Roebuck Estates - Hazlehurst Vineyard: A Sussex Sparkling Wine Producer Carved from the South Downs
Roebuck Estates: Award-Winning English Sparkling Wine from the Sussex Downs
Roebuck Estates is one of the most talked-about names in modern English wine. Founded in West Sussex in 2013, the producer crafts vintage English sparkling wines from handpicked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown across six parcels of land in Sussex and Kent, and has won numerous trophies in prestigious global wine competitions since its debut release in 2019. Jancis Robinson has described Roebuck as a producer that 'stands out from the crowd'. High praise in a country where sparkling wine is being made at an increasingly confident standard.
The home vineyard sits high on the greensand escarpment above the village of Tillington, just outside the picture-postcard market town of Petworth, with sweeping southerly views across the South Downs. A second Sussex site, Hazlehurst Vineyard near Ticehurst in East Sussex, forms part of the Roebuck family and contributes over 40 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier planted across eight separate blocks, its heat-retaining sandstone soils and multi-aspect slopes giving richness and complexity to the final blends. The Roebuck experience extends well beyond the vineyard: the estate runs a drop-in Sparkling Wine Bar at The View on summer weekends, a brand-new seasonal wine bar at the Royal Pavilion Rooms in Brighton, and a year-round programme of vineyard tours, tastings, long-table suppers and corporate events.
The Roebuck Story
Roebuck Estates was founded by two friends who shared a passion for great wine and a single, uncompromising vision: to craft exceptional vintage sparkling wines every single year that could be enjoyed all over the world. To achieve that goal they knew they would have to grow the very best grapes from the finest vineyard sites in England, so in 2013 they purchased their first parcel of land in West Sussex and Roebuck Estates was born.
The estate takes its name from the wild roe deer that are often seen roaming the West Sussex countryside around the home vineyard. Like the roe deer itself, Roebuck aims to leave only the lightest footprint on its surroundings. The full-time vineyard team is made up of talented individuals who have worked all over the world, and they work with quiet discipline to coax the very best fruit from each and every growing season. CEO Michael Kennedy and Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks lead a team that now tends six parcels of land stretching across West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent.
The Vineyards: Six Parcels Across Sussex and Kent
Roebuck's six vineyards span the beautiful counties of West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent, and are known for their rich, fertile soils and exceptional quality fruit. The diversity of sites gives the winemaking team a multitude of soil types, microclimates and stylistic elements to work with when blending each vintage.
Roebuck, Petworth, West Sussex
The home vineyard is located close to the village of Tillington to the west of Petworth and has the most magnificent southerly views towards the South Downs. It is the jewel in the Roebuck crown and home to the oldest vines, planted back in 2006. Classic Champenois varietals - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - lead the way here, and the greensand soils on which they thrive give elegance and finesse to the sparkling wines. South-facing slopes capture maximum sunlight throughout the day; the greensand encourages both drainage and heat retention, producing fruit with incredible complexity and consistent quality across vintages.
Roman Villa, Bignor, West Sussex
The Roman Villa vineyard is a beautiful site nestled in a serene valley to the south east of Petworth. Here Roebuck has just under 15 acres of exclusively Pinot Noir planted in 2007 with a mixture of Burgundian and Champenois clones. South-facing, the gentle slopes are protected by the South Downs, which moderate the prevailing south-westerly winds, and the loam and clay-rich soils give great structure and depth to the sparkling wines - this is the fruit that goes into the 2018 Blanc de Noirs and Rare Expressions No.19.
Little Brockhurst, Lurgashall, West Sussex
Nestled in the foothills of Black Down and sited just outside the picture-postcard village of Lurgashall, Little Brockhurst lies in a natural amphitheatre. Planted in 2014 on a mixture of flint, clay and sandy soils, the site has 17 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The vines benefit from an abundance of sunshine during the summer months and produce exceptional fruit with amazing complexity, contributing to the Classic Cuvée 2020 and Blanc de Blancs 2019 blends.
Waterlands, Slinfold, West Sussex
Located just to the north of the West Sussex village of Slinfold, Waterlands was planted in 2017 with the holy trinity of Champenois varietals. Its aspect, gradient and south-facing slopes create ideal growing conditions for sparkling wine grapes, producing wonderfully ripe fruit which brings additional texture, depth and richness to the Classic Cuvée and Rosé de Noirs blends.
Hazlehurst, Ticehurst, East Sussex
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and overlooking the Bewl Water reservoir, Hazlehurst is Roebuck's East Sussex vineyard. Here the estate has just over 40 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, planted across eight separate and distinct blocks. Its unique micro-climate, multi-aspect slopes and heat-retaining sandstone soils give great richness and complexity to the blends.
