Oastbrook Estate Vineyard: A Cult Sussex Winery with Award-Winning Wines, Vineyard Tours and Boutique Vineyard Stays
Set in a quiet fold of the Rother Valley in East Sussex, within a stone's throw of the medieval National Trust moated castle at Bodiam, Oastbrook Estate Vineyard is one of England's most talked-about boutique wineries. Run by husband-and-wife team Nick and America Brewer, it has been described by critics as a cult status winery, voted by the Wine International Association as one of the best wineries in Europe and recommended as one of the best vineyard tours in England. Its innovative, award-winning wines sit alongside a working winery, vineyard accommodation that includes the UK's "quirkiest place to stay", a thriving wine club and a calendar of seasonal events.
The Oastbrook Story
The name Oastbrook is a Sussex-English mash-up of two words: oast, the kiln-drying houses once used to dry hops, and brook, a small natural stream. The farm sits by the banks of the River Rother and is crossed by several springs - Gypsy Brook, Willow Brook, Channel Brook and Oastbrook itself. The latter lends its name to the farm and, eventually, to the wine.
The story behind Oastbrook belongs first and foremost to America Brewer, who originally hails from the Bahia region of Brazil. She remembers an ancient vine that crept up the side of the old stucco house where she grew up, climbing the wrought iron balcony until it bent the bars aside. She used to squeeze through and gorge herself on fresh grapes. Decades later, after travelling the world and discovering she was a little English by descent, America settled in the East Sussex countryside with her husband Nick and their daughter Gabby.
Their home, an Oast house, had once been part of the Guinness hop empire. South-facing walls and a temperate English climate produced a bountiful crop of grapes on vines America planted within months of moving in, so she decided to make wine. Encouraged by local growers, she studied at Plumpton College and began exploring the terroir of the Rother Valley - a sandstone ridge beside the river, with clay and silt once carried by the Rother when it was navigable from the sea. Roman-era ironstone smelting left the natural spring that fills the estate pond.
The first vines went in while she was still studying. America closes her eyes in the vineyard and remembers home. She likes to imagine the Englishman who travelled to her small town in Bahia, perhaps planting the very vine she used to climb as a girl. "I'm now tending those vines and making the wine for us both," she reflects.
Sustainability and the Sussex PDO
From the outset, Oastbrook has practised sustainable winegrowing and minimal-intervention winemaking. Founder America Brewer is a passionate supporter of soil health, and Oastbrook is a member of the new UK SWGB scheme for sustainable vineyard management.
In the vineyard, white clover is used as a natural cover crop - it prevents erosion, fixes nitrogen and feeds the bees. More than two hundred roses have been planted around the vineyard as an early-warning system for disease, helping to limit and time any necessary intervention. Spraying is restricted to narrow strips, and mechanical weeding is used wherever possible.
In the winery, energy use has been engineered out at every step: insulation is high-performance; pressing capacity matches the picking cycle; tanks are computer-regulated for heating and cooling; water is reused; and all grape skins and solid waste are composted on site. The Round Door Vineyard Cottage and Avalon Lodge are heated by ground-source heat pumps and their waste water is treated by a bio-digester - during one Sussex winter down to minus five degrees Celsius, the Round Door lost only four degrees of internal heat over 21 days without any heating being switched on.
Oastbrook is also a certified member of the Sussex PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), a quality marque tying Sussex wines tightly to local provenance. Co-owners Nick and America Brewer have publicly argued that PDOs, like Champagne or Chianti, can stretch across diverse terroirs provided they share a culture of production, and welcome Sussex PDO as a quality mark rather than a constraint.
Where Oastbrook Sits - The Rother Valley Terroir
Oastbrook Estate Vineyard sits just outside Bodiam, close to the Kent border, with the Rother Valley as its cradle. The valley's particular micro-climate - hot, warm, dry summers, clay-rich soils that retain the heat, and a topography that tends to steer summer rain clouds away - has produced what the winemakers describe as conditions "akin to the south of France". Watch the satellite images in summer and you can see rain clouds sweeping in from Brighton parting around Bodiam like a cricket ball bowled with spin.
