on the edge of the South Downs, near Chichester. The Tukker family grow high-quality grapes that produce award-winning English Sparkling Wines using the traditional method. 

Open all year round, visit the beautiful Tasting Room and enjoy a Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting. Learn the story of Tinwood Estate and the journey from grape to glass while exploring the vineyard, usually lasting around an hour and a half. Then sit back and relax in the tasting room to enjoy a portfolio of our English Sparkling Wines with a wine tasting. We offer perfectly paired cheese boards to match our wines.

Join one of our Sparkling Afternoon Teas, enjoy three glasses of English Sparkling Wine with homemade sandwiches, fresh scones and delicious sweet cakes. Our Afternoon Teas often sell out, to ensure you do not miss out regularly check our website and follow our social media.

Extend your experience on this stunning vineyard by staying in one of three luxury vineyard lodges. The lodges have beautiful views over the vineyard with a private terrace, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a glass of bubbles. Perfect for a tranquil short break away. 

Tinwood is dog friendly, infact we love dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend! Enjoy beautiful trails around the vineyard, walk past the historical Boxgrove Priory and then return for a glass of your finest bubbles.

Stay updated with speciail events hosted at Tinwood throughout 2023 by subscribing to the newsletter and following our social media accounts.

Experience Highlights

Tinwood Estate Vineyard

Activity type:

Visit & Tasting

Experience duration:

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Tasted wines:

Wine types:.

Sparkling Wine

Things to see:

Vineyards, Tasting Room

Available in these languages:

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Sussex wine tour: Your five-day itinerary

• Magazine: June 2024 Issue

English sparkling wines are starting to command the attention they deserve, on restaurant lists and shop shelves, with the message hitting home that these are wines to take just as seriously as Champagne. And there’s no better way of taking a deep dive into the current scene than spending time in English wine country.

Sussex is an ideal destination – two years ago it became the first area in England (combining the counties of East Sussex and West Sussex) to gain appellation status – as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It accounts for more than a quarter of England’s vineyard plantings, and is home to wineries large and small, new and long-established. Many are located in or near the South Downs national park or a ‘national landscape’ (what was previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and the south coast is nearby.

Sussex East and West lie within easy reach of London, and have a burgeoning wine tourism offering, promoted effectively by Sussex Modern , an independent consortium of businesses set on switching the tourism narrative away from sleepy villages and coastal retirement towns to destinations that provide a vibrant culture, high-quality wine and/or world- class art, all within breathtaking landscapes.

It’s possible to visit for just a day or two, but the developments here merit so much longer. Even this five-day itinerary, which starts in West Sussex and ends on the Sussex/Kent border in the east, omits several names that are equally visit-worthy. But it’s an exciting taster.

Credit: JP Map Graphics Ltd

Your Sussex wine tour itinerary

Start the adventure at Ashling Park , a 10-minute drive from the historic market town of Chichester. This slick operation, UK Cellar Door of the Year runner-up in the 2023 Decanter Retailer Awards, takes both wine tourism and its wines seriously. Owner Gail Gardner’s family has lived on the estate for 30 years, and it took four years to get planning permission for the venture, as it lies within the South Downs national park. The sparkling wines – don’t miss the cherry- and marzipan-scented rosé and the limey, toasty blanc de blancs – are made at Wiston Estate, with experienced winemaker Dermot Sugrue consulting (even though he has now left Wiston and set up on his own). Taste the estate’s wines and spirits on one of the tours and tastings while soaking up the Napa-like atmosphere. The glass, steel and wood-fronted main building houses a restaurant with terrace and vineyard views, as well as a shop, tasting room and gin school. If you arrive the night before, there are five one- and two-bedroom luxury lodges on site.

A 15-minute drive away on the other side of Chichester is Tinwood . The estate’s Dutch founders made their fortune growing Iceberg lettuce, before their son switched to wine-growing in 2007, the year after he took over the reins. The sparkling wines, all vintage, can be tasted alongside tapas-style dishes from the new Vineyard Kitchen. The tourism offering is the strong suit here; as well as ‘sparkling afternoon teas’, dinners and a harvest experience, the calendar includes outdoor cinema events and yoga in the vines. Eight lodges, most new this season, enjoy views directly onto the vineyard.

But visitors to the area really shouldn’t miss a stay at The Pig in the South Downs, 13km away. The Pig hotel group is aimed firmly at wine and food lovers, and despite offering chic accommodation in beautiful English country houses, it styles itself as ‘restaurant with rooms’, as the food and wine really are the main event. Opened three years ago, this particular Pig has 28 rooms, five in the main house and others dotted around the grounds. The restaurant is in a light, airy conservatory overlooking the Downs, and serves the highest-quality local produce, much of it grown by the hotel itself in its incredible kitchen gardens.

A vineyard across the road will produce its second crop this year, the wines to be made by Dermot Sugrue (Pig owner Robin Hutson is an investor in Sugrue South Downs). It’s an idyllic setting, and perfect for a peaceful stay before continuing your tour.

Breakfast like a king before the half-hour drive to Ambriel , located north of Nutbourne, where it’s all about the wine (visits by appointment). Former barrister Wendy Outhwaite and her husband Charles were blown away by an early vintage from nearby Nyetimber in the early 2000s and decided to make their own English sparkling wine. They now own their own winery and 9.5ha of vines planted on free-draining, greensand rocky soils, on which they practise a version of regenerative viticulture. These are intelligently made, impressive wines, with standouts including the rosé, and late-disgorged Cloud Ten in magnum.

On to Wiston , 20 minutes away down the A24 towards Findon, in time for lunch at its award-winning Chalk Restaurant. The menu showcases local and seasonal ingredients, with dishes that might include Sussex pork loin with New Forest asparagus, or poached south coast cod with sea vegetables. Across the courtyard from the restaurant is the visitor centre, where wheelchair-accessible tours include a short explanation of the life cycle of the vine, a video, a winery tour and a tasting.

The courtyard outside Chalk restaurant at Wiston. Credit: Jo Hunt Photography

Visitors are free to explore the vineyards at their leisure. The huge Wiston estate has been owned by the Goring family since 1743, but the first vines were only planted in 2006, finally fulfilling the vision of Harry Goring’s wife Pip, who grew up in South Africa’s Western Cape and had dreamed of planting a vineyard since her arrival at Wiston in 1972. Noting the chalk soils, they decided to plant vines and released their first vintage a few years later. Their son Richard and his wife Kirsty now manage the estate, including the newly renovated Pump House – secluded self-catering accommodation with views over the fields to prehistoric hill fort Chanctonbury Ring. Retire to the cottage to enjoy the complimentary bottle of Wiston Brut NV in the fridge and prepare a simple supper.

Walk up to Chanctonbury Ring to be rewarded with views of the Sussex countryside for miles around, before driving to Bolney , half an hour away (back up the A24, then east across country on the A272 via Cowfold). One of the UK’s oldest commercial vineyards, Bolney was family owned until it was bought in 2022 by Freixenet Copestick. Changes are afoot.

Talented South African winemaker Cara Lee Dely joined in 2021, responsible for a large range of still and sparkling wines, spirits and even English white vermouth (delicious) made from leftover Chardonnay. Lunch in the informal Eighteen Acre Restaurant, which has a balcony overlooking the vines, before browsing in the impressive new shop downstairs.

After lunch it’s off to Artelium , an exciting boutique winery 16km away near Plumpton Green, owned by former tech entrepreneurs Mark Collins and Julie Bretland. Their first vintage was 2014 and they swept the board at the Wine GB Awards in 2022 , with their 2015 Blanc de Blancs named Best Sparkling. The best is yet to come here: they only planted their vines in 2018, with the wine previously made from bought-in grapes. Passionate about art, they are working to expand their sculpture garden, and contemporary works of art are displayed in the cosy-chic tasting room. Regular events include seafood and sparkling nights, and art exhibitions.

