Henners Vineyard: Award-Winning English Sparkling & Still Wines in East Sussex
Welcome to Henners Vineyard
Nestled in the rolling landscape of Herstmonceux, East Sussex, Henners Vineyard is one of England's most respected producers of classical-method sparkling wine. With vines rooted just five miles from the English Channel, the winery draws on a strong coastal influence, sea breezes and a band of clay and chalk soils to craft elegant, age-worthy wines that put Sussex firmly on the global sparkling map.
A visit to Henners is more than a tasting. It's a chance to step into a light-filled tasting room, look out across rows heavy with fruit, and discover the people, place and philosophy behind every bottle. The Cellar Door is open for drop-in visits throughout the season, the team runs guided vineyard tours, and the calendar is filled with food pop-ups, collaborations and seasonal celebrations. Whether you are new to English wine or already a devotee, Henners offers a warm, generous and thoroughly modern Sussex welcome.
The Setting - Herstmonceux, East Sussex
Henners is based in the village of Herstmonceux on England's south coast, a few miles inland from Pevensey Bay. The site sits on the Pevensey Levels, one of the most distinctive and historic landscapes in the South East, where wetlands, grazing marsh and reclaimed farmland meet the higher ground that gives the vineyard its free-draining, mineral-rich clays and silty loams.
That location is at the heart of every Henners wine. Cool sea winds moderate the growing season, lengthening ripening and preserving the crisp natural acidity that gives classical-method sparkling its backbone. The maritime air brings a subtle salinity that runs through the wines, lifting fruit, sharpening the finish and adding a recognisable sense of place. It is why Henners' wines speak so clearly of Sussex - bright, layered, salty and undeniably English.
For visitors, the vineyard is an easy drive from London, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, with Herstmonceux just off the A271 and well-signposted from the A22. The cellar door and terraces enjoy wide views over the Pevensey Levels, with the South Downs as a backdrop on a clear day.
Our Story
Henners is part of a family of wineries with roots across the world, drawing inspiration from sister vineyards in France, Italy, South Africa and New Zealand while celebrating the qualities that make English wine distinctive. Founded in the early 2000s, the winery has evolved steadily - expanding the cellar, introducing new grape varieties and new wines, and refining an approach that puts sense of place above fashion.
The winemaking team works with a network of grape growers across the South East of England, bringing together fruit from a mix of terroirs and climates to ensure excellent wines year after year. As the team puts it, drawing on a French winemaker's romantic turn of phrase: "If you are playing the piano and only have three keys, you limit the tune you can play. By adding more keys, the greater the options and the more beautiful the tune you have available." Those extra keys are Henners' partner growers and vineyards, and they are vital to the tune the winery plays.
Today, Henners is recognised as one of the UK's leading boutique sparkling producers, with a portfolio that ranges from everyday classics to vintage wines of real stature. The wines are poured at some of the country's most respected restaurants, bars and hotels, and the team continues to champion the instants that make life truly special - the long lunches, the impromptu gatherings, the golden-hour evenings.
Approach & Winemaking Philosophy
From grape to glass, Henners' team is dedicated to honouring tradition while embracing innovation. Classical-method sparkling remains the beating heart of the range - wines made in the same way as the great champagnes, with secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing - but the portfolio has grown to include nuanced still wines, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay and a small but thoughtful spirits line distilled from the estate's own wines.
Head Winemaker and Estate Manager Collette O'Leary leads the team with a style that is described as elegant, precise and ultimately very drinkable. Her winemaking has powered Henners' rise over the past decade, and she sits on the WineGB South East committee, contributing to wider industry thinking on quality, sustainability and the future of English wine.
Operations Winemaker Sam Williams is responsible for day-to-day wine production, ensuring consistency and quality from pressing through to tirage and disgorgement. Vineyard Manager Richard Morris tends the vines with a sharp eye on soil health, biodiversity and yield balance, while Head of Direct Sales Beth Killalea looks after everything customer-facing - from the Cellar Door to direct trade. Commercial Director Tom Whiteley, who also sits on the WineGB Export Council, oversees sales and marketing across the UK and selected international markets.
