Roebuck Estates: Award-Winning Vintage English Sparkling Wine from Sussex
Nestled in the rolling countryside of West Sussex and stretching across vineyard parcels in East Sussex and Kent, Roebuck Estates has quietly established itself as one of the most exciting producers of vintage English sparkling wine. From its Petworth home vineyard near Tillington, the estate produces traditional-method sparkling wines from the classic Champenois trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and has built a reputation for elegance, depth and finely judged lees-ageing since its debut release in 2019.
The Roebuck Story
Roebuck Estates was founded in 2013 by two friends who shared a passion for great wine and a clear ambition: to craft exceptional vintage sparkling wines every single year that could be enjoyed all over the world. To achieve that, they knew they would have to grow the very best grapes from the finest vineyard sites in England, so they purchased their first parcel of land in West Sussex and began what has become a steadily expanding estate.
The name is taken from the wild roe deer often seen roaming the estate's beautiful surroundings. Like the deer, the team at Roebuck says it aims to leave the lightest possible footprint on the environment - a philosophy that underpins everything from vineyard management to packaging choices.
The estate is led by a full-time vineyard team of talented individuals who have worked all over the world. Under their care, Roebuck Estates has earned numerous trophies and awards at prestigious global wine competitions, and the wines can now be found on the lists of some of the finest restaurants in the UK and beyond.
The Vineyards: Six Parcels Across the South East
Roebuck Estates' fruit comes from six parcels of land, divided into 70 individual blocks of vines. Each block is planted with carefully selected varieties and clones best suited to its soil and aspect, and the team uses a sophisticated software system called Sectormentor to monitor how every block is faring through the growing season.
Roebuck, Petworth (West Sussex)
The home vineyard sits close to the village of Tillington, west of Petworth, with magnificent southerly views towards the South Downs. It is home to the estate's oldest vines, planted in 2006 on greensand soils, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The free-draining, heat-retaining greensand lends elegance and finesse to the sparkling wines.
Roman Villa, Bignor (West Sussex)
A beautiful site in a serene valley south-east of Petworth with around 15 acres of Pinot Noir planted in 2007 on loam and clay-rich soils. South-facing slopes protected by the South Downs produce fruit with great structure and depth.
Little Brockhurst, Lurgashall (West Sussex)
Planted in 2014 on flint, clay and sandy soils in a natural amphitheatre in the foothills of Black Down, this 17-acre site grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and produces fruit of remarkable complexity.
Waterlands, Slinfold (West Sussex)
Planted in 2017 with the classic Champenois trio, the south-facing slopes and gradient at Waterlands create ideal conditions for sparkling wine grapes, adding texture, depth and richness to Roebuck's blends.
Hazelhurst, Ticehurst (East Sussex)
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking Bewl Water reservoir, this 40-acre site grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier across eight distinct blocks. Heat-retaining sandstone soils and a unique micro-climate contribute richness and complexity.
Chalkhill Blue, Bilting (Kent)
The estate's most recently established vineyard takes its name from the beautiful Chalkhill Blue butterfly native to the area. With 35 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier planted on the finest chalk soils, the site has incredible south-facing slopes and fantastic drainage. It will be a few more years before the vines are producing the quality, pristine fruit destined for Roebuck's sparkling wines, but the site is already showing huge potential.
Craft: From Vine to Bottle
Roebuck's winemaking follows the traditional method, with every step designed to capture the finest expression of each vintage.
1. Hand in hand with nature
Each block is monitored carefully so the team can be precise about canopy management, yield and harvest decisions. Only the finest, perfectly ripe bunches are selected for the vintage sparkling wines.
2. Handpicked fruit
Individual bunches are harvested by hand to preserve the integrity of the fruit and gently whole-bunch pressed at the winery, yielding only the highest quality juice.
3. Vintage only
Every Roebuck sparkling wine is vintage only and can only be produced from the harvest of a single year.
4. Respect for tradition
Each block is vinified separately, giving the winemakers a multitude of components to work with at blending. A small proportion of the wines are partially fermented in fine, aged Burgundian oak barrels to add complexity, depth and texture.
