Roebuck Estates: Award-Winning Vintage English Sparkling Wine from the South Downs
Roebuck Estates: a vintage-only English sparkling wine house in West Sussex
Tucked into the rolling countryside just outside the West Sussex market town of Petworth, Roebuck Estates is one of the most talked-about names in English sparkling wine. From a home vineyard planted as far back as 2006, the estate now stretches across six parcels of land in West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent, all farmed by hand and certified under the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) scheme. Since its debut release in 2019, Roebuck has collected trophies at some of the most exacting global wine competitions, and its Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs, Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs cuvées now appear on some of the country's best wine lists.
The estate takes its name from the wild roe deer that roam the surrounding fields. Like the deer, the team works to leave only the lightest footprint on the landscape, and that philosophy runs through everything from vineyard practice to packaging. Roebuck is the kind of producer where every bottle carries a precise vintage, every wine is hand-picked, and every parcel of fruit is pressed whole-bunch at the winery to protect quality. The result is a small, focused range of wines that consistently punch above their weight in tastings around the world.
Beyond the bottle, Roebuck is also a destination. The Petworth vineyard is home to a sparkling wine tipi called The View, perched at the top of the home block with sweeping sightlines across the South Downs. There is a regular calendar of tours, tastings and long-table suppers, a summer wine bar in the vines, and - new for 2025/26 - a sparkling wine bar at The Royal Pavilion Rooms in Brighton.
Founders, vineyards and the Petworth home block
Roebuck was founded in 2013 by two friends united by a clear vision: to craft exceptional vintage English sparkling wines every single year that could be enjoyed all over the world. They began by purchasing their first parcel of land in West Sussex and have since assembled six distinct sites spanning West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent.
The home block, simply called Roebuck, sits in the village of Tillington, west of Petworth. Its oldest vines were planted in 2006 on south-facing slopes with free-draining greensand soils, and it is the estate's flagship site for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. From here the land rolls gently towards the South Downs, the view that gives The View its name.
The other five parcels each contribute something distinctive:
- Roman Villa, Bignor - a serene, protected valley southeast of Petworth. Almost 15 acres of Pinot Noir planted in 2007 on loam and clay-rich soils; the Pinot from this site brings structure and depth to the blends.
- Little Brockhurst, Lurgashall - a natural amphitheatre in the foothills of Black Down, planted in 2014 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier over flint, clay and sandy soils. This site produces fruit with exceptional complexity.
- Waterlands, Slinfold - a south-facing 2017 planting to the north of Slinfold village that adds texture, depth and richness to the final blends.
- Hazelhurst, Ticehurst (East Sussex) - more than 40 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier across eight blocks, with heat-retaining sandstone soils and a unique micro-climate that lends richness and complexity.
- Chalkhill Blue, Bilting (Kent) - the newest site, named after the iconic Chalkhill Blue butterfly. Thirty-five acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier on the finest chalk soils; still maturing, but already showing huge potential.
All six sites are managed as 70 individual blocks, each with its own clone and rootstock combination best suited to the soil. The team uses a sophisticated software platform called Sectormentor to record how every block is faring throughout the season, so decisions on canopy management, picking dates and yield can be made block-by-block. Only the finest, perfectly ripe bunches are selected for the vintage sparkling wines.
From vine to bottle: the Roebuck craft
Roebuck's winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for tradition. The entire range is vintage only, meaning every wine is produced from the harvest of a single year and must wait the appropriate time on lees before release. The fruit is hand-picked and gently whole-bunch pressed at the winery to extract only the highest quality juice. Each vineyard block is vinified separately, and a small proportion of the base wines are partially fermented in fine aged Burgundian oak barrels to add complexity, depth and texture to the final blends.
Blending is the moment when each vintage comes to life. Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks, who leads the winemaking team, describes the logic in plain terms: Pinot Noir contributes structure and texture, Chardonnay brings elegance, acidity and aromatics, and Pinot Meunier fills the gaps with its floral and perfumed notes. The team taste through every component before deciding on the final blend for each cuvée.
Time is the final ingredient. Roebuck's vintage sparkling wines are aged on lees for a minimum of three years, with significant additional time on cork before release - and the Rare Expressions range spends seven to eight years on lees. The result is wines that combine finesse with the structural depth to age gracefully.
Sustainability at the heart of the estate
Roebuck Estates is a founder member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme. Sustainability starts with the soil: the team has reduced herbicides and minimised the use of pesticides in vineyard management. Biodiversity is actively encouraged through beehives, bird houses, insect hotels, reptile habitats, wildflower meadows and even a wintering flock of sheep that graze between the rows.
The commitment extends to packaging. Every neck foil is an Absolute Greenline foil made from plant-based polyethylene derived from sugar cane and printed with water-based inks, and every wine box is fully recyclable. The team works only with suppliers who share their environmental ethos.
The Roebuck Estates wine range
Roebuck's cellar is intentionally tight. Rather than chase volume, the team focuses on a small core of vintage English sparkling wines made in the traditional method, plus a small, evolving library of Rare Expressions and limited older vintages. All wines are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, and are released only when they have reached optimum drinking potential.
Classic Cuvée 2020
The signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown at the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Waterlands vineyards. Pale golden in the glass, with notes of baked apples and ripe citrus layered over a biscuity richness and a hint of sweet spice. An elegant aperitif, but equally at home with seafood. From £38. Discover & Buy.