Henners' approach is also one of restraint. The winery works with the minimum intervention needed to let fruit and place speak for themselves, using classical varieties, gentle extraction and patient ageing. The result is a portfolio of wines that are vibrant, layered and unmistakably English.
Sustainability at Henners
Doing the right thing is at the heart of everything Henners does. The winery is a proud founder member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, with both the vineyard and the winery holding Gold Certification under the scheme. The team's focus is on reducing carbon footprint, improving soil health and protecting the surrounding environment, with progress measured across four pillars: the vineyard, the winery, packaging and hospitality.
In the Winery
- 100% renewable electricity supply across the site
- Energy-efficient lighting throughout
- Improved waste and wastewater management, with grape marc sent for anaerobic digestion to generate green energy
- Reduced water use through upgraded wastewater systems, monitoring and improved cleaning practices
In the Vineyard
- A wildflower meadow to encourage biodiversity and support native insects
- Rainwater harvesting for vineyard operations and tractor washdowns
- Cover crops planted between rows to improve soil structure and vine health
- Close working relationships with partner growers, supporting their journey towards sustainability certification
Hospitality & Packaging
- Electric vehicle charging points and bike racks to encourage greener travel
- Lightweight bottles to reduce carbon emissions from production and transport
- Renewable and bio-sourced packaging materials wherever possible
- Sourcing bottles and packaging from suppliers committed to sustainable energy and net-zero targets
- Supporting local food and drink producers in the Cellar Door and events programme
- Ongoing staff training in sustainability practices and wine education
The Sparkling Wine Range
Henners' sparkling wines are made in the classical method - the same labour-intensive, in-bottle second fermentation used in Champagne - and the wines are aged on lees for between 18 months and 4+ years depending on the cuvée. Every wine in the range is vegan friendly and bottled in the UK.
Henners Classic Cuvée - £42.00
The flagship non-vintage blend, made for long lunches, impromptu gatherings and golden-hour evenings. Sourdough aromas combine with crunchy green apple fruit on the nose, while the palate is fine with a lively and persistent mousse. Green apple and pear fruit mix with toasted brioche leesy flavours, balanced acidity and a clean citrus-and-orchard-fruit finish. A blend of Chardonnay (45%), Pinot Noir (35%) and Pinot Meunier (25%) from the estate's own clay soils and neighbouring chalk, aged on lees for 30 months and blended with small proportions of reserve wine for depth. View the Classic Cuvée.
Henners Rosé NV - £42.00
An elegant English sparkling rosé with red fruit flavours at its heart. Classic English hedgerow aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and rhubarb sit alongside a creamy richness and a strawberry panna cotta delicacy. Pinot Noir (70%) and Pinot Meunier (30%) are partially destemmed and macerated overnight before direct pressing, capturing delicate colour and fragrant berry aromas. Aged 18 months on lees, this is fun, fruit-forward and pretty in the glass. View the Rosé NV.
Henners Vintage 2018 - £47.00
Crafted for extended ageing, the Vintage 2018 is made from carefully selected parcels of barrel-ferment Chardonnay blended with the best Pinot Noir from that exceptional vintage. The palate is rich and zesty with crisp apple and orchard fruits, a fine persistent mousse and beautifully poised acidity. Pinot Noir (30%) and Chardonnay (70%) aged 48+ months on lees. View the Vintage 2018.
Henners Blanc de Blancs 2018 - £49.00
A 100% Chardonnay from the standout 2018 vintage - pure, intense and luxurious. Citrus with a buttery silkiness runs through a wine of grand occasion. Made only from the purest, most expressive Chardonnay parcels and aged 36+ months on lees, this is a wine that pairs beautifully with the finest food or stands confidently on its own. View the Blanc de Blancs 2018.
Henners Blanc de Noirs 2020 - £49.00
A generous, complex and beautifully dry Blanc de Noirs made entirely from black grapes. Layers of dark red fruits - cherry, blackberry and plum - are complemented by nutmeg, cooked strawberry, red apple and almond. Made from Pinot Noir (80%) and Pinot Meunier (20%), gently pressed to capture the richness and spice of Pinot fruit, then aged four years on lees for fine creaminess and structural weight. View the Blanc de Noirs 2020.