Your hotel for the night, Ockenden Manor , is a 15- to 20-minute drive away in Cuckfield, just off the A272 again. Stay in the Elizabethan manor house itself for the quintessential English country house experience, or in one of the spacious spa suites, which lie in the modern spa complex, above the indoor-outdoor pool and other spa facilities. Time for a swim, steam and sauna before strolling up to the fine-dining restaurant, which overlooks the gardens.

Dermot Sugrue is one of England’s most experienced winemakers, so any visit to Sussex should include a stop at his new winery Sugrue South Downs , at his Bee Tree vineyard (a 20-minute drive from the hotel, just below Wivelsfield Green). Book a tour and tasting in advance, and you’ll meet either Dermot himself or his winemaker wife Ana. The sparkling wines are outstanding; and ask for a taste of the serious, structured Pinot Noir sourced from Crouch Valley in Essex, Sugrue South Downs’ first still red wine (debut vintage 2022).

From there, it’s just a 10-minute drive to Ridgeview , one of Sussex wine’s most visible and longest-established names (along with Nyetimber, which doesn’t really go in for wine tourism), near Ditchling Common Country Park. Run by Simon Roberts and his Australian wife Mardi, Ridgeview sources grapes from all over the south of England, and is looking to double production over the next five years. It recently invested £4.8 million in a new winery and in its Rows & Vine restaurant; visitors can now dine al fresco in the warmer months, or indoors; walk-in wine tastings are offered at the tasting bar overlooking the vines, as well as longer tours and tastings.

Rows & Vine at Ridgeview. Credit: Adam Firman

After lunch, head towards the south coast to Rathfinny , 45 minutes away, a little inland from Seaford. Driving through its vineyards to the parking area, you see the scale of the operation – it’s family owned (established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver), but covers a vast area, with 93ha planted, a shop (drop-in tastings available), the Tasting Room restaurant, the Hut, an al fresco wine bar that serves refreshments for the many visitors who come just for a walk, plus separate B&B accommodation in the Flint Barns, further into the vineyards. The Flint Barns contain 10 en-suite rooms and a self-catering alternative, Rathfinny Cottage, and the Dining Room offers lunch and dinner to residents and non-residents. Book into the Flint Barns for the night, or if they’re full, head to nearby Alfriston, where The Star  offers luxury accommodation in a Tudor-style, timbered building that dates from the 14th century.

For the final day, you’re driving further east, to the Sussex/Kent border. All three wineries on today’s itinerary offer accommodation, with options ranging from glamping, a waterside lodge and a Hobbit house at Oastbrook; shepherd’s huts and self-catering options at Oxney; to hotel accommodation at Tillingham (and two bell tents). It’ll take about an hour to drive to the area from Rathfinny, and you’ll notice a change in the scenery, from rolling hills and coastal views to a flatter, more agricultural backdrop.

It’s less touristy here and the winery names may not be as famous, but there’s a real sense of energy and innovation, and tastings will eliminate any prejudices you may have around English still wines. Coming from the west, you’ll reach Oastbrook first, near Bodiam. Husband-and-wife team Nick and Brazilian-born America Brewer planted the vineyards in 2018, building a winery in 2020. Both attended Plumpton College, and do their own winemaking; on the vineyard tour and tasting, you’ll discover their passion for Alsace varieties. The still wines are exciting, among them Pinot Blanc and white Pinot Meunier.

Oastbrook’s Hobbit house accommodation

A 15-minute drive away, further east again, Oxney had its first vintage in 2014. Norwegian entrepreneur Kristin Syltevik sold her tech PR firm and used the proceeds to plant 14ha of vines. Today Oxney is England’s largest single-estate producer of organic wine. It feels a special site, the vineyards in a natural amphitheatre lined by oak trees. Learn more about organic viticulture on the tour and tasting – the wines show a linear style and lovely purity of fruit – then enjoy a picnic lunch.

The final stop is Tillingham , 7km away near Rye. This is another new name, established in 2017 on a former hop farm and grazing land owned by Lord and Lady Devonport. The wines are made organically and will eventually be biodynamic, though the winery isn’t yet certified organic. There’s a young vibe here, with music playing, and a relaxed, informal feel. A staggering 21 grape varieties are grown and it’s all about experimentation here – among the line-up you’ll find a col fondo-style sparkling (refermented in the bottle, not disgorged), as well as wines vinified in qvevri. A new wine collection has just been released, made with the help of Oxney’s Italian winemaker Salvatore Leone. The restaurant has a Michelin Green Star, or you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas in the bar or outside in the Dutch Barn. If you’re staying the night, try to book the room with private fire pit, and end your evening sitting by the fire, enjoying the silence and reflecting on an unforgettable Sussex wine tour.

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Tinwood occupies a splendid position on the edge of the Goodwood Estate, just a couple of miles from the sea which provides good frost protection.

Although the vineyard is a considerable size, a high percentage of grapes are sold meaning that the Tinwood label is truly a boutique production of sparkling wine – a cuvée, a blanc de blancs and a rosé. Wines are only sold locally and directly from the cellar door.

Small group tours are conducted by the owners, or just pop in for a glass and a cheese platter; the outside tasting area has a delightful New Zealand vibe and there is also room indoors for when the weather isn’t so good.

Read our blog post on Tinwood Estate

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Tinwood Estate vineyard tour and wine tasting in the UK.

I never thought our UK weather would be compatible with growing grapes.

From the guided tour, I learned that the success of vineyards in this part of West Sussex, was down to the soil composition and special micro climate.

This land was originally a Lettuce farm, until Art Tukker took over from his dad in 2007.

Art was studying Agriculture at University and he discovered through research that the soil here was ideal for growing grape producing vines.

He pursued further studies on how to grow and manage a vineyard, and so the rest is history.

Can you spot the deer in the distance? There’s apparently a lot of wildlife in this area, which is wonderful.

So what is special about the soil and climate here?

Apparently the soil is quite similar to those in the wine producing regions of Champagne and Burgundy.

There is a top flint rock layer that provides good soil drainage and a chalk layer beneath that stores water, sufficient to hydrate the vines on hot Summers.

This chalk layer, I’ve been told, also gives the wines a crisp and fresh flavour.

The Estate grows 3 classic Champagne varieties – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meurnier.

The climate in South England is not warm enough to produce the high sugar content in the grapes required to produce a good still wine, hence the decision to produce sparkling wines.

The hand harvested grapes are sent to Ridgeview, a renowned winery, to make the wines and then returned to Tinwood to be stored and matured.

Despite not being warm enough to produce still wines, the location is still warmer than most parts of the UK.

This micro-climate is attributed to the Estate being close to the coast that blows over warmer air, whilst being shaded from excessive rain by the Isle of Wight to the North and protected from the winds by the South Downs behind.

The most nerve wracking time is apparently when the vines wake up, the so called ‘bud burst’. If the temperature falls below zero degrees for more than 10 minutes, then the whole vineyard crop can be lost. So no wine for that vintage year.

Thankfully the warmer microclimate in that part of West Sussex helps. Tinwood Estate have also invested in a frost buster machine.

Here are the 3 main Sparkling wines from Tinwood Estate that we got to taste:

Blanc de Blancs, a pale coloured Chardonnay with a stream of small bubbles. Zesty lemon peel notes with a hint of elderflower. It’s refreshing with a crisp green apple taste.