Chalkhill Blue, Bilting, Kent
Named after the beautiful Chalkhill Blue butterfly native to this region, the most recently established Roebuck vineyard has the most incredible south-facing slopes with fantastic drainage. Here, 35 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are planted on the finest chalk soils. It will be a few more years before the vines are producing quality, pristine fruit destined for the sparkling wines, but already the site is showing huge potential.
The Craft: From Vineyard to Bottle
Crafting exceptional vintage sparkling wines lies at the heart of everything Roebuck does. Working at one with nature, the team strives to create wonderfully individual wines that are a generous expression of the growing season in which they were made and worthy of the most joyous vintage celebrations.
The six parcels of land are blessed with a wealth of different soil types and microclimates and are separated into 70 individual blocks of vines, each with its own clone and rootstock combination best suited to that soil. Using a sophisticated software system called Sectormentor, the team of expert viticulturalists keep a detailed record of how each block is faring so they can be precise in their approach. 'Growing the best fruit in England is key to producing exceptional sparkling wines,' says CEO Michael Kennedy, 'and only the finest perfectly ripe bunches are selected for our vintage sparkling wines.'
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. The wines are crafted from a harmonious blend of classic Champenois grape varieties and produced according to the traditional method. They are vintage only - meaning they can only be produced from the harvest of a single year.
Each vineyard block is vinified separately, giving a multitude of components to work with when blending the sparkling base wines. A small proportion of the wines are partially fermented in fine, aged Burgundian oak barrels, imparting complexity, depth and texture on the final blends. Blending is one of the most important stages in the wine-making calendar, as it is the moment the wines come to life and the team discovers the true character of the vintage. Each variety plays an important role in the blend: Pinot Noir adds structure and texture, Chardonnay brings elegance, acidity and aromatics, and Pinot Meunier fills in the gaps with its floral and perfumed notes.
Crafting exceptional vintage sparkling wines requires time and patience. Roebuck allows a generous period of lees-ageing in bottle for a minimum of three years followed by significant time on cork before release. The new Blanc de Blancs 2019, for example, was aged for more than five years on its lees before being released.
Sustainability: Leaving the Lightest Footprint
Much like the graceful roe deer that roams the Roebuck landscape, the estate aims to leave only the lightest footprint on its environment. Minimising environmental impact and maximising conservation and biodiversity lies at the core of everything it does.
Roebuck is a founder member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme, an accolade earned through an unwavering commitment to sustainable vineyard management. The team's dedication to sustainability begins with the very soil beneath the vines: a conscious choice has been made to reduce herbicides and minimise the use of pesticides, allowing a harmonious relationship with the land to be nurtured.
To strengthen the natural ecosystem, Roebuck has introduced beehives, bird houses, insect hotels and reptile habitats, planted wildflower meadows and welcomes a flock of sheep during winter. The action extends beyond the vineyards into packaging: Absolute Greenline neck foils are produced from plant-based polyethene derived from sugar cane and printed using water-based ink, and the wine boxes are fully recyclable.
The Vintage Collection
Every Roebuck wine is a vintage wine, made only from the harvest of a single year. The current Vintage Collection is built around the four core cuvées, all of which are hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed and aged on lees in the traditional method.
Classic Cuvée 2020 - From £38
The Classic Cuvée 2020 is an elegant sparkling wine with delightful notes of baked apples and ripe citrus fruits layered with a biscuity richness and delicious hint of sweet spice. Aged to perfection, this pale-golden sparkling wine reveals a refined yet refreshing character, making it an ideal companion to seafood dishes. Crafted from a hand-picked blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the signature Classic Cuvée showcases balance, depth and finesse. Grown and harvested at the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Waterlands vineyards. View the Classic Cuvée 2020.
Rosé de Noirs 2020 - From £42
An elegant sparkling rosé from a beautifully balanced vintage, the Rosé de Noirs 2020 displays delightful notes of wild strawberries, ripe red berries and a hint of toasted walnuts, complemented by biscuity richness and vibrant acidity leading to a long, beautifully poised finish. Crafted from carefully selected, handpicked Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown across the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst, Roman Villa and Waterlands vineyards, the fruit was gently whole-bunch pressed and partially fermented in old Burgundian barrels. A splash of Pinot Précoce was added at disgorgement, enhancing the rose-pink hue and red berry character. Bottle-aged on lees for a minimum of 48 months. View the Rosé de Noirs 2020.