Henners Brut NV Magnum (1.5L) - £85.00
All the joyful, energetic character of Henners' Classic Cuvée in a magnum made for milestone birthdays, weddings and occasions that call for something bigger. The 1.5L format allows the wine to age more slowly on its lees, deepening the trademark sourdough-and-green-apple profile. View the Brut NV Magnum.
The Still Wine Range
Alongside its classical-method sparklings, Henners has built a considered range of still wines sourced from vineyards across the South East and East Anglia, with the same precision and patience that define the sparklings.
Henners Bacchus 2024 - £24.00
Classic Bacchus aromatics of elderflower and grapefruit layered with blood orange, lime, green apple and gooseberry. Sourced from vineyards in Kent, Sussex and Essex, with 10% of the blend fermented in old neutral barrels for added texture and weight. View Bacchus 2024.
Henners English Barrel Chardonnay 2025 - £26.00
A small-production Chardonnay made only in vintages where the fruit can carry the style - and 2025, with its long, exceptionally warm summer, was one of the highest-quality vintages on record. Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed from Old Mill Hill and Thorrington Mill in Essex, plus Brecks Vineyard in Norfolk. 100% fermented in a combination of old (90%) and new (10%) 300L French oak barrels, with full malolactic fermentation, bi-weekly bâtonnage and six months on lees in barrel. Citrus, orchard fruit and white flower with gentle vanilla oak and a bright, elegant mineral finish. View Barrel Chardonnay 2025.
Henners Pinot Gris 2024 - £24.00 (single bottle) / £144.00 (case of 6)
Harvested from two sites in Suffolk and Essex, hand-picked for the highest quality fruit. Expect bright orchard fruit, quince and crisp greengage, with freshness, purity and a clean vibrant finish. 10% of the wine is barrel-aged in old 225L French oak to build weight and texture; a further portion is fermented in stainless steel barrels rolled weekly for three months to enhance lees contact. View Pinot Gris 2024 or the Pinot Gris Case.
Henners Sauvignon Blanc 2025 - £24.00
From the record-breaking 2025 vintage, hot summer days and vines bathed in sunshine delivered a wine with great concentration, vivacity and classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas. Sourced from Suttons Farm in Suffolk, hand picked and whole bunch pressed, 100% stainless-steel fermented. 50% of the blend was held at 0°C for five days in contact with fine lees before fermentation, with gentle stirring every 24 hours. Intense aromatics of passionfruit, grapefruit and lime, with juicy acidity and great texture. View Sauvignon Blanc 2025.
Henners Pinot Noir Rosé 2025 - £24.00
A small-batch English Pinot Noir rosé from an exceptional vintage. Blending Pinot Noir from two Essex vineyards - ripe, plush German clone for intense red fruit and herbal notes, plus smaller-berried French clones for structure. Hand-picked and partially destemmed, the grapes were macerated for eight hours before gentle pressing and cool stainless-steel fermentation. Wild strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant are lifted by delicate blossom notes and a hint of white pepper. View Pinot Noir Rosé 2025.
Henners Pinot Noir Red - £24.00
A vibrant, fruit-driven English Pinot Noir bursting with red cherry and cranberry. Bright and lifted on the palate, with layers of red fruit and a gentle thread of spice, soft tannins and a smooth flowing finish. Sourced from vineyards in Worcestershire and Essex, the 100% Pinot Noir is made using clones selected for small berries to ensure maximum flavour concentration, with a five-day cold soak and ten days on skins. 75% aged in stainless steel, 25% in French oak. View Pinot Noir Red.
Gift Sets, Cases & Magnum
Henners' gift sets and mixed cases are designed for celebrations, thank-yous and quiet moments of indulgence, with packaging that reflects the care that goes into the wines themselves.
