Blackboys Vineyard (Tickerage Wines)

A family vineyard in the heart of the Sussex Weald

Nestled on five acres of north-facing slopes at the edge of the Sussex Weald, Tickerage (also known as Blackboys Vineyard) is a small, family-owned English sparkling wine estate in the East Sussex village of Blackboys, near Uckfield. The site sits on top of a sandstone ridge with free-draining soils that the vines clearly adore, and every bottle of Tickerage is produced from estate-grown fruit that is hand-harvested, pressed and bottle-aged on the same property. The wines are vegan friendly, crafted with minimal intervention, and the result of a hands-on, sustainable approach that has now been refined over more than fifteen years.

This is a working home as well as a working vineyard, which is part of Tickerage's particular charm. Visits are by prior arrangement, Open Days are held quarterly, and the family is candid that drop-in tastings are not offered. It is, in their words, "Individual. Honest. Handcrafted."

From City life to vineyard dreams

Tickerage is run by Anthony and Zena Budd. Before moving south, the couple lived busy London lives: Zena worked on television shows such as The Big Breakfast, while Anthony ran a digital graphics studio. After the arrival of their second daughter, they decided the pace of the capital was no longer for them. Zena retrained as a primary school teacher and Anthony, who had always loved wine, enrolled on a two-year HND in viticulture at Plumpton College to follow what turned out to be his life's calling.

After a year-long search they found a ten-acre site, moved in and began preparing the ground for planting. On the morning of 1 May 2007, with a dedicated team of planters, they put 8,000 vines into the ground in a single day, primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Two and a half years later, on 10 October 2009, friends and family helped harvest the grapes from those vines. They went into the estate's first wine, the award-winning 2009 Tickerage Blush.

Building a purpose-built winery

In 2018 the family took the plunge and built their own purpose-built winery and pressing centre on site. This enabled them to combine contemporary innovation with respected artisanal winemaking skills and to produce limited runs of top-quality wine. The winery now contains everything needed to process the grapes straight from picking, through pressing, fermentation, bottling, disgorging and labelling. From pruning to harvest, the bespoke approach means every vine and every grape is known and lovingly cared for, and the time from picking to pressing is typically just a couple of hours.

The team behind Tickerage

While Anthony and Zena are the faces of the brand, Tickerage is a real family affair. Their daughters Kizzie and Charlie both lend a hand in the vineyard; Charlie is also a keen photographer whose imagery and drone footage feature heavily across the estate's social channels. Gordon, who turned up as a volunteer during the 2020 harvest and now prunes through the winter, is "a fantastic addition to the team". Simon, a long-standing friend, has twice rebuilt the Tickerage website. Marc reworked the brand and labels after first visiting as a "cold call". Numerous other friends, including Daryl, Nicole, Brian, Bryce, Neil, Adam, Callum, Alistair, Rob and Joe, are named as part of the wider Tickerage team.

The vineyard, the soil and the slopes

Tickerage's five productive acres are deliberately kept small. The north-facing slopes of the sandstone ridge encourage high acidity and slow, even ripening, which are essential for crafting sparkling wines that age gracefully. The estate follows a minimal intervention philosophy both in the vineyard and in the winery: spraying only when there is disease pressure and limiting applications to six to eight per season, hand-harvesting at the optimal point for both acidity and ripeness, and using only their own estate-grown grapes.

The grape varieties

Five grape varieties are cultivated at Tickerage, all planted in 2007:

• Chardonnay - the backbone of the sparkling portfolio, grown principally in the "barn" field, which has produced beautiful big bunches of golden nectar from the very first harvest. The 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs is built to age.
• Pinot Noir - the "strawberries and cream" grape of the estate, with thin skins and tightly packed bunches that demand serious canopy management. It is a core ingredient of the Classic and Blanc de Noirs cuvées.
• Pinot Meunier - sometimes called "the Miller" because of the white, flour-like dusty down on its leaves. A relatively low cropper on the site, it adds roundness to blends and underpins the 100% Pinot Meunier sparkling wines.
• Rondo and Regent - 100 vines of each, planted because they are disease-resistant, early-ripening varieties suited to the UK's short growing season. They give a small quantity of grapes for a light, fruity red and also add colour to the sparkling rosé after the colour loss that comes with disgorging.