Blanc de Noirs 2018 - From £50
Only made in exceptional years, the 2018 Blanc de Noirs is complex and refined with delicate bubbles, a silky texture and a long, exquisite finish. Delightful notes of citrus fruits and baked apples are layered with generous notes of toasted brioche, honey and sweet spice. The 2018 growing season was described by Roebuck as 'a perfect growing season in every way' - favourable conditions at flowering and fruit set were followed by an incredible summer of long, sunny, dry days, encouraging a bountiful crop with exceptional balance and flavour. Made from fruit grown at the Roman Villa vineyard. View the Blanc de Noirs 2018.
Blanc de Blancs 2019 - From £50
The latest release is the Blanc de Blancs 2019, produced exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes grown in West Sussex. Following partial fermentation in old Burgundian oak barrels and more than five years of ageing on its lees, this beautifully refined sparkling wine reveals layers of ripe citrus, stone fruits, white flowers and toasted hazelnut, culminating in a long, beautifully balanced finish. The 2019 growing season provided ideal conditions for producing beautifully balanced Chardonnay, with warm summer weather encouraging consistent fruit development and cooler temperatures in September and October preserving freshness and complexity. View the Blanc de Blancs 2019.
Rosé Reserve 2019 - From £35
The Roebuck Rosé Reserve 2019 showcases vibrant notes of raspberries and apricot, layered with subtle hints of toasted hazelnuts and leading to a long, beautifully balanced finish. The 2019 vintage was recently awarded an outstanding 96 points at The International Wine Challenge, earning both a Gold Medal and the prestigious English Sparkling Rosé Trophy in 2025. Made from fruit grown across the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Roman Villa vineyards. View the Rosé Reserve 2019.
Rare Expressions
The Rare Expressions range is a special collection of limited-edition vintage sparkling wines that showcase the finest expression of a particular place, grape variety or moment in time. Fruit is selected from a distinct site, often a single clone, and allowed to evolve slowly - typically over seven to eight years on lees. The result is a wine with layered texture, structural poise and a quiet, resonant complexity.
Rare Expressions No.19 - From £95
From the 2015 vintage, this is a rich yet beautifully balanced wine displaying delightful notes of ripe peach, baked apples and honeysuckle layered with hints of toasted almonds. Made from fruit grown at the Roman Villa vineyard. Discover Rare No.19.
Rare Expressions No.96 - From £95
From the 2014 vintage, this is a deeper, more evolved expression of Roebuck's signature style. Deep golden in colour, it is rich yet beautifully balanced, with notes of baked apples, honey and a biscuity richness layered with hints of toasted walnuts and candied citrus peel. Discover Rare No.96.
Limited Vintages
Roebuck's Limited Vintages library gives collectors the chance to access back-vintage releases from the estate's earlier years. The Classic Cuvée 2013 is available from £32 per bottle and the Rosé de Noirs 2017 from £42. Magnums of the 2018 Classic Cuvée (£90), 2018 Rosé de Noirs (£100) and 2018 Blanc de Noirs (£110) are also available in 1.5-litre formats - perfect for the most special of celebrations.
Mixed Cases & Curated Collections
For those looking to sample a cross-section of the range, Roebuck offers a number of mixed cases and curated collections:
- Estate Collection - £260: Two bottles each of the 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs.
- Celebration Case - £240: Six bottles of Classic Cuvée 2020 and Rosé de Noirs 2020.
- Estate Trio - From £130: One bottle each of Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 and Blanc de Noirs 2018.
- Celebration Duo - £80: One bottle of Classic Cuvée 2019 and one bottle of Rosé de Noirs 2019.
The full Roebuck wine range is available to buy online.
Gift Sets and Personalisation
For sparkling wine lovers, Roebuck offers a thoughtful range of gifts and gift sets, all beautifully presented and ready to mark any occasion. The current gift range includes:
- Classic Cuvée 2020 Gift Set with two tulip-shaped glasses - £65
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 Gift Set with two tulip-shaped glasses - £69
- Classic Cuvée 2020 with Gift Box - £40
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 with Gift Box - £44
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 with Gift Box - £52
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 Gift Set with glassware - £77
- Rare Expressions No.19 Gift Set - £125
- Rare Expressions No.96 Gift Set - £125
For a truly personal touch, the personalisation service allows a name, message or special date to be engraved directly onto bottles of Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 or Blanc de Noirs 2018. Personalised bottles can also be included in the elegant gift sets complete with two branded tulip-shaped glasses. The personalisation service is carried out by a trusted third-party partner and is dispatched separately by Royal Mail 24hr tracked, an age-verified service requiring a signature on delivery. Roebuck Gift Cards are also available - redeemable online across the wine collection, vineyard tours, tastings and seasonal events, valid for 24 months and delivered instantly by email.