- Henners Signature Duo Gift Set - £80.00: One bottle each of Classic Cuvée and Rosé NV, pairing crisp elegance with vibrant red fruit character. View the Signature Duo
- Henners Rosé Duo Gift Set - £66.00: Two takes on English rosé - the Sparkling Rosé NV and the Pinot Noir Rosé 2025 - side by side. View the Rosé Duo
- Henners Reserve Duo with Gift Box - £95.00: Vintage 2018 and Blanc de Blancs 2018 - a refined showcase of the standout 2018 vintage. View the Reserve Duo
- Henners Premium Reserve Trio Gift Set - £142.00: Blanc de Blancs 2018, Blanc de Noirs 2020 and Vintage 2018 - the full expression of Henners' vintage range. View the Premium Reserve Trio
- Henners Signature Mixed Case - £252.00: Three bottles each of Classic Cuvée and Rosé NV. View the Signature Mixed Case
- Henners Brut NV Case - £252.00: Six bottles of the flagship Classic Cuvée NV. View the Brut NV Case
- Henners Rosé NV Case - £252.00: Six bottles of Sparkling Rosé NV. View the Rosé NV Case
- Henners Mixed Party Collection - £180.00: One bottle each of Classic Cuvée, Rosé NV, Vintage 2018 and Blanc de Blancs 2018. View the Party Collection
- Henners Gift Card - from £25: Available in £25, £50, £100, £150 and £200 denominations, or any custom amount. Buy a Henners Gift Card
Wedding & Celebration Packs
Henners supplies sparkling wine for weddings and private celebrations, with curated packs tailored to guest numbers and pairing arrival 'greeting' wines with the 'toast' moment.
- Wedding Celebration Pack - 30 people - £756.00: Two cases of NV Brut, one case of NV Rosé, plus a bottle each of the 2018 Vintage for the Bride and Groom to share with their wedding party. 20 bottles in total.
- Wedding Celebration Pack - 60 people - £1,437.00: Four cases of NV Brut, two cases of NV Rosé and one bottle of 2018 Vintage each for the Bride and Groom. 38 bottles in total.
Private bookings and larger groups can be arranged by emailing cellardoor@henners.com.
Spirits from the Cellar Door
Henners' spirits line - produced in collaboration with the English Spirit Distillery in Great Yeldham and the Rude Mechanicals project - distils the same sense of place into the bottle, using wine from the Henners vineyard as a base.
Henners English Cloudy Grape Gin - £45.00
Distilled entirely from scratch at the English Spirit distillery using copper pot alembic stills designed by master distiller Dr John Walters. A base of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wine from Henners' vineyard in East Sussex is fused with juniper, coriander, crunchy cucumber, freshly crushed curly-leaf parsley and a chunky twist of pink grapefruit peel. Best served two parts tonic to one part gin, over ice with fresh mint, cucumber and (in summer) a slice of strawberry. View Cloudy Gin.
Rude Mechanicals English Vineyard Gin - £25.00
The collaborative spirits project born from decades in the wine industry - a winemaker's palate fused with world-class distilling expertise. Double distilled in 200-litre copper alembics and made from wine drawn from Henners' own vineyards combined with Dr John Walters' original spirit base, it is layered with juniper, mandarin flesh, cardamom, clementine peel, lemon zest and wine. Best in a heavy tumbler with a single cube of ice, or with tonic, plenty of ice, gently squeezed black grapes and a fresh basil leaf. View Rude Mechanicals Gin.
Rude Mechanicals English Vigneron Golden Rum - £35.00
A (mostly) English golden rum made the slow way. Distilled twice from pure sugar cane molasses in small copper stills, then finished for ten months in barrels that previously aged red wine from the Rhône, picking up soft oak character, a touch of colour and hints of the wine that came before. Deep amber-gold, with cocoa, warm spice, toasted hazelnut, orange marmalade and praline on the palate. Bottled at 42%. View Vigneron Rum.
English Spirit Sambuca - £30.00
From the UK's only sambuca distillers. Dr John Walters starts with an elderberry eau de vie, gently distilled from scratch, then infuses it with star anise to capture all the flavour without harshness. A touch of English sugar rounds off the mouthfeel. Serve chilled as a digestif, or over ice to release a lovely pearlescent haze. View English Spirit Sambuca.
