Beacon Down Vineyard: Award-Winning English Wines & Tours in East Sussex
A Family Vineyard Born from a "What If" Conversation
Beacon Down Vineyard is the realisation of a long-held dream for Paul and Al Pippard, a husband-and-wife team who run every aspect of their family vineyard in East Sussex. The story begins on holiday in 2012, when the couple started having one of those "what if" conversations about planting their own vines. Within two years they had gained practical experience and Paul had completed his Diploma in Wine Production at Plumpton College, the agricultural college in Sussex that has trained many of England's new generation of winemakers. In 2014 they began the search for a site and, with a small baby in tow, spent long days driving around the countryside until they found an ideal location just outside the little village of Cross-in-Hand. They sold their flat in Camberwell, South London, and made the move to Sussex to start their new life.
Today the Pippards still run every part of Beacon Down themselves, from growing and tending the vines in all weather to selling and packing up wine for delivery, leading the tours and laying on the local-produce picnics. They live in Lewes with their two young boys, Ossie and Rex, and describe the business as a family and dog-friendly experience for visitors. A short film of the 2020 harvest made by Thames Media can be viewed on YouTube.
The Vineyard Site in the High Weald
Beacon Down occupies 18 acres of the High Weald, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Heathfield in East Sussex. The site sits on gentle south-east facing slopes, an aspect that helps capture the morning sun and shields the vines from the worst of the westerly weather. From the top of the vineyard the views stretch across to the South Downs and on clear days to the sea. The sandstone soils and Sussex sunshine have proved a happy combination for the four varieties planted on the estate.
Two fields on the site were planted with nearly 10,000 vines in May 2015, after a year of careful preparation that included drainage installation in April 2015, ploughing for planting and the installation of the trellis system later that summer. The team chose classic cool-climate varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for their traditional-method sparkling wines, and Bacchus, Pinot Gris and Riesling for their still whites. Within two years the wild flowers were establishing between the rows and the vines were showing real potential, culminating in the first harvest in 2017.
The Wines
Beacon Down's portfolio has grown to seven wines across a sparkling and a still range. The wines are made with attention to detail at every step of the journey; Paul and Al personally tend the vines year-round, oversee precise care in the winery, taste, finish and package the bottles themselves, and either hand-deliver to your door or serve them to you on one of their tour days. The sparkling wines are vegan friendly, while the still wines use isinglass (a fish-derived product) as a filter medium. Customers can use the code LOCAL at checkout for free delivery to BN71, BN72, BN85, BN86, TN210, TN218, PE280 and all Lewes, Brighton and Hove and Heathfield postcodes.
Sparkling Wines (PDO)
Beacon Down's sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, with a secondary fermentation in the bottle and extended ageing on the lees. They hold Quality English Sparkling Wine PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, the same designation given to the top tier of English sparkling wines.
Cuvee XXI - £29.95
The newest addition to the sparkling range is the Cuvee XXI, the first Beacon Down wine to blend Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It is a light golden colour with lovely balance and depth, a palate of crunchy apple with notes of light brioche, and has had a good period of lees ageing which gives the wine a fine mousse and a certain finesse. In 2026 the Cuvee was awarded a Silver medal at the Independent English Wine Awards, with the judges commenting that it is "a rich and expressive sparkling wine with red apple, creamy pastry and savoury notes. Full-bodied and complex, with a long, satisfying finish and a style that comfortably sits at the upper end of Silver level". The Cuvee XXI can be ordered online.
Rose de Noirs - £31.95
The Rose sparkling is a vibrant pink wine with flavours of strawberry and cherry, a lovely pink hue and fantastic balance. Produced in the traditional method from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 vintage drew the following IWSC judges' note: "Beautiful nose of fragrant raspberry and touches of savoury notes. Fresh and attractive". It also won four stars from Harpers Wine Stars 2022. Customer feedback has been effusive, with Gavin writing in September 2020: "Another gorgeous wine from Beacon Down! Definitely summer fruits, so drinkable and the most beautiful colour." A technical sheet for the 2018 vintage is available, and the Rose de Noirs can be ordered online.