The Sparkling Cru and Vintage Cru Wine Club
Joining the free Roebuck Sparkling Cru newsletter community unlocks a 10% welcome discount on a first order, plus exclusive seasonal offers, priority access to new wine releases, invitations to special events, food pairing inspiration and the latest news from the vineyard. There's no charge to join and no membership fee.
For a more immersive relationship with the estate, the Roebuck Vintage Cru Wine Club is limited to just 100 members. Membership delivers a curated selection of 12 bottles each year (either as two shipments of six or four quarterly deliveries of three), a complimentary bottle of Classic Cuvée on the birthday member's special day, four complimentary Tour & Tasting tickets, complimentary access for two to Sunset Sipping evenings throughout the season, 15% off wine purchases online and at the Cellar Door (plus 10% off at the Wine Bar), complimentary UK mainland delivery and priority access to new releases, limited-edition wines and exclusive vineyard events. Membership can be gifted.
Vineyard Experiences at Roebuck
Roebuck's idyllic tasting area sits at the top of the Roebuck vineyard near Tillington - known as 'The View' - perched beautifully at the highest point of the estate. A full programme of vineyard experiences runs throughout the summer, and all ticketed events must be booked in advance.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £25 per person
The flagship two-hour experience invites guests to explore the vines while learning about the grape varieties Roebuck grows, the seasonal techniques used and the team's commitment to sustainable viticulture. Surrounded by sweeping views across the South Downs, the experience continues in the sparkling wine tipi with a tutored tasting of the Estate Collection - a chilled glass each of the Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs - hosted by one of the Roebuck wine experts. Book the Vineyard Tour & Tasting.
Sunset Sipping - Friday evenings, 5.30pm - 8.30pm
A relaxed Friday evening experience for two (or larger groups) watching the sun go down over the vineyard and the South Downs. Guests enjoy a glass of Classic Cuvée on arrival, choose between two glasses of vintage sparkling wine or a bottle for the table, paired with a charcuterie or vegetarian sharing platter. Wines can be purchased by the glass or by the bottle to share or take away. The ticket price is quoted per table, with additional guest tickets available for £10 and extra sharing platters for £30. Book Sunset Sipping.
Feast in the Vines - £70 per person, Saturday 8 August 2026
The much-loved Feast in the Vines returns to the Petworth vineyard each August. Guests indulge in generous platters of slow-cooked meats fresh from the coals, served alongside seasonal vegetable dishes and freshly prepared salads, all thoughtfully paired with the vintage sparkling wines. After lunch, a guided stroll through the vineyard leads back to The View for a celebratory glass of Roebuck sparkling. Book Feast in the Vines.
Sushi & Sparkling - £55 per person
Hosted at the Roebuck Brighton Wine Bar in partnership with Little Fish - Sushi in the Sticks, Sushi & Sparkling is an exquisite evening of handcrafted sushi paired with four Roebuck vintage sparkling wines. The Roebuck in-house wine expert and the head chef talk guests through eight pieces of sushi and four Roebuck cuvées. Book Sushi & Sparkling.
Roebuck Sparkling Wine Bar at The View - Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm
The drop-in Sparkling Wine Bar at The View is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm throughout the summer. Guests can choose a glass of their preferred cuvée, share a bottle or explore the range with a Wine Flight featuring all three vintage wines. A Roebuck expert is on hand to guide visitors through each cuvée. No pre-booking is required. Note the bar is closed on certain dates for special events such as Music in the Vines (Saturday 27 June) and Feast in the Vines (Saturday 8 August). View the Sparkling Wine Bar.
Roebuck Brighton Wine Bar
For summer 2026, Roebuck has opened a brand-new seasonal sparkling wine bar at The Royal Pavilion Rooms in Brighton. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 9pm, the bar offers indoor seating within the Royal Pavilion Rooms alongside an outdoor terrace with views of the Royal Pavilion. Just moments from Brighton's famous Lanes, it serves the full Classic Collection by the glass, bottle or selected magnums, plus curated sparkling wine flights. Bottles are also available to purchase to take home, and a series of special events celebrating Brighton & Hove's vibrant food and drink scene runs throughout the summer. The address is The Royal Pavilion Rooms, 5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove BN1 1EE (roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk, 07347 998 412).
Weddings
Roebuck Estates offers a dedicated wedding wine service, advising couples on selection, quantities and bespoke wedding packages. The most popular wedding wines are the Classic Cuvée, the Rosé de Noirs and the Blanc de Noirs, all of which can be personalised with engraving for bridesmaids, groomsmen and family gifts.