English Spirit Limongino - £20.00
An English answer to limoncello, but built on a gin base rather than vodka. Two-and-a-half freshly zested lemons go into every bottle, paired with small-batch gin and a touch of English sugar. A three-step process - infusing, distilling and sous vide - captures every drop of zest. Serve cold from the fridge, add a measure to sparkling wine, or mix with tonic and a twist of lemon peel. View Limongino.
Cellar Door & Merchandise
Alongside wines and spirits, Henners offers a small but well-considered range of merchandise - designed for vineyard visits, picnics and casual at-home drinking.
- Henners Sparkling Wine Flute Tumbler - Turquoise - £7.00: Stainless steel, double-walled, slim flute silhouette with a press-on plastic lid. Shatterproof, reusable and built for picnics and outdoor pours. View the Tumbler
- Henners 6-Panel Cap - Soft Khaki - £17.00: Brushed cotton twill with white embroidered logo at the front and "Wine of England" motif at the back. Adjustable metal clasp. View the Cap
Customers can also browse the full collection via the Henners shop, with gift experiences available through Beyonk gift vouchers.
Visiting Henners - Cellar Door & Tours
The Henners Cellar Door is the most welcoming way to experience the wines at source. Set within a light-filled tasting room with terraces overlooking the Pevensey Levels, the cellar door is open for drop-in visits - whether you want to enjoy a glass, explore the wines or simply have a chat with the team.
Cellar Door Opening Hours (April - September)
- Thursday - 12pm to 5pm
- Friday - 12pm to 8pm
- Saturday - 12pm to 8pm
- Sunday - 12pm to 5pm
The cellar door runs extended hours from April to September during the warmer months, when it also hosts the seasonal food pop-ups listed on the events page. Tables can be booked in the indoor tasting room or on one of the outdoor terraces. Henners is a dog- and child-friendly site, so feel free to bring the whole family along.
The current cellar door menu is available to download in PDF form.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £29.00
The Henners Vineyard Tour & Tasting is a guided experience that takes visitors through the vineyard and winery before settling in for a structured tasting of the current release wines. Tours and tastings can be booked online via Beyonk, with multiple dates available year-round. From October 2025, bookings can be self-rescheduled up to seven days prior to a visit for a date within six months of the original booking (excludes bookings of ten or more people and private hires). If Henners cancels for any reason, guests receive a full refund or the option to reschedule up to twelve months later.
For private events, group bookings or any other cellar door enquiries, email cellardoor@henners.com.
What's On - Events & Food Pop-Ups
The Henners calendar is filled throughout the year with food pop-ups, collaborations and special celebrations. The team has partnered with a hand-picked selection of local food vendors to bring unique dining experiences to the terraces overlooking the vineyard. Walk-ins are always welcome, but tables can also be reserved by email. The full terms and conditions and a downloadable events calendar are available for download.
Henners Summer Party - Saturday 15 August 2026
The flagship end-of-summer gathering: a full day of fizz, food trucks and beats running until 9pm. Food is served by Happy Go Souvlaki and The Burger Truck, with live music from Moss (reggae and soul) between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, followed by DJ sets from CoreyM, Martin Russell and SKIE between 3.30pm and 8.30pm. Glass of Henners in hand, sun on your face - summer at the vineyard done right. View the Summer Party.
Petals & Pinot - Wednesday 12 August 2026
A Foundher Social collaboration hosted at the vineyard, blending floristry and English sparkling wine for an evening of relaxed creativity and tastings. View Petals & Pinot.
So Doughlicious - Saturday 22 August & Saturday 19 September 2026
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired up in a Gozney oven - soft, airy crusts with leopard-spotted char and proper, simple toppings. Classic Italian technique with a street food spirit, cooked fast and served hot. 22 August · 19 September.
Specs & Bear - Sunday 23 August, Friday 28 August & Sunday 27 September 2026
Hailsham-based duo serving bold, comfort-led food from a horsebox kitchen. Their signature grilled raclette leads a menu of wagyu steak specials, indulgent mac and cheese, slow-pulled meats, hearty chilli, crunchy nachos and American-style tater tots - all with house-made toppings. 23 August · 28 August · 27 September.