Blanc De Noirs - £33.95
The 2022 vintage of the Blanc De Noirs is now available. With 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this wine has been produced in the traditional method and aged to create a refined sparkling wine with an excellent balance of fruit and complexity. Fine bubbles, a gentle mousse and a fresh finish make this an absolute joy to drink at any celebration. The 2017 vintage was selected as one of Matthew Jukes' Top 40 Wines for Christmas 2020, who described it as: "Mellow, soothing and with wild raspberry tones, this fizz has undeniable class and will charm your senses with its perfume and poise". It has won two Silver awards, from the Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 and the International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2018 vintage won a four-star award from Harpers Wine Stars 2022. A Blanc De Noirs 2017 technical sheet is available, and bottles can be ordered online.
Blanc de Blancs - £35.95
The 2018 vintage of the Blanc de Blancs is now available and tasting fantastic. Made in the traditional method from 100% Chardonnay grapes and aged for over six years on its lees, this is an exceptionally refined sparkling wine. The 2017 vintage of the same wine won a clutch of prestigious awards: Harpers Wine Stars 2022 awarded it a five-star Top Award including "Star of England", "Star of Sussex", "Star Taste" and "Star Value"; Decanter 2024 awarded 93 points and a Silver medal for "Ripe tropical and intense stone fruits, sour honey, brioche, and toast, giving length, richness and some complexity"; and Great British Wine described it as: "With six years of ageing on the lees, this Sussex Chardonnay is opulent and ripe with a nose full of baked apple, ripe stone fruit, warm brioche and toasty complexities." The Blanc de Blancs is the top-of-range sparkling in the current collection.
Still White Wines
Bacchus - £16.95
The 2023 vintage of Beacon Down's 100% Bacchus is "England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc", according to the winery. A dry, crisp and vibrant white with elderflower aromatics on the nose and lovely citrus and tropical flavours on the palate, this is a multi-award winner at both the Independent English Wine Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition. The 2023 vintage picked up a Silver medal at the IEWA 2026 awards with the judges noting: "A Silver medal Bacchus with impressive texture, savoury complexity and a confident, food-friendly style." The Bacchus can be ordered online.
Pinot Gris - £17.95
This is a fantastic wine from a small plot of carefully hand-tended vines. Lovely summer weather provided favourable ripening conditions and balanced grapes. Carefully harvested by Beacon Down friends and family, followed by a very cool fermentation, this is a dry white wine that is subtle on the nose and delicious on the palate with flavours of stone fruit and a tropical finish. Previous vintages have won Silver awards (90 points-plus). The Pinot Gris can be ordered online.
Riesling - from £15.95
Beacon Down's Riesling wines are unique in England. To ripen Riesling in the UK's cool climate to produce a still wine with acids in balance is a real challenge and a great success. The wines are left to mature and soften in bottle for a number of years in temperature-controlled storage before being ready for sale; some vintages are half-size bottles (375ml). The 2020 Riesling is another first, with only 300 bottles available: the grapes were left on the vines as long as possible, picked late in October 2020, and fermented in oak before being bottled in 2022. The 2018 vintage was featured on Alan Titchmarsh's Love Your Weekend on ITV in November 2021, won a bronze medal from the IEWA, and was featured in a Decanter competition in Tasmania where it scored highly above a number of German Rieslings. Technical notes are available, and the Riesling can be ordered online.
Awards and Recognition
Beacon Down has built an enviable award cabinet in a relatively short space of time. Recent highlights include:
- Silver Medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2020 for the Blanc De Noirs 2017.
- Silver Award at the International Wine and Spirits Competition for the Blanc De Noirs 2017.
- Silver medals at the 2026 Independent English Wine Awards for the Cuvee XXI, Blanc de Blancs and Bacchus.
- Harpers Wine Stars 2022: four stars for the Rose de Noirs 2018, four stars for the Blanc De Noirs 2018, and a five-star Top Award for the Blanc de Blancs 2017 ("Star of England", "Star of Sussex", "Star Taste", "Star Value").
- Decanter 2024: 93 points and a Silver Medal for the Blanc de Blancs 2017.
- The 2017 vintage of the Blanc De Noirs was selected as one of Matthew Jukes' Top 40 Wines for Christmas 2020.