Brut, an Estate blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot meunier. It has a golden hue with aromas of citrus and melons. A hint of brioche and honey on the palate and a final gentle cream finish.

Rosé, a bubbly pink blend of 20% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir and 20 % Pinot Meunier. It has a dominant berry taste of raspberry, red currant and like strawberries and cream on the palate.

I really loved the Duck confit dish.

The lodges are luxuriously furnished with a Jacuzzi bath.

If you fancy a fun weekend of wine, country walks and good food, then I do recommend a visit to Tinwood Estate. You can also check out some of the other Staycation places in the UK that I have written about here .

It was an easy journey for us from London on the train and then a short taxi ride. I would have stayed longer, but alas I had to go back to London to work at the hospital.

Hope you have enjoyed the post. Wishing you a wonderful week.

( All photography are copyright to Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell. )

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Tinwood Vineyard Tour

Travel to the beautiful wine region of England and meet the winegrowers themselves. Tinwood Vineyard is situated in the picturesque South Downs region which is known for its favourable climate for grape cultivation.

Take A  Tour Of Englands Wine Region

Whether you’re in the mood for indulging in a splendid Sunday pub lunch,  discovering our daily culinary delights , or simply unwinding with a pint of Butcombe and a Scotch egg, you’ll experience an authentic British pub atmosphere.

Our generously proportioned  rooms , blending rustic refinement with modern aesthetics, mirror our commitment to excellence and the allure of rural life.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TINWOOD VINEYARD

Tinwood Vineyard is situated in the picturesque South Downs region of West Sussex, which is known for its favourable climate for grape cultivation.

The vineyard primarily specializes in the production of sparkling wines, including traditional method sparkling wines similar to Champagne. English sparkling wine has gained recognition in recent years for its quality, and Tinwood Vineyard has contributed to this reputation.

Visitors to Tinwood Vineyard can often enjoy tours and tastings, where they can learn about the winemaking process, and the specific terroir of the region, and sample the vineyard’s products.

The Vineyard Experience

Upon arriving at Tinwood Vineyard, guests are greeted by endless rows of meticulously tended vines stretching across the landscape. The picturesque setting sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of winemaking with guided tours of the vineyard and winery. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through the vineyard, sharing insights into the terroir, grape varieties, and cultivation techniques. Witnessing the winemaking process firsthand, from vine to bottle, offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each glass of Tinwood wine.

Tasting Experiences

No visit to Tinwood Vineyard is complete without indulging in a wine tasting. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, there’s a tasting experience to suit every palate.

The Classic Tasting allows guests to sample a selection of Tinwood’s signature sparkling wines, showcasing the distinctive flavours and elegant effervescence that have earned the estate acclaim. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Vineyard Tour and Tasting offers a guided exploration of the vineyard followed by a tasting session in the scenic surroundings.

Events and Celebrations

Tinwood Vineyard serves as a captivating backdrop for a variety of special events and celebrations. From weddings and private parties to corporate gatherings and team-building retreats, the estate offers bespoke event planning services tailored to each occasion.

Imagine exchanging vows amidst the vine-clad hills, toasting to love and happiness with glasses of Tinwood’s finest sparkling wine. The tranquil beauty of the vineyard provides an idyllic setting for unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

Sustainability and Stewardship

At Tinwood Vineyard, a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability are central to the ethos of the estate. From practising organic farming methods to minimizing waste and energy consumption, every effort is made to reduce the vineyard’s environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings.

By prioritising sustainability and stewardship, Tinwood Vineyard not only produces exceptional wines but also contributes to the long-term health and vitality of the ecosystem.

DIRECTIONS TO THE WHITE HORSE FROM TINWOOD VINEYARD

The White Horse is approximately 15 minutes by car from Tinwood Vineyard.

Exit the vineyard and turn left onto A285

Turn right onto New Rd

Continue onto Fordwater Rd

Turn left onto Pook Ln

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Lavant Rd/A286 Continue to follow A286

Turn left onto B2141

Turn right and the White Horse will be on your left.

Booking Policy

Butcombe have a number of pubs across the south of England, all serving our award-winning beers and food and most with fantastic rooms for overnight stays or weekend breaks. We will from time to time send you emails about our products and services. If you do not want to receive these emails please email us on [email protected] or just unsubscribe from these messages now by going to www.liberation.comms-pref.com . Please see our privacy policy at www.butcombe.com/privacy-policy  

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Thank you for your booking, we look forward to welcoming you.

Home >   Places >   Tinwood Estate

Tinwood Estate

Established in 2007 by Art Tucker, the focus at Tinwood is on producing delicious top-quality sparkling wine. From the beautiful modern tasting room, visitors can tour the vineyards, taste the wines and stay in overnight luxury lodge accommodation every day of the week.

Tinwood Estate. Photo: Daniel Alford

Photo: Daniel Alford

Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0NE

https://www.tinwoodestate.com/

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Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Denbies Wine Estate is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards. Visitors can enjoy indoor wine tasting tours, outdoor vineyard train tours and eat at a number of restaurants, including Gallery Restaurant, Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Library, Conservatory Restaurant, and the Hatch On The Lawn Takeaway. The estate is also home to the Denbies Vineyard Hotel, which has 17 en suite rooms. The hotel has been “designed with the vineyard at its heart”, said The Telegraph . One of Britain’s first vineyard hotels, the “setting of this boutique property doesn’t disappoint”. denbies.co.uk

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Greyfriars Vineyard, Surrey

Located in the Surrey Hills, Greyfriars Vineyard has been making wine since 1989. Its " stunning south-facing chalk slopes" said Surrey Live . Greyfriars's tour with wine tasting takes visitors on a guided walk through the beautiful vineyards finishing with a "tutored tasting" of several of its "prize-winning sparkling and still wines". Alernatively, you can opt for a free self-guided tour. greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk

Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire

Hambledon Vineyard boasts the title of England's oldest commercial vineyard and despite "flying the flag for English fizz" since 1952 "it's still full of new ideas", said Time Out . The small family-run operation's "charm" is showcased in its wine tours and the pop-up restaurant is a "lovely touch". Tours include a "walk around the vineyards and underground cellars", said Good Housekeeping , before sampling "English sparklers", or add on an afternoon tea. hambledonvineyard.co.uk

Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, East Sussex

Set in a rolling valley, Oastbrook Estate's winery is itself an "outstanding architectural feature", said WineTourism.com . Surrounded by vineyards and offering luxury accommodation "this truly is a unique place to visit to try amazing wines". Oastbrook produces a range of award-winning sparkling and still wines that "reflect the exceptional micro-climate of the Rother Valley". As well as luxury glamping and the Scandinavian-style Avalon Waterside Lodge, the estate also has its own "Hobbit house", Vineyard Hollow, within the vineyard, with two bedrooms, a living area, wood-burner and even a hot tub. oastbrook.com

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex

There's plenty of attractions for wine aficionados at the Tinwood Estate. On the edge of the South Downs near Chichester, visitors can book vineyard tours, tastings and afternoon teas. There's a "small-plates restaurant" open during the day, said The Times . One of the big highlights here are the three luxury vineyard lodges "each decorated in beautiful materials, with a terrace for better views of those ripening grapes" as well as a barrel sauna and a hot tub". The estate first started planting in 2007 and "boasts 110 acres of land under vine, where it largely produces Blanc de Blancs, Brut and English Sparkling Rose", said Square Meal .  tinwoodestate.com