5. The art of blending
Pinot Noir brings structure and texture, Chardonnay brings elegance, acidity and aromatics, and Pinot Meunier fills in the gaps with its floral and perfumed notes. Each wine is meticulously assessed for its quality, aromatics and distinctive characteristics before being blended.
6. Aged to perfection
The team allows a generous period of lees-ageing in bottle for a minimum of three years, followed by significant time on cork before release, creating deliciously complex wines displaying the perfect balance of elegance and depth of flavour.
The Wines
Roebuck's vintage collection is built around a core trio, supported by a Blanc de Blancs, a celebrated rosé and two limited-edition Rare Expressions aged on lees for seven to eight years.
Classic Cuvée 2020 - from £38
An elegant sparkling wine with delightful notes of baked apples and ripe citrus fruits layered with a biscuity richness and a hint of sweet spice. Crafted from a handpicked blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Waterlands vineyards. Ideal with seafood. Also available personalised, in a gift box and in a gift set with two tulip-shaped glasses.
Rosé de Noirs 2020 - from £42
An elegant sparkling rosé with notes of wild strawberries, red berries and toasted walnuts, complemented by biscuity richness and vibrant acidity, leading to a long, beautifully poised finish. Crafted from handpicked Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and a splash of Pinot Précoce, with at least 48 months on lees. Available personalised and in a range of gift presentations.
Blanc de Noirs 2018 - from £50
Only made in exceptional years. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grown at the Roman Villa vineyard, this refined sparkling wine displays delicate bubbles, a silky texture and a long, exquisite finish with notes of citrus fruits, baked apples, toasted brioche, honey and sweet spice. Available personalised and in a gift box.
Blanc de Blancs 2019 - from £50
The latest release from Roebuck. Produced exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay grown in West Sussex, with partial fermentation in old Burgundian oak barrels and more than five years of lees-ageing. Delicate aromas of ripe citrus and stone fruits are layered with notes of white flowers and toasted hazelnut, culminating in a long, beautifully balanced finish.
Rosé Reserve 2019 - from £35
An award-winning sparkling rosé recently honoured with 96 points at The International Wine Challenge, earning a Gold Medal and the prestigious English Sparkling Rosé Trophy in 2025. Vibrant notes of raspberries and apricot, layered with subtle hints of toasted hazelnuts and a long, beautifully balanced finish.
Rare Expressions No.19 - from £95
The flagship of Roebuck's limited-edition Rare Expressions collection, made from fruit grown at the Roman Villa vineyard and aged on lees for seven to eight years. A rich yet beautifully balanced wine displaying notes of ripe peach, baked apples, honeysuckle and toasted almonds.
Rare Expressions No.96 - from £95
Defined by time and careful bottle ageing, this deeper, more evolved wine is deep golden in colour with notes of baked apples, honey, biscuity richness, toasted walnuts and candied citrus peel.
Limited Vintages
For collectors, Roebuck offers limited back-vintage releases including the Classic Cuvée 2013 (from £32) and the Rosé de Noirs 2017 (from £42), alongside magnums of the 2018 vintage: Classic Cuvée 2018 Magnum (£90), Rosé de Noirs 2018 Magnum (£100) and Blanc de Noirs 2018 Magnum (£110).
Gift Sets, Cases and Curated Selections
Roebuck Estates has built a thoughtful gifting range around its wines, with options for every occasion.
- Celebration Duo (£80) - a bottle of Classic Cuvée 2019 paired with Rosé de Noirs 2019, perfect for toasting vintage moments.
- Estate Trio (from £130) - one bottle each of Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 and Blanc de Noirs 2018.
- Celebration Case (£240) - six bottles of Classic Cuvée 2020 and Rosé de Noirs 2020.
- Estate Collection (£260) - two bottles each of the 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs.
- Gift Sets in presentation boxes - Classic Cuvée 2020 Gift Set with two tulip glasses (£65), Rosé de Noirs 2020 Gift Set (£69), Blanc de Noirs 2018 Gift Set (£77) and the Rare Expressions No.19 and No.96 Gift Sets (£125 each).