Those conditions are well suited to ripening the thin-skinned, notoriously fickle Pinot Noir - a grape Nick and America estimate now accounts for 24.7% of all vines in England. The same valley also produces richer, rounder sparkling wines than the more linear styles from the chalkier coastal soils of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.
The estate is roughly 90 minutes from London down the A21, and within easy striking distance of Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove. Major airports are also nearby, and the National Trust's Bodiam Castle is a short walk from the vineyard.
The Wines of Oastbrook
Oastbrook produces a tight, focused range of wines across four collections: White, Red, Rosé and Sparkling. The winemaking style is described as innovative and unexpected, with grapes grown and vinified on the same estate - the winery sits next to the vineyard, so transport costs and energy use are minimised.
White Wines
- Chardonnay - the most famous and versatile white grape in the world. Oastbrook's still Chardonnay is a critically acclaimed wine and a key part of the Parallel 51 Vine Rental offering.
- Pinot Gris - a 2024 Block 1 release from the estate's Pinot Gris block.
- White Pinot Noir - an aromatic, crisp white made from red Pinot Noir grapes, available as a 2023 vintage.
- Pinot Blanc - one of the fresher, fruit-driven expressions in the range.
- Pinot Meunier - also made as a still wine alongside its more familiar role in sparkling blends.
Rosé Wines
The 2023 Rosé is described as aromatic and crisp - a wine made from Pinot Noir grapes grown for sparkling, left on the vine a little longer to reduce acidity and produce a richly scented English pink.
Red Wines
- Pinot Noir - the heartbreaker of the grape world, grown here in the warm, dry Rother Valley micro-climate and crafted into an award-winning single-varietal red.
- Pinot Noir Reserve - the estate's chillable red expression.
Sparkling Wines
- Sparkling Cuveé - the height of elegance, made in the traditional method. Current release includes a 2014 vintage.
- Sparkling Rosé - made from 50% Pinot Noir grapes, the Sparkling Rosé is one of Oastbrook's flagship wines. The 2018 vintage is currently available, with the wine described as the winemakers' favourite of the range.
Other Products
The shop also stocks the Oastwood spirits line, a Wine Cooler, a Sparkling Wine Stopper and Gift Vouchers that can be redeemed against tours, tastings and accommodation.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tastings
All tours at Oastbrook are run by winemakers Nick and America Brewer themselves. The aim, America says, is to make each visit a fun, interactive experience, ideal for both the seasoned connoisseur and the budding wine novice. For younger visitors, daughter Gabby runs dedicated children's tours on request.
Owner's Vineyard Tour & Tasting
- Price: £45 per person (£5 discount for bookings of 5+)
- Season: Weekends 6th April - 31st October; Thursdays & Fridays 1st July - 3rd September
- Duration: ~2.5 hours in the vineyard, plus ~1 hour tasting
- Format: A walk through the vineyard among the vines, an explanation of how English sparkling and still wines are made, four award-winning wines to taste, plus a cheese platter. A Charcuterie board can be added for a more substantial lunch.
- Note: Adults only. Comfortable footwear recommended. No dogs.
Private tours are available - book directly online or contact the estate.
Winery Tour & Tasting
- Price: £35 per person (£5 discount for bookings of 5+)
- Season: Saturdays, November - March only
- Duration: ~2 hours in the winery plus ~1 hour tasting
- Format: A behind-the-scenes look at the winery, including wines in tank and in barrel, followed by a tasting of four Oastbrook wines - two sparkling and two still.
Kids' Tours (ages 5 - 16)
- Price: £10 per child
- Season: During the summer holidays until 5th September
- Run by Gabby Brewer with full adult supervision, these tours are an ideal way to introduce younger visitors to the vineyard while the adults are otherwise occupied.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I just pop into the cellar door? Yes, you can - the cellar door is open whenever the estate is open, and you're welcome to enjoy a glass on the balcony or at the bar.
- How far are you from London? Around a 2-hour drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
- Are children allowed? Only on the dedicated kids' tour.
- Are dogs allowed? No, unfortunately.
- What should I wear? Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking in the vineyard.