Oxney Organic Estate, East Sussex

Near Rye in East Sussex, the Oxney Organic Estate makes “delectable chardonnays and fizz”, said The Times . As the name suggests, this 35-acre vineyard is said to be the "largest single-estate" maker of organic English wines, with wine tours every Saturday from April to November. And on a sunny day, you'll be able to take in the beautiful country views on an idyllic picnic lunch after your tour. Best of all, "you can sleep it off" in the estate's converted barn, shepherd's hut or farmhouse cottage. oxneyestate.com

Ashling Park Estate, West Sussex

Ashling Park is a vineyard and winery – and "what wine it is", said Neil Davey on TheWeek.com . But it also offers a gin school, an excellent restaurant and some delightful luxury lodges. The visitor centre and shop is very good and the tour is informative. In 2023 Ashling Park won gold for its eponymous rosé at the Wine GB Awards. It's also a Decanter Gold Medal winner. ashlingpark.co.uk

Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex

Looking out of the tasting room window at Ridgeview Wine Estate, the inspiration for the name is clear. Beyond the vines stretching out across the valley, the landscape rises towards the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, which divides the vineyard from Brighton and the sea. As "one of England's most prestigious producers", said the Daily Mail , Ridgeview offers guided tours, relaxed wine tastings, or all-day dining at The Rows & Vine restaurant. ridgeview.co.uk

Tillingham Winery, East Sussex

Less than a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Rye you'll find Tillingham Winery, "one of the most exciting wine-makers in Britain," said The Times , which is "known for natural, non-intervention wines plus fermentation in earthenware qvevri jars". Book onto one of the vineyard tours in advance and enjoy the "country life" that's incorporated into the surroundings, said Kaye O'Doherty on TheWeek.com . As well as tours and tastings, Tillingham also offers 11 double rooms in a former hop barn and a restaurant with vistas over the Sussex countryside. Chef Brendan Eades, who scooped a Michelin Green Star in 2022, cooks up an exceptional, pescatarian feast with fish caught daily from Rye Harbour. tillingham.com

Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex

Here "each bottling is supposed to reflect the unpredictable nature of the British summer season", said Elite Traveler . "Three miles from where the rolling hills of the South Downs give way to the coast" the 600-acre estate is home to The Flint Barns, which has 10 en-suite bedrooms, and the Tasting Room and Flint Barns Dining Room restaurants. Rathfinny's Cellar Door shop is open daily for drop-in wine tastings and shopping, while the estate also offers seasonal vineyard tours and tastings all year round. rathfinnyestate.com

Chapel Down, Kent

On the chalky North Downs, Chapel Down is perhaps "the most well-known wine producer in the UK", said Time Out . The guided tour is "a lot of fun" and it helps that "the wine is great, too", with Flint Dry a bestseller. Chapel Down has won numerous awards throughout the years and its Classic NV Brut is one of the "most accessible" English sparkling wines – "both from a price point and national availability", said Great British Wine . As well as tours Chapel Down also hosts experiences and visitors can book a table at its restaurant, The Swan Wine Kitchen. chapeldown.com

Biddenden Vineyards, Kent

The county's "oldest family-run vineyard", Biddenden produces "top-notch white, rosé, red and sparkling wines", said Country Living , from 11 grape varieties. All vine work is still carried out by hand. Vineyard tours, self-guided tours, meet-the-winemaker tours and picnics are available to book. Stay a little longer in a romantic cottage with a wood-fired hot tub. biddendenvineyards.com

Langham Wine Estate, Dorset

At this environmentally conscious vineyard in the heart of the West Country, they take a "low-intervention approach to wine making, from grape growing to wine production", said Square Meal . English sparkling is the "brand's main forte" which you can sample on a guided tour and tasting. And if an afternoon of wine tasting really takes it out of you, a sumptuous collection of lunches and afternoon teas are available in the vineyard café. With wines made solely from the classical champagne grape varieties of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, this is high-quality fare – be sure not to miss the Rosé NV, which is packed full of gorgeous berry flavours. langhamwine.co.uk

Darts Farm's Pebblebed Vineyard, Devon

Visitors can book tours and tastings at Darts Farm's 18-acre Pebblebed Vineyard and traditional winery, in the village of Clyst St George in east Devon. The vineyards and winery are located on their farm and "the team are proud" said Luxury Lifestyle magazine, "to be one of very few single-estate producers" in the country, with the vineyard and winery in one place and wines made from their own grapes. dartsfarm.co.uk

Castlewood Vineyard, Devon

If you're seeking "fizz and festivals" look no further than Castlewood Vineyard in Devon, said Condé Nast Traveller . Its story began in 2006 on a south-facing Devon hillside overlooking the River Axe with owner Rob Corbett planting his vines by hand. Now the vineyard offers private tours and a June festival, held to celebrate the release of the latest vintage. If you stay in one of the Grade-II listed cottages you'll be "surrounded by pretty gardens and countryside". Equally, if you're there for just a day the steep slopes of the vineyard offer "amazing views of the Axe Valley". castlewoodvineyard.co.uk

Camel Valley, Cornwall

Made up of 82 acres of rolling hills bathed in southerly sunshine, Camel Valley is Cornwall's largest vineyard, and was "the first English wine producer to be granted a royal warrant", said Muddy Stilettos . Visitors can join a number of tours and tastings, or sit on a stone-clad terrace, sipping Pinot Noir Rosé Brut as they watch the sun set over vineyards that slope down to the River Camel as it snakes from Bodmin Moor to Padstow. And it's "handy for non-driving access", being on the Camel Trail cycle route. camelvalley.com

Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire

One of England's oldest vineyards, in 2023 Three Choirs celebrated 50 years since the first vines were planted on the estate in Newent, Gloucestershire. It now boasts 75 acres of vines and currently produces around 250,000 bottles of wine a year. Facilities and experiences include The Brasserie restaurant, Cellar Door shop, plus wine tastings and vineyard tours. A "pretty vineyard" with "fabulous views", there's even accommodation on site, said The Hotel Guru . The lodges and rooms are "smart and spacious" with "hints of luxury". three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk

Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Gloucestershire

This south Cotswolds vineyard is "putting Gloucestershire on the map as a world-class wine destination", said Muddy Stilettos . Set in the Stroud valleys, "family-run boutique winery" Woodchester Valley has been producing world-class white, rosé and sparkling wines since 2016 and visitors can book tours, tastings or enjoy a "sip-and-stay experience with a difference". In 2023 its vintage Pinot Gris "beat Italian rivals", said The Times , to win gold at the Global Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Masters. woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Conwy

There are vineyards "blossoming" all across Wales, said Natasha Lovell-Smith on Great British Food Awards . And one of the most popular is Gwinllan Conwy, which has received multiple national and international awards. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range, the "success" of this vineyard is "underpinned by the microclimate" of north Wales, which "pairs resemblance" to the climate of New Zealand. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, this means the vineyard "experiences mild winters allowing the vines to develop earlier". This beautiful vineyard offers tours and wine tasting experiences throughout the year and at the online shop you can buy Welsh artisan produce or Welsh hampers, as well as wine. gwinllanconwy.co.uk

Llanerch Vineyard, Glamorgan

Tucked into the Welsh countryside, yet only 20 minutes from Cardiff, Llanerch Vineyard offers "a drop of romance", said Kerry Walker in The Daily Telegraph . While the vineyard itself is centred on a "whitewashed farmhouse" from 1851 and pulls off the "delicate act of combining original features", the hotel rooms are "bright and contemporary". Beyond the hotel and wine, is the "perkily turreted Neo-Gothic" Hensol Castle which is only a 15-minute walk away. But where Llanerch really "shines" is its restaurant which overlooks the vineyard and offers "great" food and "bang-on" service. You may "come for a wine tour" but you'll "stay for the imaginative locally sourced food". llanerch.co.uk

Ryedale Vineyards, North Yorkshire

The most northerly vineyard in Britain, Ryedale offers more than wine – it also makes cider from the estate's orchards. Voted one of the best vineyards to visit and tour in England, it offers an "informal, humorous and informative guided tour". For those wanting to stay, Ryedale has two "cosy en suite rooms in the farmhouse", said The Guardian , and the "slap-up breakfast" is the "perfect way to start a day" exploring the surrounding North Yorkshire wolds. ryedalevineyards.co.uk

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7 Wineries You Will Fall In Love With In Idaho’s Lewis-Clark Valley

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Idaho is just being discovered as a center of wine growing, but already the fairly new Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) has been highly praised by the wine press. This is an emerging destination for winemaking and combines the best of all worlds. Dedicated winemakers have sought out this region for its unique terrain and weather that allows a slow ripening season, adequate water, and many sunny days.