- Personalised bottles - Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 and Blanc de Noirs 2018 can each be engraved with a name, message or special date via the estate's third-party personalisation partner.
- Roebuck Estates Gift Card - redeemable online against wines, vineyard tours, tastings and seasonal events, valid for 24 months, and available as a digital voucher delivered by email.
The Roebuck Vintage Cru Wine Club
Reserved for just 100 discerning enthusiasts of fine English sparkling wine, the Roebuck Vintage Cru is a paid membership that delivers a curated selection of 12 bottles each year, with members choosing either two shipments of six bottles or four quarterly deliveries of three bottles, featuring Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs.
Membership benefits include:
- A birthday gift of an additional bottle of Classic Cuvée.
- Four complimentary Tour & Tasting tickets per year.
- Complimentary access to Sunset Sipping evenings throughout the season.
- Exclusive member savings of 15% off wine purchases online and at the Cellar Door, plus 10% off at the Wine Bar.
- Complimentary UK mainland delivery on all online wine orders during the membership.
- Priority access to new releases, limited-edition wines and exclusive vineyard events.
Memberships can also be gifted, offering a year of privileged access to Roebuck's most exceptional vintages, immersive vineyard experiences and seasonal benefits.
Visit the Vineyard: Tours, Tastings and Seasonal Experiences
Roebuck Estates welcomes visitors to its Petworth vineyard, where an idyllic sparkling wine tasting area perched at the top of the estate - known as The View - overlooks the South Downs.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £25 per person
A two-hour guided journey through the vines. Guests learn about the grape varieties grown, the seasonal techniques used and the estate's commitment to sustainable viticulture, before returning to The View tipi for a tutored tasting of the Estate Collection (Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs), hosted by a Roebuck wine expert. Friday mornings, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Sunset Sipping
A relaxed Friday evening of vintage sparkling wines and food from local producers as the sun goes down over the vineyard. Friday evenings, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Additional guest tickets and extra sharing platters are available; complimentary tickets for two are included with Vintage Cru membership.
Feast in the Vines - £70 per person
A much-loved annual banquet returning to the Petworth vineyard. Generous platters of slow-cooked meats fresh from the coals are served alongside seasonal vegetable dishes and freshly prepared salads, all thoughtfully paired with vintage sparkling wines. After lunch, guests enjoy a guided stroll through the vineyard before returning to The View for a celebratory glass. Saturday 8 August 2026, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm.
Sushi & Sparkling - £55 per person
An evening of handcrafted sushi from the Michelin-trained, multi-award-winning chefs at Little Fish - Sushi in the Sticks, paired with four Roebuck vintage sparkling wines. Held at the Roebuck Brighton Wine Bar.
The Sparkling Wine Bar at The View
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm throughout the summer, the walk-in bar offers glasses, bottles and Wine Flights of all three cuvées, with a Roebuck expert on hand. No booking required. Note: the bar is closed on Saturday 8 August for Feast in the Vines and on Saturday 27 June for Music in the Vines.
Roebuck Brighton Wine Bar
For summer 2026, Roebuck has opened a sparkling wine bar at The Royal Pavilion Rooms, 5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE, just moments from the famous Lanes. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12 pm - 9 pm, it offers the Classic Collection by the glass, bottle and selected magnums, alongside sparkling wine flights, an outdoor terrace overlooking the Royal Pavilion, and a summer programme of special food and drink events with local partners. Contact: roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk or 07347 998 412.
Weddings
Roebuck Estates works closely with couples to help choose wedding wines, advise on quantities and guide them through special wedding packages. Three pre-wedding tasting experiences are available at the Petworth vineyard:
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Two (£50) - a private tasting with a charcuterie board and one-to-one guidance. Redeemable against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more.
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Six (£120) - share the experience with family or the wedding party. Redeemable against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more.
- At-Home Tasting Pack - a luxury gift box of vintage sparkling wines with tasting notes, ideal for tasting from home. Redeemable against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more.