- The 2018 Riesling was featured on Alan Titchmarsh's Love Your Weekend on ITV in November 2021.
- The Blanc de Blancs 2017 and the 2018 Riesling have both been reviewed by Great British Wine.
Wine Subscriptions
Subscriptions are the most cost-effective way to order, with free delivery included. The vineyard puts together mixed cases from its five varieties: Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Each subscription can be paused or cancelled at any time via the customer account.
- Monthly subscription - from £85.00 every month.
- Three-month subscription - from £90.00 every three months.
- Six-month subscription - from £95.00 every six months.
Where to Find Beacon Down Wines
The full range is available from the Beacon Down online shop, with free delivery available to a wide swathe of Sussex and Brighton postcodes using the LOCAL code. The Blanc De Noirs can also be found in 21 Waitrose stores across the South East as well as on WaitroseCellar.com. The winery also runs discounted case offers throughout the year for those who like to stock the cellar, and the wines can be found on many local Sussex restaurant lists.
Tours, Tastings and Picnics
A warm welcome awaits when you book onto a Beacon Down vineyard tour, and the experience is family and dog-friendly. Led by the owners, the tour takes visitors on a journey from the transformation of the site previously used for sheep grazing and hay production to the beautiful vineyard of today. The tour is relaxed and open with plenty of time for questions and conversation, and it concludes with a tasting of the current wines. After the tour and tasting you have the opportunity to stroll through the vines in your own time, or sit and relax with a glass of wine while enjoying the views. The tour lasts around an hour.
Bookings for the upcoming season run from late May through to mid-September 2026, with a mix of Saturday morning slots and a few Sunday midday slots:
- Sunday 24 May 2026 @ 12pm
- Saturday 6 June 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 13 June 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 27 June 2026 @ 11am
- Sunday 5 July 2026 @ 12pm
- Saturday 18 July 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 25 July 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 8 August 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 15 August 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 22 August 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 29 August 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 5 September 2026 @ 11am
- Saturday 12 September 2026 @ 11am
Pricing is per person, and the team requires four days' notice for a picnic booking so they can secure the most delicious local produce. The vineyard is not able to cater for allergies or severe intolerances. In the event of cancellation due to adverse weather the team will offer a new date or full refund; otherwise tours and picnics are non-refundable. Wine, local beers and soft drinks can be purchased on the day. If you can't find a suitable date, give Al a call on 07751 829 613.
To add a picnic to enjoy after the tour, choose from locally produced cheeses, salads, charcuterie, sausage rolls and accompaniments. A vegetarian option is available. Pricing for the 2026 season is:
- Tours and Tastings - £15.00 per person.
- Picnic - £15.00 per person.
Visitors should aim to arrive on time so the tour can start and finish appropriately for all guests. Trainers or boots are recommended and, if wet, wellies and waterproofs are sensible. Free tea and coffee and water are available on the day. Tours, tastings and picnics can be booked online.
Lease a Vine
One of Beacon Down's most distinctive offerings is the Lease a Vine package, which makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, special occasions and Christmas. You can choose between still varieties (Bacchus and Pinot Gris), sparkling varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) or some of both. A welcome pack arrives at your front door with a certificate of lease, a tag for when you come to choose your vines, a map and further information. Your chosen package, of either one or six vines, gives you the equivalent number of bottles of wine to the number of vines in your package (your grapes will be mixed with others of the same variety to produce the wines). You will also be able to come along to a tour and tasting led by the owners, choose the vines you would like to lease and learn more about what it takes to run an English vineyard. If you opt to lease six vines you will also be able to look forward to a stylish picnic following your tasting with fantastic views.
Lease a Vine packages start at £45.00 and can be ordered via the Lease a Vine section. Welcome packs are sent out via Royal Mail first-class post (tracked).
Gift Ideas and Vouchers
Beacon Down offers a number of gift options for any budget:
- Vouchers for tours, tastings and picnics - from £15.00. Choose between a tour-and-tasting voucher or a tour, tasting and picnic voucher for one person. These are physical vouchers posted to you, with the production and postage cost included in the single checkout postage charge.
- Digital Gift Card - from £25.00. Choose from £25, £50, £75 or £100 values. The gift card recipient can enter the unique code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total, redeemable against any product and never expiring.