- Are reservations required? Yes, for tours and tastings. The cellar door is always open for a drop-in glass.
Stay at Oastbrook - Accommodation in the Vineyard
Three unique stays sit within the Oastbrook estate, each ideal for unwinding in the East Sussex countryside.
The Round Door Vineyard Cottage
The Round Door Vineyard Cottage is the estate's flagship stay - an earth-sheltered, storybook hideaway built by local craftsmen with local materials, nestled seamlessly into the hillside of the vineyard. Voted the UK's Quirkiest Place to Stay and winner of TripAdvisor's 2020 Travellers' Choice, it features:
- Two king-size bedrooms (sleeps up to 4)
- Two en-suite bathrooms
- A fully equipped open-plan kitchen and living area
- A wood-burning stove and a private outdoor hot tub
- A reading nook and a private patio with vineyard views
- Ground-source heat pump and bio-digester - one of the most sustainable stays in the UK
From £250 per night, self-catering, bookable all year round. Reserve online.
Avalon Waterside Lodge
A brand-new, handcrafted Scandinavian-style A-frame lodge set on the edge of the Oastbrook pond, with elevated decking and its own hot tub overlooking the vineyard. The lodge sleeps four (two adults in the master bedroom and up to two children in the gallery bedroom above), with a sofa bed for extra flexibility.
- Master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite
- Upstairs gallery bedroom (two singles or one merged double)
- Open-plan modern kitchen and living area with wood-burning stove
- Private hot tub and peaceful waterside views
From £200 per night, self-catering, bookable all year round. Reserve online.
Luxury Sussex Glamping
Eight boutique bell tents set in the vineyard, each with a king-size bed, soft lighting and luxury throws, plus individual firepits and a shared campfire. On-site amenities include:
- Heated electric showers and vanity units in tiled wash rooms
- Fluffy towels and toiletries
- A Bakers Breakfast Box delivered each morning (granola, fresh fruit and croissants)
- Wine fridge and a waterside bar for order-in wines
- Weber BBQ and chiminea at each tent
Sleeps 2, bookable throughout summer. Discounts: 15% for stays of 2+ nights, 30% for stays of 5+ nights. National Geographic named Oastbrook one of the 10 best UK glamping locations for foodies in 2021. Book the glamping tents via eviivo.
The Oastbrook Wine Club
Membership of the Oastbrook Wine Club rewards loyal fans of the estate with quarterly deliveries of still and sparkling wines, exclusive discounts and priority access to events.
Parallel 51 Club
Named for the 51st parallel of latitude - on which Oastbrook sits - the Parallel 51 Club is the estate's flagship tier, capped in number to preserve exclusivity.
- No joining fee
- Minimum £180 spend per quarter, free delivery
- 25% discount on all Oastbrook wine at the cellar door and online
- Free entry with 2 guests to the Summer Party
- A free tour and tasting for up to 4 people each year
- Vine rental of 20 vines and 12 free bottles after each vintage while a member
- 15% discount on private dining and tour & tasting bookings
- 10% off accommodation and events
- Priority booking on all estate events
Friends of Oastbrook
A lighter entry tier with no joining fee.
- Minimum £90 spend per quarter
- 15% discount on all Oastbrook wine at the cellar door and online
- Free entry to the Summer Party
- 10% discount on private dining, tours & tastings and accommodation
- Invitation to the quarterly "Pick Up Your Wine" parties
On joining, every member receives a unique membership card, a free sparkling stopper and a branded wine cooler. Join the Oastbrook Wine Club.
Vine Rental
For those who have always dreamed of owning their own vineyard, Oastbrook offers Vine Rental - a unique, gift-able annual subscription that puts your name on 20 vines in the vineyard. Subscribers receive regular updates, an open invitation to come and pick their own grapes at harvest, and 9 bottles of every vintage of that grape variety for as long as they remain a member.
- Rent Your Own Chardonnay - £200 per year
- Rent Your Own Pinot Noir - £250 per year
Yields can be affected by adverse weather; in extreme seasons the bottle count may be reduced. Choose your vines.