Several wineries have been singled out for excellence, including Northwest Wine Press ’ 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, and Idaho’s Winery of the Year, Colter’s Creek. Lewis-Clark Valley sits on the border between Washington and Idaho at the base of Idaho’s agricultural palouses (land) and Washington’s high desert. Here they grow Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.

Lewiston, Idaho , and Clarkston, Washington , face each other across the Snake River and a jet boat up Hell’s Canyon is a must when visiting. These industrial towns are fairly straightforward and lodging is your typical chain hotels like Hampton Inn and Best Western, but there are quaint river lodges like Boggan’s Oasis and the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge.

A worthy side trip when visiting the Lewis-Clark Valley is about 45 minutes away to the town of Moscow, Idaho . Pronounced “Moss-coe,” this historical small town is known as the site of the University of Idaho and a farmer’s market that can attract over 100,000 visitors on weekends. Elevated dining, great wines and culture abound in this sophisticated hamlet. I was a guest of the region right before the pandemic and cannot wait to get back to the hospitality and rich dimensions of the State of Idaho.

1. Colter’s Creek Winery   

Idaho’s 2019 Winery of the Year makes wine from only Lewis-Clark Valley and Snake River Valley AVAs fruit, which means it stays hyper-local in Idaho. The good thing is that you can try Colter’s Creek both at its hip tasting room in Moscow and at its tasting room and restaurant in the town of Juliaetta, Idaho. It also has vineyards and a winery where a tour and tasting may be arranged.

In 2007, early in the recognition of Idaho wines, Colter’s Creek owners Mike Pearson and Melissa Sanborn combined their chemistry and engineering backgrounds with a love of wine and the earth and found an abandoned vineyard in Juliaetta nestled between the Potlatch and Clearwater rivers. They named the winery after an early settler named John Colter and today produce a variety of wines that truly encompass the gambit of taste and style. 

Both a chardonnay and chardonnay-viognier are in the lineup along with a variety of rieslings, a perfect food-pairing wine experiencing a renaissance in popularity. Red and white blends are good for everyday drinking, or try Spanish grape varieties like tempranillo and the rocinante blend, Italian grapes like Sangiovese, and French favorites syrah and the grenache, syrah, Mourvedre blend in Arrow Rim Red. The restaurant in Juliaetta allows visitors to try wines paired with foods reflective of the region.

Colter’s Creek prides itself on sustainability in vineyard, water and waste management as well as in the tasting room environments themselves.

2. Clearwater Canyon Cellars

Coco Umiker is the ebullient winemaker at Clearwater Canyon and her enthusiasm is infectious. With a doctorate degree in wine microbiology, she and a vineyard manager and soil scientist create wines with little interference that are long on flavor.

Since 2016, Clearwater Canyon’s tasting room has been on the family’s Idaho Century Farm in the Lewiston orchards. The room features a cozy and comfortable ambiance and is a far cry from the four barrels it crafted in a storage room from 2004-2007.

The energy exhibited here is worth a visit and the wines are solid and well made, even creative. Definitely a priority stop to make in the valley for the fun, frivolity, and history of this solid winery.

3. Basalt Cellars

One of the original leaders in the Lewis-Clark Valley since 2003, and renowned since the winery’s 2004 merlot won double gold medals in the Tri-Cities Wine Competition. It sits on the Washington state side of the Lewis-Clark Valley and sources grapes from vineyards in the best growing regions of the state. An early pioneer in the region, Basalt Cellars secured long-term contracts with well-known vineyards like Bacchus, Weinbau, and Willard to assure quality wines as the winery became known.

Basalt considers itself a maker of ultra-premium wines and ones it feels will age well. This means the grape sources and winemaking have to be extraordinary, with only the finest techniques and all-French barrels for 18-30 months aging. 

French varieties take center focus at Basalt and Bordeaux-origin grapes like cabernet Franc, merlot, and malbec are excellent as are the Bordeaux blends. Sauvignon blanc sells out quickly as does the viognier. From the Rhone region, try syrah and several GSMs (grenache, syrah, and mourvedre) which have deep fan followings. A cool tasting room with very knowledgeable representatives makes a Basalt visit desirable in the Lewis-Clark Valley.

The Idaho Winery of the Year in 2021 says a lot about this unassuming producer. In a storefront in Lewiston, hang with the winemaker/owners of Vine 46 and enjoy an array of interesting and affordable wines that express grapes that grow well in the region. 

Carmenere, tempranillo and GMT (grenache, mourvedre and tempranillo blend) are something new for most wine drinkers and deliver spicy red fruit flavors — a perfect complement to your summer grilling. On the white side, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, and rosé assure there is something for everyone. I have found that reds age well and look for a lot of great things in the future from Vine 46. The charming area of Lewiston around Vine 46 is an added bonus.

5. Lindsay Creek Vineyards 

Lindsay Creek is an expansive, fun and happening winery that makes tasting not only delicious but entertaining. Live music, event areas and plenty to do means a visit here is never boring. And the wines are fantastic.

Fourth generation grain farmers and brothers Art and Doug Mcintosh haven’t forgotten their roots. In fact, you can see grain fields surrounding the winery and small lot grains like oats and wheat are sold in the retail shop, which is another huge reason for home bakers and cooks to visit. The brothers and their wives love traveling to wine regions and in 2007, decided to try maximizing the lush palouse soils left from centuries-ago Missoula floods into wine grape crops, starting with what they call “a mere 150 sticks.”

Heading back to school for winemaking and viticulture has paid off for the brothers and their Bordeaux and Rhone varieties. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec make up the majority of reds along with a rosé and riesling. All of the wines are incredibly affordable ($16 riesling!) so make Lindsay Creek at the end of a fun day of tasting and listen to some music while watching the sun lower over the palouse.

6. Jovinea Cellars 

The couple behind Jovinea , Michael and Lisa Grigg, moved to Lewis-Clark Valley with the intention of building a winery and, of course, making wine. It would be 8 years until they got into operation and now source fruit from esteemed vineyards in both Idaho and Washington while planting their estate vineyard near the production facility they built in Lenore, Idaho.

Hoping it doesn’t take another 8 years of starts and stops, triumphs and adversity, to get the vineyard online, Jovinea has opened a tasting room in downtown Lewiston, which has become a small center of so-called urban wineries. In Lewiston, lunching in a small restaurant and sampling wines from the handful of local wineries with tasting rooms in town is a perfect way to spend a day in the area. Jovinea makes some fairly rare varieties so a good place to try your first Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Montepulciano, Dolcetto, and Roussanne, grapes originating in Italy and Portugal is here.

7. Rivaura Estate Vineyards

The family behind Rivaura has a long history of farming along the banks of the Clearwater River in Lewis-Clark Valley and the latest generation has embarked on winemaking under the name Rivaura, meaning “river.”