An innovative, traditional-method approach

Tickerage blends traditional and modern techniques to create limited batch runs of distinctive wines with minimal intervention and a low environmental impact. Every wine is a vintage wine - that is, it is made only from grapes grown in the named year - and each spends at least five years on the lees in bottle.

The traditional method and long lees ageing

All of Tickerage's sparkling wines are produced using the traditional method. After the initial fermentation, base wines are blended, mixed with a precise amount of sugar and yeast, and bottled under a crown cap. The yeast performs the secondary fermentation inside the sealed bottle, creating the fizz. The dead yeast - the lees - then settle on the inside of the bottle and release molecules that interact and impart subtle flavours over many years.

UK guidelines require just 90 days of lees ageing for a sparkling wine. Tickerage keeps its wines on the lees for a minimum of five years, and in many cases considerably longer. The estate has explained that extended lees ageing "imparts subtle flavours to the wine" that simply would not be there in a younger vintage, which is why tasting the wines every six months is such an enjoyable part of the winemaking calendar.

Bottling and blending trials

The estate's secondhand bottling line is described as a real statement piece of equipment, "possibly a little over specced" for a winery of this size but "the perfect home to retire to". Each year, after the grapes are picked, pressed and fermented, the different parcels of grapes from the three fields - each with its own clones and rootstocks - are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, then blended in the chosen proportions during the annual blending trials, before being bottled later in the year.

Tickerage does not aim to make a particular wine each year - the grapes guide the decision. If the Chardonnay is exceptional, the year might focus on a Blanc de Blancs (as in 2011). Other years might ace the Sparkling Rosé. The blends are then left to rest and cold-stabilise until bottling.

The Tickerage sparkling wine range

Every wine in the Tickerage portfolio begins as still base wine around 10% ABV. Once secondary fermentation is complete and the long lees ageing has done its work, the disgorged bottles are released in small, often individually numbered batches.

Classic Cuvée

The Classic Cuvée range showcases the art of blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier in a Traditional Method Sparkling Wine. Each vintage reflects the unique character of the growing year.

• 2018 Classic Cuvée (case of 6) - £225.00. Pale gold, with aromas of citrus zest and orchard fruits; flavours of crisp apple, baked pear, almond, hints of brioche and mineral freshness. 65% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Meunier. Extra Brut (4.5g/L dosage), 12% ABV. Vegan friendly. Aged over five years on the lees; 5,695 bottles produced.
• 2014 Classic Cuvée (case of 6) - £225.00. Pale gold, tropical fruits on the nose with caramel and baked apples on the palate. Brut Nature (0g/L dosage), 11% ABV. Silver medal winner at the Independent English Wine Awards 2020. 6,500 bottles produced.
• 2013 Classic Cuvée (case of 6) - £240.00. Pale gold, clean and crisp nose of fresh honey, ripe citrus and hints of biscuit; intricate, strong bead and a soft, velvety, lasting finish. Extra Brut (6g/L), 11% ABV. 5,000 bottles produced; available in the mixed sparkling case only.
• 2010 Classic Cuvée (case of 6) - £360.00. Soft, velvety and elegant. Extra Brut (3g/L), 12% ABV. Silver medal winner at the 2016 International Wine Challenge.

Blanc de Blancs

A 100% Chardonnay sparkler, the Blanc de Blancs range is Anthony's personal favourite - a "true showstopper" of a wine with captivating aromas of honey and apple.