Couples can taste the wines ahead of the big day with one of three pre-wedding tasting experiences:
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Two - £50: A private tasting at the Petworth vineyard with a charcuterie board, redeemable against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more.
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Six - £120: A private tasting for the wider wedding party, redeemable against orders of 48 bottles or more.
- At-Home Tasting Pack: A luxury gift box containing a selection of vintage English sparkling wines plus tasting notes, redeemable against orders of 48 bottles or more.
Corporate Gifting, Tastings & Away Days
Roebuck offers a premium corporate gifting service with elegantly presented single bottles, beautifully curated gift sets, personalised engraving and handwritten notes, plus the ability to deliver to multiple UK addresses. The Estate Trio showcases the 2019 signature vintages in a luxury presentation, while glassware gift sets and personalised gifts engraved with a company logo or message create a lasting impression.
For corporate entertaining, two tasting formats can be hosted at the client's office:
- The Vintage Hour - from £28 per head: A 60-minute tasting of three award-winning vintage English sparkling wines, available Monday to Thursday evenings. Up to 20 guests - £35 per head; up to 50 guests - £30 per head; up to 80 guests - £28 per head.
- The Masterclass - from £40 per head: A 90-minute in-depth, seated masterclass led by a Roebuck wine expert, covering craft, glassware, service and the perfect pour. Up to 15 guests - £45 per head; up to 30 guests - £40 per head.
For larger gatherings, the sparkling wine tipi at the Petworth vineyard hosts corporate away days for up to 50 guests against a backdrop of sweeping South Downs views, with menus tailored by a curated list of trusted local caterers. Corporate bookings and enquiries: corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk.
Partnerships and Cultural Collaborations
Roebuck Estates has built a notable portfolio of cultural and sporting partnerships across the south of England. The estate is the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of Sussex Cricket - a landmark collaboration in the club's nearly 200-year legacy - with a dedicated Roebuck Bar in the Dean Wilson Hospitality Suite at the 1st Central County Ground. Roebuck was also the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2023 and 2024, and in 2026 continues that partnership at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show from 8 - 12 July.
In 2026, Roebuck is also the exclusive English sparkling wine partner of Brighton & Hove Museums, with vintage sparkling wines served across the charity's events programme at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Hove Museum of Creativity, Preston Manor and the Booth Museum of Natural History. During the festive season, Roebuck takes over the Glide open-air ice rink at Battersea Power Station as the exclusive sparkling wine from Friday 7 November until Sunday 4 January, with Sparkling Saturdays by Roebuck, the Glass House tasting bar and luxury 12-guest igloos.
For the trade, the Roebuck Viticulture Academy is an exclusive three-day course for sommeliers and senior wine buyers, led by Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks, covering pruning, canopy management and harvesting.
Visiting Roebuck
Roebuck Estates is based at Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD (what3words: blazing, lazy, chess). The vineyard is a 15-minute taxi journey from Pulborough or Haslemere train stations, both with frequent services from London Victoria or London Waterloo. Recommended taxi firms are South Downs Taxis (Pulborough, 01798 874111) and Haslemere Independent Taxis (01428 787222). Free parking is available on site in the designated bays; please note there are no coach parking facilities.
Road directions: leave Petworth on the A272 towards Midhurst, pass through Tillington and the vineyard will appear on the right, marked by a Roebuck Estates sign. Follow the drive up the hill and turn right at the Roebuck sign, continuing along the track as it curves around to the top.
Click & Collect and Delivery
The Roebuck Vineyard Office offers Click & Collect Monday to Friday, 10am - 1pm and 1pm - 4pm (no weekend or Bank Holiday collections). Orders placed after 4pm are available the following working day. Bring proof of billing address and the order confirmation. Standard mainland UK delivery is 3 - 5 working days: £5 for orders under £65 and complimentary for orders over £65. Unfortunately weekend and Bank Holiday deliveries cannot be offered. Recipients must be over 18 and a signature is required; personalised bottles are dispatched separately by Royal Mail 24hr tracked.
Useful Information
The team can be reached at hello@roebuckestates.co.uk or 01798 263123 for general enquiries, and at events@roebuckestates.co.uk for private tours, group events and Sunset Sipping bookings. The vineyard experience is outdoors, so suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing (sun hats, waterproofs) are advised. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, but children cannot be accommodated on vineyard tours. Due to the uneven terrain at The View, the venue is unfortunately unable to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Roebuck Estates is also active on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.