- Presentation packs - from £25.00. A beautiful wooden presentation pack with up to two bottles of still or sparkling wines, with a choice of combinations (two still, one still, one sparkling, two sparkling, or one sparkling and one still). Use code LOCAL at checkout to avoid the delivery charge if you are local to the vineyard.
- Beacon Down Wine Carrier - £8.00 (currently sold out). A British-made jute bag that carries up to six 75cl bottles of wine.
- Cases of Wine - from £60.00. Pre-made cases include the New Wine Heroes, New Award Winners, The Red Nose, Sparkle Sparkle, Be Still and Full House, as well as single-variety six-bottle sparkling options (Blanc De Noirs, Rose de Noirs, Blanc de Blancs and Cuvee XXI).
Events and Open Afternoons
Beacon Down runs its own open afternoons at the vineyard through the summer, and also takes a stand at a number of regional food and drink festivals, late-night shopping events and Christmas markets across Sussex.
Summer Open Afternoons 2025
No need to book - just pop by for a tasting and a glass or two on Saturday afternoons from 19 July to 23 August 2025 (2-5pm). Award-winning still and sparkling wines will be available by the glass and bottle to drink while taking in the gorgeous views, or to take away. The team also hosts an annual series of Saturday Open Afternoons throughout August each year, including the 2024 Saturdays in August and the original 2023 Summer Open Afternoons.
Festivals, Fairs and Christmas Markets
Beacon Down regularly attends local food fairs and late-night shopping evenings, including the Newick Food Fair, the East Sussex National Food, Drink and Makers Festival, Lewes Late Night Shopping and Uckfield Late Night Shopping. At Christmas the vineyard can be found at Wilderness Woods in Hadlow Down (see the 2024 7-8 December and 30 November - 1 December dates) and at the Gun Brewery Christmas Fair (see the 15 December 2024 event).
Other past appearances include the Wilderness Woods December 2023 weekend, the Christmas Pop Up Market in Heathfield, the Heathfield Anglo/French Le Marche, the Lewes Gin and Fizzmas, and the 2021 summer Saturday Open Afternoons and Self-guided tours.
Visiting the Vineyard
The vineyard is family and dog-friendly, with parking available on site. The entrance is a farm gate about 300 yards on the left down Browns Lane, from Firgrove Road. The team encourages visitors to use public transport or share lifts where possible to reduce traffic movements; the nearest bus stop is a ten-minute walk along Firgrove Road and the 29A connects Brighton and Hove, Lewes and Uckfield; the 51 joins up to Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne. Other routes include the 195, 225, 318 and 331. The full address is Beacon Down Vineyard, Browns Lane, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0QJ, with a Google Maps pin available. What3Words is fetch.cubic.beefed.
For any questions you can telephone the office on 01435 692629 or email enquiries@beacondown.co.uk; Paul and Alice are happy to help. Follow Beacon Down on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news, vineyard updates and seasonal offers.
Things to Do Nearby and Places to Stay
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area to make a day, weekend or longer holiday of your visit. Cyclists and walkers can take the Cuckoo Trail, an 11-mile former railway line converted into a wildlife-friendly green corridor running from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. Around 25 minutes' drive away you'll find Herstmonceux Castle and the Observatory Science Centre - the moated castle has interiors to explore, an Elizabethan walled garden and tea shop, while the Observatory is great fun with telescopes and large interactive science exhibits. Rudyard Kipling's beautiful Jacobean home at Bateman's, with its National Trust cafe, is only 20 minutes away. To entertain children, try Urban Jump Trampoline Park in Heathfield (five minutes) or the adventure playgrounds, rides, waterplay and zoo at Knockhatch Adventure Park (15 minutes).
For places to stay, camping and shepherd's huts are available at nearby Wilderness Woods. Eco-friendly luxury retreats can be found at Orchard Barns in Cowbeech, the Blackboys Inn and a range of bed and breakfasts and self-catering options in the area. The vineyard also supports the Green Tractor Scheme, a mark of provenance for high-quality, traceable Sussex produce, and Beacon Down is referenced in industry coverage such as the Jancis Robinson piece on the appointment of a coordinator for English wine research.