• 2015 Blanc de Blancs (case of 6) - £282.00. Medium gold with a persistent, fine bead and mousse. Notes of honey and caramelised apple on the nose; melon, cucumber, thyme and orange blossom on the palate. Brut (4g/L dosage), 11.5% ABV. Over eight years on the lees.
• 2011 Blanc de Blancs (case of 6) - £360.00. Medium gold with intense and prolonged fine bead; honey, caramelised apple, melon, cucumber, thyme and orange blossom; over ten years on the lees. Brut (7.5g/L dosage), 12% ABV. Gold medal winner at the Independent English Wine Awards 2020.

Pinot Meunier

Often referred to as Blanc de Noirs - a white wine made from red grapes - the Pinot Meunier range is a unique and exciting expression of 100% Pinot Meunier.

• 2013 Pinot Meunier (case of 6) - £295.00. Aged 10 years on the lees; radiant brilliance; aromas of citrus zest, toasted brioche and hazelnut; lively acidity and creamy texture. Brut Nature (0g/L), 11% ABV. Vegan friendly. Only 750 bottles made, each individually numbered.
• 2014 Pinot Meunier (case of 6) - £285.00. Lees aged for 10 years; zero-dosage, 100% Pinot Meunier Blanc de Noirs that loves to be paired with food. Brut Nature (0g/L), 12% ABV. 2,062 bottles made, each individually numbered.

Sparkling Rosé

The sparkling rosé is a beloved addition to the range and a particular favourite of Zena's. Production is intentionally kept low.

• 2013 Sparkling Rosé (case of 6) - £264.00. A beautiful off-pink colour with sustained bead; blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; summer fruits on the nose with hints of ripe cherries; rich, creamy and refined. Extra Brut (3.5g/L), 11% ABV. Gold medal winner at the Independent English Wine Awards 2020. 2,500 bottles made, each individually numbered.

Still Wines

While Tickerage specialises in sparkling, the still wine range showcases the exceptional quality of the vineyard in remarkable years such as 2018.

• 2018 Chardonnay (case of 6) - £131.50. Pale lemony gold; fresh, zesty nose with hints of asparagus and tropical fruits; unoaked and unfiltered for minimal intervention; ripe lemon zest and fresh cut pineapple on the palate. 11% ABV. 3,000 bottles produced.
• 2018 White Pinot Noir (case of 6) - £132.00. Tank-aged on a light lees; light straw colour with nutty oxidative notes and softer tropical fruits and apricots. Best served chilled as an aperitif with olives, salted peanuts or oysters. 11% ABV. 850 bottles produced.
• 2018 Rosé (case of 6) - £119.70. Pale copper; blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; delicate vanilla and rose petal aroma; creaminess from extended tank maturation with strawberries and cherries on the palate. 11% ABV. Around 2,000 bottles produced.

Col Fondo

The Col Fondo range celebrates traditional winemaking techniques with minimal intervention: wines bottled with natural sediment for a charming, rustic character, and lighter in alcohol than the core range.

• Col Fondo White (case of 6) - £150.00. Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; naturally cloudy with a slightly bitter yet refreshingly light taste; gentle effervescence and a smooth, lees-driven texture. 10% ABV.
• Col Fondo Rosé (case of 6) - £150.00. Delicate pink hue, enhanced with Regent and Rondo red blend for depth and complexity; bright red berry flavours and a crisp, lively finish. 10% ABV.
• Col Fondo "Red" (case of 6) - £150.00. A majority of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier enriched with Regent and Rondo red blend; subtle berry flavours and a lively, playful fizz. 10% ABV.

2011 Sparkling Cyder

Made from apples collected from local Sussex orchards and fermented and aged in bottle using the same method as the sparkling wines. 2011 Sparkling Cyder (case of 6) - £99.00. Dry and refreshing, the cyder is best experienced in Champagne flutes. 8% ABV. Bottle aged on the lees for around 14 years.