Momo - Saturday 29 August & Saturday 26 September 2026
Independent, family-run and proudly cooked to order, Momo serve traditional Nepalese street food with a fresh, modern edge. The namesake momos - Himalayan dumplings originating from Tibet and Nepal - sit alongside fluffy bao buns, generous rice bowls and fragrant Nepalese curries. Finalists in the British Street Food Awards. 29 August · 26 September.
Podgers - Saturday 5 September 2026
Founded in Sussex in 2023 by chef Charlie, whose CV spans restaurants, private households and cooking at the late Queen's funeral. Podgers focuses on quality over quantity, with smashed burgers, posh hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, flavour-packed tacos and sliders served from a beautifully restored vintage French horse truck. View Podgers.
Tallow Street Food - Sunday 6 September 2026
Brighton-born and coal-fired, Tallow champions local Sussex producers including Barfields Butchers. Menus shift constantly with the seasons and the catch, so expect bold, flame-kissed street food cooked nose-to-tail and rooted firmly in Sussex. View Tallow Street Food.
Amthuc Viet - Saturday 12 September 2026
Family-run Wadhurst kitchen rooted in the authentic flavours of southern Vietnam. Summer rolls, sizzling garlic prawns, rich bowls of pho and Bun Bo Hue, grilled meats, fragrant curries, vibrant salads and plenty of thoughtful vegan options - bright herbs, punchy sauces and slow-simmered broths. View Amthuc Viet.
The Grand Pour
The Grand Pour is Henners' month-long, citywide celebration in the lead-up to English Wine Week. Henners partners with carefully selected bars, restaurants and hotels in some of the UK's most interesting cities, each pouring a version of a Henners serve - by the glass or in a special cocktail. Diners collect stamps on a Grand Pour Passport and, once they've filled six stamps, receive an exclusive Henners swag bag and a chance to win a Hotel du Vin or Malmaison stay in their city.
For 2026, the campaign runs in London (11 venues), Brighton and Hove (6 venues), Manchester (6 venues) and Liverpool (5 venues), with Brighton the closest to home and Manchester joining for the first time. Follow @hennersvineyard on Instagram for live updates and passport collection points in each city.
Meet the Team
Henners' wines are the product of a small, dedicated team who care deeply about every step from vine to glass.
- Collette O'Leary - Head Winemaker & Estate Manager. Leads the winery with an elegant, precise and very drinkable style. Sits on the WineGB South East committee.
- Sam Williams - Operations Winemaker. Responsible for day-to-day wine production, ensuring quality and consistency from grape to bottle.
- Tom Whiteley - Commercial Director. Oversees sales and marketing across the UK and selected international markets; sits on the WineGB Export Council.
- Beth Killalea - Head of Direct Sales. Heads up the direct-to-consumer side of the business - hospitality, marketing and direct trade around Sussex.
- Richard Morris - Vineyard Manager. Manages the health of the vineyard and the sustainability of grape production on site.
- Kerry Sanders - Operations Coordinator. Background in teaching and graphic design; runs day-to-day hospitality and DTC operations.
- Ailsa Chambers - Brand Ambassador. The friendly face of trade and events in the local area; looks after community relationships and customer education.
- Kate Izzard - Cellar Door & Vineyard Support. All-rounder who also cares for vineyard sheep Gladys and Wally.
Plan Your Visit & Contact
Henners Vineyard is open throughout the warmer months for drop-in cellar door visits, tours, tastings and food pop-ups. Visitors can book a table inside the tasting room or out on one of the terraces by emailing cellardoor@henners.com. Private events, weddings and group bookings are also arranged via the cellar door email.
- Address: Henners Vineyard, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RJ, United Kingdom
- Telephone: 01323 832073
- Email: cellardoor@henners.com / cellardoor@hennersvineyard.co.uk
- Cellar Door (April - September): Thursday 12pm - 5pm; Friday 12pm - 8pm; Saturday 12pm - 8pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm
- Book a Tour & Tasting: shop.beyonk.com/a3xq0x9d/experiences
- Shop Online: henners.com/shop
- Follow: Instagram · Facebook
For trade enquiries, trade partners can register via the trade page - direct delivery is available across a wide area with a two-case minimum order, plus selected international export markets.