Ron Hewett, Sr., along with sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, planted Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and now make ultra premium viognier, syrah, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. The latest generation of Hewetts, Lance and Vince Hewett, returned to the family business after a time in the working world.

Rivaura’s tasting room is located on the vineyards near Juliaetta, Idaho, with sweeping views of rolling vineyards.

After getting to know Lewis-Clark Valley, travel south to the urban wineries of Boise and the Snake River Valley AVA around the Caldwell area.

Related Reading:

• 7 Truly Underrated U.S. Wineries Outside Of California
• 9 Best Breweries And Wineries To Visit In Chickasaw Country
• And the rest of our wine content

Barbara Barrielle has been a full-time travel, wine, and food writer for the last five years after a career as a publicist in the America's Cup, wine and entertainment. She is also an actress and film producer with two films currently in production and one released in 2018. She is working on a documentary "Crushed" about the wine country wildfires. She writes regularly for the Napa Valley Register, East Hampton Star, Northwest Travel and Life, Human Compass, Oregon Wine Press, and Wine Industry Advisor.

New wine trail traverses Muskingum, Guernsey and Coshocton counties

ZANESVILLE − Muskingum County is offering yet another opportunity for locals and tourists alike to experience what makes Appalachia great with the inaugural Wild About Wine Trail with stops in Muskingum, Guernsey, and Coshocton counties.

“We’re really excited about it,” said Kaitlynne Peters, marketing specialist with the Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau . As soon as the bureau posted the wine trail to its website they received more than 39 requests for the guide, Peters added.

Interested wine and beer connoisseurs can download the trail guide from the Visit Zanesville website or pick one up at the Welcome Center, 205 N. Fifth St.

The guide contains information on 14 wineries and breweries, along with QR codes to each location's website. It also offers suggested routes, additional attractions, and a sheet to record your progress through the trail.

Peters said some stops offer special discounts for those who are taking the tour.

“This is a great way to position southeastern Ohio as having great wine and beer selections,” said Peters. “I think it promotes in-state tourism with awareness. People get comfortable and have no idea these types of opportunities exist here. It’s also giving Appalachia more of a chance to show that we offer so many of the same things that you can get in bigger cities, too. You can travel here and enjoy these things but in a different and beautiful part of the state.”

Here is a short description from the guide on each winery and brewery offered on the trail:

Muskingum County

Y-Bridge Brewing Company 1417 Linden Ave., Zanesville740-868-4265 ybridgebrewing.com

Y-Bridge Brewing Company consists of a 20-barrel brewhouse, five 40-barrel fermenters, a 40-barrel Brite tank and a two-barrel specialty beer and test batch system. There are 18 taps that feature the main line of beers plus new creations. It’s pet friendly and offers food trucks, liquor and beer. Open year-round.

Stone Crest Vineyard 10310 O’Dell Road, Frazeysburg740-828-9463 stonecrestwinery.com

Stone Crest Vineyard offers 19 wines from dry to sweet and everything in between. Enjoy by the hillside waterfall or a climate controlled indoor seating area. Handicap accessible.

Headley Inn Winery & Vineyard 5345 West Pike, Zanesville740-487-1446 headleyinn.com

Headley Inn first opened in 1833 as an Inn and Tavern. The Winery still features the original interior structure and décor providing a historic setting in the tasting room. It offers a wide selection of wines. It’s pet friendly and handicap accessible. Open year-round.

Weasel Boy Brewing Company 126 Muskingum Avenue, Zanesville740-455-3767 weaselboybrewing.com

At Weasel Boy Brewing Co. you’ll find beers that are well balanced and flavorful. Choose from a cozy, living room style atmosphere by the bar and stage or smaller intimate spaces and additional dining on the pizza kitchen side of the building. It’s handicap accessible and offers food, liquor and beer. Open year-round.

White Eyes Creek Winery 9065 Clay Pike, Chandlersville740-221-2546 findohiowines.ohio.gov/discover/wineries/white-eyes-creek-winery

White Eyes Creek Winery offers a quiet country setting with a view of the countryside. Enjoy your wine from their outside areas or tasting room. Light snacks available.

Guernsey County

Guernsey Brewhouse 4550 Bloomfield Road, Cambridge740-995-3467 guernseybrewhouse.com

This full-service craft beer facility offers brews named after Guernsey County attractions including Salt Fork Sour, Sasquatch Cerveza or National Road IPA. They offer food trucks and entertainment Thursday to Saturday evenings. It’s pet friendly and handicap accessible. Open year-round.

Georgetown Vineyard 6290 Georgetown Road, Cambridge740-435-3222 GeorgetownTavern.com

This full-service craft beer facility offers brews named after Guernsey County attractions including Salt Fork Sour, Sasquatch Cerveza or National Road IPA. They offer food trucks and entertainment Thursday through Saturday evenings. It’s pet friendly and handicap accessible. Open year-round.

Coshocton County

Killing Tree Winery 16688 County Road 4, Dresden740-327-6100 killingtreewinery.com

Killing Tree Winery offers spectacular views of the countryside from the patios. Fire pits are available during nice weather. Live music is offered Friday and Saturday evening. It’s pet friendly and handicap accessible. Open year-round.

Baltic Mill Winery 111 E. Main St., Baltic330-365-0524 balticmillwinery.com

Baltic Mill Winery is located in an historic 1908 flour mill and has been operating for 10 years. They offer over a dozen varieties of wines and ciders, from dry to sweet, all bottled in-house. They also offer tours showcasing the original mill machinery. It’s open year-round and also offers food and beer. Pet friendly for animal lovers outside only.

Yellow Butterfly Winery 11661 Blue Ridge Road, Newcomerstown740-492-1216 yellowbutterflywinery.com

The yellow Butterfly Winery is nestled in the country in a turn-of-the-century barn. You can also relax on the deck and take in a rare view of great natural beauty and alpacas grazing on the hillside. Food available. Handicap accessible and open year-round.

Raven’s Glenn Winery 56183 County Road 143, West Lafayette740-545-1000 ravensglenn.com

Raven’s Glenn Winery offers Chef-driven dining with amazing river views. It’s handicap accessible and offers food and beer. Open year-round.

Wooly Pig Farm Brewery 23631 Township Road 167, Fresno740-693-5050 woolypigfarmbrewery.com

The Wooly Pig Farm Brewery is a small independent craft brewery specializing in traditional German lagers, such as Helles, Schwarzbier and Pilsner. The brewery is family-friendly and has a covered patio and large outside area for sitting or roaming, drinks-in-hand, to visit the eponymous Wooly Pigs. It’s handicap accessible, pet friendly, and offers food trucks (March through Oct.) and beer. Open year-round.

Rainbow Hills Winery, Brewery & Pizzeria 56280 U.S. 36, West Lafayette740-545-9305 rainbowhillswinery.com

Rainbow Hills was established in 1988 before Eric and Traci Dennis purchased the business in 2018 and added a pizzeria in 2019. They opened a brewery in 2022. All items are handcrafted in house. It’s handicap accessible and offers food and beer. Open year-round.

YOLO Winery 16286 Ohio 93, Kimbolton740-545-0766 yolowinery.com

YOLO Winery is a California-style winery located in the city of Kimbolton. Indoor and outdoor tasting. It’s handicap accessible, pet friendly, and offers food trucks.

We provide exciting and educational tours of our local wineries!

Come explore the beautiful Idaho wine country with us! We offer tours of some of the best wineries in the area, and we guarantee you'll have a great time!

We pride ourselves in providing an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. Our knowledgeable and passionate guides will take you on a journey through time, sharing the stories and culture of the area, while you sample some of the best wines the valley has to offer.