Curated collections

For those who cannot quite choose, Tickerage has assembled a series of curated mixed cases that showcase the range:

• The Heritage Collection (case of 3) - £143.50. The 2013 and 2014 Pinot Meunier alongside the 2015 Blanc de Blancs. Aged sparkling with depth and elegance.
• The Col Fondo Collection (case of 3) - £75.00. The Col Fondo White, Rosé and "Red" trio. Naturally cloudy, smooth from the lees, ideal for lunch or a barbecue.
• The Classic Cuvée Collection (case of 3) - £115.00. The 2013, 2014 and 2018 vintages of Classic Cuvée.
• The Signature Collection (case of 6) - £260.00. A complete Tickerage sparkling experience: one bottle each of 2014 and 2018 Classic Cuvée, 2013 and 2014 Pinot Meunier, 2014 Sparkling Rosé, and 2015 Blanc de Blancs.
• The Vintage Sparkling Collection (case of 3) - £140.00. The 2013 and 2014 Pinot Meunier paired with the 2014 Sparkling Rosé.
• The 2014 Collection (case of 3) - £129.00. The three Tickerage 2014 releases (Pinot Meunier, Sparkling Rosé and Classic Cuvée), all bottled zero-dosage thanks to the outstanding quality of that year's fruit.

Gift Vouchers

Tickerage Gift E-Vouchers are available from £10 in denominations of £10, £20, £50, £75, £100, £125, £150, £175, £200, £250 and £300, and can be redeemed against any wines or tours and tastings. The estate is happy to arrange other values on request via info@tickeragewine.co.uk.

Visit Tickerage: tours, tastings and Open Days

Tickerage offers two principal ways to visit, both centred on the purpose-built winery in Blackboys.

Open Days

Open Days are held quarterly at the start of each season and offer a relaxed tasting of the range, including exclusive seasonal releases, hosted by the family in the winery itself. The Open Day typically lasts around two hours, costs £25 per person, and includes 10% off any purchases made on the day. The next date is shared via the newsletter and the estate's social channels four to six weeks in advance.

Private Wine Tasting Experience

For a more personal visit, the Private Wine Tasting Experience is a bespoke tour and tasting for friends, family or colleagues, lasting approximately two hours and available on weekdays and weekends subject to availability. Guests are guided through the winery, then taste a curated selection of five handcrafted wines paired with cheeses, charcuterie and homemade cakes. Pricing is on application and the estate recommends emailing info@tickeragewine.co.uk to discuss options. A 10% discount applies to any wines purchased during the experience.

Summer Sips Two

A special ticketed event, Summer Sips Two takes place on 8 August 2026 from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM (last pour 2:30 PM). The day begins with a warm welcome from Anthony and Zena, starts with the lightly sparkling Col Fondo wines, and continues around the winery at designated stations showcasing a unique selection from the Tickerage range, including a Cyder and Sussex brandy pour. Tickets are £25 per person, refundable against orders over £150, and include 10% off all wines on the day. Twelve unique selections are poured.

Find Tickerage

Tickerage is located in the East Sussex village of Blackboys, on top of a sandstone ridge with north-facing slopes and free-draining soils, just outside Uckfield.

The estate is not open for drop-in tastings. Wine collection is welcomed any day by prior arrangement. Free parking is available for Open Days and private tastings. All UK mainland deliveries from the online shop are free, and the estate's nationwide courier aims to deliver orders placed before midday by 4 PM the next working day.

Tickerage wines are also available from a handful of selected stockists across Sussex and Brighton, including Noble Wines in Uckfield, Cuculo in Heathfield, Fine Wines of Mayfield, The Tasting Rooms in East Grinstead, Fourth and Church in Hove, Seven Cellars in Brighton, and The Fine Wine Importers in Lewes. Nationally, Wanderlust Wines handles distribution.

New releases, events and offers are shared on Instagram and Facebook, as well as via the newsletter. Trade enquiries are welcomed by email.