Fine Wine and Dining
For larger gatherings, Oastbrook offers Fine Wine & Dining in its Scandinavian-style tasting room or, in the summer months, on the pool patio overlooking the vines. The estate partners with a local chef to deliver a multi-course banquet perfectly paired to its wines, with a Feast menu in partnership with The Curlew available for groups of 20 or more.
- From £168 per person, including wine
- Minimum 15 guests per booking
- Available all year round in the tasting room, summer-only by the pool
- Group pick-ups can be arranged on request
Enquire about Fine Wine & Dining.
Events at Oastbrook
The events calendar is what sets Oastbrook apart from many of its Sussex neighbours. Each event is hosted by the winemakers themselves and combines Oastbrook wines with local food and entertainment.
Summer Party 2026
The annual flagship event is a celebration of English wine to mark the end of English Wine Week.
- Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
- Time: 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm
- Format: Complimentary open tasting from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, BBQ buffet lunch from 1:30 pm, Brazilian music, and wines by the bottle from 1:30 pm
- Entry: Free for Wine Club members and anyone who joins on the day
Numbers are limited and tickets sell out in advance - book early.
Sabrage Event with Silver Sword
An immersive tasting and masterclass in the Napoleonic art of opening sparkling wine with a sabre, hosted by Silversword - The Society of the Silver Sword, of which Oastbrook is a founding partner. Book your place.
Harvest Volunteers
Each autumn, Oastbrook opens the vineyard to volunteer pickers for a full day of harvest, with lunch in the winery. The work is relatively physical but no experience is required; bring gardening gloves, sturdy shoes, a water bottle and enthusiasm. Dates depend on the weather - if it rains the picking has to be postponed, but a re-arranged date will be offered wherever possible. Book your picking day.
Corporate Events at the Estate
The Oastbrook estate is increasingly popular for corporate away-days. The Scandinavian-style Tasting Room (seating for 80) features a 3 m screen, full AV capability, gigabit Wi-Fi and an adjoining commercial kitchen and terrace with vineyard views. The Pool Patio (capacity 80) has an open-air tropical feel, complete BBQ kitchen and a nearby gazebo for private dining. Bespoke tours and tastings can be tailored to the team, while team-building activities - archery, axe throwing, falconry and laser clay pigeon shooting - can be arranged on request. Enquire about corporate events.
Local Partners, Stockists and the Wider Sussex Wine Scene
Oastbrook works closely with a tight network of Sussex restaurants, caterers, hotels and attractions. Recommended local eateries include Birchwood at Flimwell, The Small Holding at Cranbrook, Touchays Event Catering, the White Dog Inn at Ewhurst Green and the Castle Inn at Bodiam. A short walk from the estate sits the iconic 14th-century Bodiam Castle, run by the National Trust.
Oastbrook wines are available at La Bella Vista (St Leonards), Wine Pantry Events, Grays & Feather (Covent Garden), Shoreditch Wine House, the Sussex Ox, Walker's Cocktails, Fine Wines of Mayfield, Hawkin's Brothers, Cases (Hove) and Wine & Reason.
Awards, Press and Recognition
Oastbrook has been featured in Forbes, the Daily Mail UK, Hot Dinners, Condé Nast Traveller and The Week UK, and is regularly cited among the best wineries in Europe and the best vineyards to visit in England. The Round Door Vineyard Cottage won Eviivo's Quirkiest Place to Stay award, while the glamping was named one of the best UK glamping locations for foodies by National Geographic.
Visit Oastbrook Estate Vineyard
Whether you come for a tour, a tasting, a summer party or a long weekend in one of the vineyard's three unique stays, Oastbrook Estate offers a window onto what Sussex wine can be at its best.
- Address: Park Farm Oast, Junction Road, Bodiam, Robertsbridge, TN32 5XA
- Phone: 07808 890428 (America) / 07496 727014 (Nick)
- WhatsApp: 07496 727014
- Email: info@oastbrook.com
- Website: www.oastbrook.com
- Shop: Online Wine Shop
- Book a tour: Reservation page
- Events: Wine Events at Oastbrook
- Wine Club: Oastbrook Wine Club