We hope that you will join us on one of our tours soon!

Meet Your Guide

Clint Hoiland

I wasn’t always interested in wine. After talking with people, I realize that I had the same experience that most have: I bought a couple of wines from the grocery store, and they were terrible! So, I figured I wasn’t a “wine guy.” That changed when my brother had a surprise wedding in Napa Valley in 2002 (that’s a story for another day!) We went to so many incredible wineries and tasted mind-blowing wines. It was like a whole new world was opening in front of my eyes. I was hooked! I began learning everything I could get my hands on about wine and wine history. And, of course, tasting! Figuring out what varietals, and wineries, were my favorite.

My friends and family started asking me for recommendations on wine and asking wine-related questions. Four years ago, I was speaking to one of the local winery owners in their vineyard, and she recommended that I start a wine tour company. Loving the local area, having grown up here, and being a natural storyteller, I began crafting a tour that would be one that I would want to go on. My spouse, two children, and I have traveled the world, and we always take a tour. Having a local talk to you about what you’re seeing, smelling, and tasting makes lifetime memories. I want that for the clients who go on my tour, and what better way to explore the Lewis-Clark Valley, than through wine? It’s the perfect compliment!

I buy wine, not only because I like it, but because I want to hear about where it was grown. Who the winemaker is, and what inspires them. What is the history and culture of the area? When I am having a dinner party, and the conversation tapers off, talking about the wine is a perfect way to get the conversation going again. And what a way to wow your friends! I have established a close relationship with each of the winery owners so that I can provide my guests with special access and treatment that the general public can’t get. I have learned the backstory and the behind-the-scenes information to pull back the curtain. And what a story it is, because each of these wineries continues to receive prestigious awards at competitions.

I am absolutely tickled to have the opportunity to help people discover the amazing Lewis-Clark AVA and all that the Lewis Clark Valley has to offer. I have tailored a tour service that emphasizes those characteristics that I would want if we went on a tour: Excellent service, great wines, and flawless delivery. I know that you will come to love the gateway to the Hells Canyon as much as I do.

The perfect way to escape the everyday and explore the world of wine

Pick up a copy of Northwest Travel & Life and see what Adam Sawyer experienced in the May/June 2018 edition when he was here. He wrote about us: “ For the full immersion and the benefit of a designated driver, take a tour with Twisted Vine Wine Tours. The extremely professional, engaging, and informative outings provide an in-depth understanding of the history, wine, and people that are helping to plot the new AVA’s course. ”

Read what the talented reporter and golfer Alfie Lau wrote about us in Golfer’s West!

We are excited to have our tour highlighted by Cathy Ries in her blog, The Trekking Cat!

Why choose us?

We offer tours that are all-inclusive and provide an intimate experience that cannot be found with other companies. We offer exclusive access to some of the best wineries in the area, which allows our guests to have memorable and unique opportunities in the wineries and tasting rooms that are unavailable to the general public.

Fun & Adventure

Our wine tours are the perfect way to have fun and create lasting memories with friends or family. We offer concierge-level service, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.

Knowledgeable Guides

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will take care of everything, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the wine and exclusive access, in the presence of your friends and family.

Customized Tours

We have a wide selection of tours to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your group. We can also customize a tour to fit your specific needs.

Enjoy the beauty and taste of wine in Lewiston, Idaho

Lewiston, Idaho is home to many wine tours that are perfect for exploring the area's many wineries. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and its many opportunities to taste delicious wines. There are many different companies that offer wine tours in Lewiston, so you can easily find one that suits your needs, but whether you're looking for a leisurely tour of the area's best wineries or a more adventurous exploration of the area's backroads, you'll be sure to find a wine tour in Lewiston the Twisted Vine Wine Tours are perfect for you!

Frequently asked questions

I’ve never been wine tasting before. am i going to feel foolish.

Heaven’s no! We’re excited you’re going to be joining us for your first trip. In fact, many people going on the tour have never done a wine tasting, so you’re with friends! An educational component will be provided at the first stop when that is the case (just let your guide know!).

How many people can you accommodate?

A minimum of four is required for the tour to go. However, the maximum amount varies. Six or seven seems to be a magical number. However, for larger groups, I contract with the Wheatland Express.

Also, you may charter the entire van if you choose, regardless if it does not meet the minimum amount.

What should I wear?

This is an easy question: whatever you want! In the summer shorts and skirts/dresses is the norm. In the winter, sweaters and sweatshirts, are prevalent. Jeans are always okay. Some people wear khakis. Every once in a great while you’ll see people in a suit and ties. The bottom line is to dress how you feel comfortable, and you will not feel out of place. However, comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. High heels are strongly discouraged, as we will be often standing and walking, and perhaps frolicking in the vineyard!

What about gratuity?

For the guide, it is completely at your discretion. If you are pleased with the service and effort put forth by your guide, you are most welcome to offer him or her a gratuity. Your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated.

If you have a large party, and there is a driver AND a guide, we have already given the driver a gratuity.

If you have chosen to go to Ampersand, gratuity and taxes are already included.

Can I be picked up from a different location?

No problem! Pickup is free from any Lewiston Happy Day restaurant. Pickup is also free from any of our other high-quality hotel partners in Lewiston, which include the Hampton Inn & Suites and the Holiday Inn Express. The Quality Inn & Convention Center will transport guests staying with them for free to a pickup location in Lewiston.

Pickup and return from (and back to) your Lewiston residence, or a non-partner hotel, is a popular option. $10 per residence/hotel, plus $5 per person. If you reside or are staying in Moscow, it is $20 per residence/hotel, plus $5 per person.

If you are not in one of these locations, please just ask for a quote.

What type of vehicle do you use?

A 2017 Ford Transit van, with 11 passenger bucket seats. It is kept impeccably maintained.

Will you accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten sensitivities, and other diet restrictions?

Yes, without additional charge! Just let us know, in advance, so we can custom craft to your needs. Usually, there are a small number of gluten-free snacks that are included in every tour, just in case, someone has forgotten to mention that they have gluten sensitivities.

If we drive in to the designated rally point to meet the tour, won’t we be too intoxicated to drive?

We strongly encourage our guests to enjoy the Lewis Clark Valley and enjoy the amazing restaurants we have to offer. Take your time, enjoy a meal, and savor this time away from stress. In fact, why don’t you stay at our Preferred Partner, the Red Lion Hotel? We can get you a discount, and there are no worries that way. Mention that you are with Twisted Vine Wine Tours, and they will apply the discount, or contact us for more information. Or, there are our partners at the Quality Inn and Convention Center, the Best Western, the Hampton Inn, or the Holiday Inn Express, who have excellent rooms and great staff to take care of your needs during your stay.

Who else might be on the tour?

If you would like a private, chartered tours: none. When the tour is chartered, it is considered to be an exclusive and private tour, and you have paid for all 7 seats on the van, regardless of the number of people. The only people who may go are those who you invite (an interpreter may be included by Twisted Vine Wine Tours, LLC, if needed and as arranged with the Responsible Party, at an additional fee.) However, if you are not on a private charter, that is a part of the fun, to meet new and interesting people while enjoying the Lewis Clark valley’s history and culture.

I really like getting drunk, and having my friends get drunk. This sounds like the place for me!

Yikes! So happy you know how to have a good time, but this tour isn’t for you. We will be more than happy to refer you to one of the limousine or taxi cab companies in the area. Most of our clientele are locals who are looking for a stress-free way to explore their own community, ex-pats who are returning to visit family, those traveling on business who crave something off the beaten path, or tourists who are intrigued by our history.