Vintage sparkling wines can also be personalised as gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen and family members.
Corporate Tastings, Events and Gifting
For businesses, Roebuck offers a premium corporate gifting service with delivery to multiple UK addresses, handwritten notes, and a series of hosted experiences:
- The Vintage Hour - a 60-minute sparkling wine experience at the office, with three award-winning vintages and short tastings. Available Monday - Thursday evenings. Up to 20 guests £35pp, up to 50 guests £30pp, up to 80 guests £28pp.
- The Masterclass - a 90-minute in-depth, seated masterclass exploring the craft behind the vintage sparkling wines, with guidance on glassware, service and the perfect pour. Up to 15 guests £45pp, up to 30 guests £40pp.
- Corporate Away Days - for groups of up to 50 guests at the Petworth vineyard's sparkling wine tipi with sweeping views of the South Downs and optional catering.
Contact the corporate team at corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Roebuck Estates has built a number of high-profile partnerships that extend the reach of its wines beyond the vineyard gates.
- RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026 - Roebuck is the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of this inaugural RHS event at Badminton Estate, Gloucestershire, taking place from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 July 2026.
- Sussex Cricket - the official sparkling wine partner of Sussex Cricket for 2026 and beyond, with a dedicated Roebuck Bar in the Dean Wilson Hospitality Suite at the 1st Central County Ground.
- Brighton & Hove Museums - the exclusive English sparkling wine partner for 2026, serving wines across exhibitions, patrons' evenings and seasonal celebrations at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and associated sites.
- Glide at Battersea Power Station - the exclusive sparkling wine for London's only open-air riverside ice rink, with Sparkling Saturdays and The Glass House from early November to early January.
- Roebuck Viticulture Academy - a three-day, hands-on course for trade partners covering pruning, canopy management and harvesting, led by Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks.
Sustainability
Roebuck Estates is a founder member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme. Sustainability is embedded in everything the team does: herbicides and pesticides are reduced in the vineyard, and biodiversity is actively encouraged through beehives, bird houses, insect hotels, reptile habitats, wildflower meadows and a winter flock of sheep.
Sustainable packaging includes Absolute Greenline neck foils, produced from plant-based polyethene derived from sugar cane and printed using water-based ink, and fully recyclable wine boxes.
Practical Information for Visitors
Visitors to the Petworth vineyard should leave Petworth on the A272 towards Midhurst, pass through Tillington and look for the Roebuck Estates sign on the right. Follow the drive up the hill, turn right at the Roebuck Estates sign and continue along the track to the top. Free parking is available on site in designated bays; there are no coach parking facilities.
The vineyard is a 15-minute taxi journey from Pulborough and Haslemere train stations (recommended taxi providers: South Downs Taxis 01798 874111 and Haslemere Independent Taxis 01428 787222). Cycling is welcome, and dogs are allowed on vineyard tours provided they are kept on a lead.
Please note that children are not permitted on vineyard tours, and the estate is unable to accommodate guests with mobility issues at The View due to the uneven terrain. Visitors are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes.
Shop, Deliver and Subscribe
All Roebuck Estates wines are available to order online at roebuckestates.co.uk/wines. Complimentary standard delivery is offered on orders over £65 to mainland UK addresses (England, Scotland and Wales), with a fixed £5 charge on orders under £65. Standard delivery times are 3 - 5 working days; weekend and Bank Holiday deliveries are not available.
A Click & Collect service operates from the Roebuck Vineyard Office at Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, GU28 0RD, with two weekday collection slots (10 am - 1 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm). Personalised bottles are dispatched separately by All About You via Royal Mail 24hr tracked.
For 10% off your first order and priority access to new releases, invitations to special events and offers from Roebuck's partners, join the free Roebuck Sparkling Cru newsletter.
Contact
- Website: roebuckestates.co.uk
- Address: Roebuck Estates, Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD
- Telephone: 01798 263123
- Email: hello@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Events: events@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Brighton Wine Bar: roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk - 07347 998 412
Please drink responsibly. Visitors and online purchasers must be over 18.