One of my friends who is going with is always late. Can we start the tour when he shows up?

With 24-hour notice, we can push your tour out to a specific time (depending on venue availability, and if no other tours have been booked for that day). With less than 24 hour notice, the tour guide will arrive promptly, and the clock will start. However, the tour will not board the van until the Responsible Party states that it is time to board. In the case of a late start, the guide will talk to the Responsible Party and ascertain her/his preferences. Additional time above the tour window will be billed at $70/hr. If it is a mixed tour and not just one group, the tour will leave no later than 10 minutes after the scheduled departure time.

Can you go into Washington?

No. Due to licensing requirements, we are unable to cross the border.

I might have to cancel. Are there refunds?

If a total of four people do not sign up, a full refund will be issued. However, after the tour is confirmed with a minimum of four people, there are no refunds. It is not fair to the other three people on the tour to cancel, and the tour will continue as planned.

For the remainder of the tours, that time was booked just for you, and there will be no refunds. If you inform us 72 hours prior to your reservation, we will be happy to reschedule your trip within one year of the original booked date, if space is available. Unfortunately, if the cancellation is less than 72 hours, we will be unable to reschedule your trip, and your tour cost will be forfeited.

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Our Story so far

Discover tinwood estate, chichester, sussex, a family-owned wine estate, “this great story started with salad.”, “taking over the family farm in 2006 was my chance to follow my dream in making the finest sparkling wine. converting our land from salad to wine has been a journey of discovery and joy that i look forward to sharing with you.”.

Born and raised on this beautiful Sussex land, I have been lucky to watch the views change over the years. Growing up, we were not looking out onto fields of vines like we do today; my Mum and Dad before me were iceberg lettuce farmers. Now I, Art, live on the Vineyard with my wife, Jody, and son, Jake.

“Farming for us isn’t just a job; living here and looking after the land is a way of life passed on from generation to generation. You could say ‘growing’ runs through our veins.”

In his early years, my father, also the son of a farmer from the Netherlands, worked for Marks and Spencer travelling the world; he taught farmers to grow beans in Kenya, tomatoes under glass in Germany and salads in California. It was in California that he stumbled upon an exciting new salad crop called iceberg lettuce, where everything changed. In 1983 a farm became available in just the right spot, at the foot of South Downs in Sussex, close to the sea on Tinwood Lane, where he started farming his crops.

Skip forward a few years when it was my turn to take the reins of the farm; the landscape had evolved so much that mass production farming and supermarkets were taking prevalence. I thought that it was time for a change.

While studying agriculture and farming at university, it dawned on me that growing vines could be my family’s future. With this in mind, I packed my bags and, in 2005, moved to Marlborough, New Zealand. Being fortunate enough to work in the vineyards in Marlborough, I worked closely with Mike and Claire Allen, who own Huia Vineyards. I owe them so much for sharing their fantastic knowledge over a glass of wine or two! Growing and nurturing Sauvignon Blanc and other grape varieties opened my eyes to the beautiful world of growing vines and producing wine. This was when I knew I wanted to convert the land from salad to vines and become a Vineyard owner.

Surrounded by Beauty

“our flint, gravel loam soil layered over chalk at the base of the south downs is truly a magical place to grow our vines. now spread over 110 acres of the vineyard, the family farm is growing world-class quality grapes to produce our award-winning sparkling wines”..

Our 275-acre family farm is ideally situated at the foot of the South Downs, only 3 miles from the sea. The top layer of our soil consists of fertile loam, gravel and flint. At different points of the farm, we have varying depths of chalk ranging from 50m to 300cm deep, very similar to the chalk found in parts of Champagne and Burgundy.

In 2007 we started pulling out the lettuces and planted our first 48,000 vines. With a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier spread across 28 acres. In 2008 this was further added to give us a total of 50 acres. Now with 110 acres under vine, we hope to harvest between 300 and 400 tonnes of grapes depending on the season.

Doing things right

In the Vineyard, I am joined by 6 full-time team members who all enjoy the same passion and strive to produce the best quality grapes possible from our land.

All vines are hand pruned through the Winter before going through budburst in mid-April. Thankfully being only 3 miles from the sea, we rarely experience frost, and our vines continue to grow happily through the spring. At this time, the team are busy shoot selecting, bud rubbing and wire lifting finishing with my favourite time of year – Harvest.

Harvest is the most exciting time of year, and depending on the season, we usually begin harvesting the last week of September. Every bunch of grapes is hand-picked to ensure the best quality by our professional team of grape pickers.

If you are interested in learning more about our Harvest, we run a yearly Harvest Experience where you can join in on the fun.

When Harvest is over, our team spend their time pruning the vines right back down from November until February for the life cycle to start again.

Wine making

With all the hard work that goes into growing our grapes in the vineyards, we create our fabulous range of delicious sparkling wines, which are expertly made in collaboration with the award-winning wine at Ridgeview Wine Estate in Ditchling, Brighton.

Immediately after arriving at the winery, our grapes are whole bunch pressed. The grape juice is left to settle, and yeast is added to conduct its first fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. A few members of the team and I taste these base wines with the winemaking team to decide which parcels of wine belong to which blend.

“The tasting of our base wines following the harvest gives us the first glimpse of the character and quality of our vintage wines.”

These blends are then bottled with added yeast and sugar. The bottles then return to our cellars here at Tinwood Estate to rest for a minimum of 2 years in our temperature-controlled cellars. Once the wine is ready, we take them out of the Tinwood cellars back to the winery for disgorgement, corking, foiling and labelling before returning to Tinwood Estate again for the final stage of maturation.

Experience Tinwood

The tasting room.

Our Tasting Room sits just in front of our Vineyard on the Estate. Located only 10 minutes from Chichester and 5 minutes from Goodwood, it is the perfect place to visit for an afternoon if doing a tour or to just quickly pass through if you are on your way to the Goodwood races.

The beauty of living in a New Zealand Vineyard and learning how to grow grapes was an incredible experience. I was instantly inspired by how in tune they were with their environment and completely in awe of the outstanding architecture and design. What took me by surprise was their wine-tasting experience. With a welcoming nature, they delivered such openness, which again was so inspiring that we wanted to bring that same atmosphere to Tinwood Estate.

Starting from humble beginnings in 2012, I was running the Vineyard and my wife, Jody, opened the tasting room. We ran our 1st vineyard tour on June 21st, 2012. We still remember having that same buzz about our first vineyard tour as the once’s we do today. The passion and hunger to show people what we do hasn’t faded but grown. Often you will find Jody and me at the tasting room chatting with guests and showing them what we are up to currently in the Vineyard.

We opened our overnight accommodation in 2017 to welcome guests from further afield to stay the night in our Vineyard, which soon became the perfect staycation for our many wonderful guests—a rather unique experience for people to relax and enjoy our wine among the vines.

In 2019 we decided to expand our tasting room to give us more space, a comfortable space to conduct wine tastings, pop-up dinners and seasonal events all year round. Our tasting room is a beautiful open space for our guests to feel comfortable and at home while enjoying our surroundings.

Later in life came further trips to Napa, Stellenbosch and Hunter Valley, to name a few…

What's next for Tinwood

We continue to expand the Vineyard, with the latest planting in 2022. We are always on the lookout for new technologies and ways of improving the growth of our vines.

In recent years we have become much more conscious of our position within the environment. We make agronomy decisions with the environment at the forefront of our minds. We strive to leave the farm to the next generation in an even better state than it is today.

“As a generational farming family, we believe in making decisions that will improve the life, the vitality of the soils and environment of the farm, not just in our own lifetimes but for the following generations as well.

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