Rosé de Noirs 2020
An elegant sparkling rosé made predominantly from Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and a splash of Pinot Précoce added at disgorgement for that beautiful rose-pink hue. Wild strawberries and red berries sit alongside biscuity richness, vibrant acidity and toasted walnut on the finish. Aged on lees for a minimum of 48 months. From £42. Discover & Buy.
Blanc de Noirs 2018
Only produced in exceptional years, the 2018 Blanc de Noirs is made entirely from Pinot Noir grown at the Roman Villa vineyard. It is complex and refined with delicate bubbles, a silky texture and a long, exquisite finish. Citrus and baked apples are layered with toasted brioche, honey and sweet spice. From £50. Discover & Buy.
Blanc de Blancs 2019
The newest release. Produced exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay grown in West Sussex and partially fermented in old Burgundian oak, then aged for more than five years on its lees. Delicate aromas of ripe citrus and stone fruits are layered with white flowers and toasted hazelnut, leading to a long, beautifully balanced finish. From £50. Discover & Buy.
Rosé Reserve 2019
Made from fruit grown across the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Roman Villa vineyards. Vibrant notes of raspberries and apricot layered with subtle hints of toasted hazelnut leading to a long, balanced finish. Recently awarded an outstanding 96 points at The International Wine Challenge, plus a Gold Medal and the English Sparkling Rosé Trophy 2025. From £35. Discover & Buy.
Rare Expressions No.19
Part of the limited-edition Rare Expressions collection. Made exclusively from fruit grown at the Roman Villa vineyard, the 2015 vintage spent seven to eight years on its lees to develop ripe peach, baked apples and honeysuckle notes layered with hints of toasted almonds. From £95. Discover & Buy.
Rare Expressions No.96
The second wine in the Rare Expressions collection, drawn from the 2014 vintage. Defined by time and careful bottle ageing, this is a deeper, more evolved expression of the Roebuck style: deep golden, with notes of baked apples, honey and a biscuity richness layered with toasted walnuts and candied citrus peel. From £95. Discover & Buy.
Magnums and limited older vintages
Roebuck also releases select magnums and a small library of older vintages for collectors and celebratory occasions:
- Classic Cuvée 2018 Magnum - £90
- Rosé de Noirs 2018 Magnum - £100
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 Magnum - £110
- Classic Cuvée 2013 - from £32
- Rosé de Noirs 2017 - from £42
Magnums and limited older vintages are available under the Limited Vintages collection.
Curated collections and gift sets
For those who can't pick a single bottle, Roebuck has curated a series of gift cases and mixed selections that showcase the range.
- Celebration Duo - one bottle each of 2019 Classic Cuvée and 2019 Rosé de Noirs. £80.
- Estate Trio - one bottle each of 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs. From £130.
- Celebration Case - six bottles of 2020 Classic Cuvée and 2020 Rosé de Noirs. £240.
- Estate Collection - two bottles each of 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs. £260.
Every bottle in the core range can also be ordered in a presentation gift box, with optional personalised engraving.
- Classic Cuvée 2020 with Gift Box - £40
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 with Gift Box - £44
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 with Gift Box - £52
- Classic Cuvée 2020 Gift Set (with two branded tulip glasses) - £65
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 Gift Set (with two branded tulip glasses) - £69
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 Gift Set (with two branded tulip glasses) - £77
- Rare Expressions No.19 Gift Set - £125
- Rare Expressions No.96 Gift Set - £125
Engraving is available on the Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 and Blanc de Noirs 2018, with personalisation handled by trusted partner All About You. Engraved bottles are dispatched separately by Royal Mail 24hr tracked and may take up to five working days. Looking for flexibility? A Roebuck Estates Gift Card is redeemable online against the entire range of wines, tours, tastings and seasonal events, with digital delivery and a 24-month validity.
The Roebuck Sparkling Cru and Vintage Cru Wine Club
There are two ways to get closer to Roebuck. The first is the free Roebuck Sparkling Cru newsletter community. Sign up and you'll enjoy a 10% welcome discount on your first order, priority access to new releases, invitations to special events, food pairing inspiration and monthly behind-the-scenes updates from the vineyard.
For something more immersive, the Roebuck Vintage Cru Wine Club is a limited membership, reserved for just 100 members at a time, who receive a curated selection of 12 bottles each year. Members can choose between two shipments of six bottles or four quarterly deliveries of three bottles, and benefit from:
- A birthday bottle of Classic Cuvée
- Four complimentary Tour & Tasting tickets to share with friends and family
- Complimentary tickets for two at the 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 on all online wine orders
- Priority access to new releases, limited-edition wines and exclusive vineyard events
Membership makes an exceptional gift - gift a Vintage Cru membership for someone who loves fine English sparkling.
Vineyard experiences: tours, tastings and long-table suppers
The Petworth vineyard is the natural place to taste the range in context. Four signature experiences run throughout the season, with more added for special occasions.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £25
A two-hour journey through the vines. After a guided walk, you'll return to the sparkling wine tipi at The View for an in-depth tutored tasting of the Estate Collection - a glass of Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs, poured and explained by a Roebuck wine expert. The experience is outside, so suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. Duration: 2 hours. £25 per person. Book the Tour & Tasting.
Sunset Sipping for Two
A relaxed Friday evening for two at the Petworth vineyard, looking out over the South Downs. Choose either two glasses of vintage sparkling wine or a bottle for the table, paired with a charcuterie or vegetarian sharing platter. Additional guests can be added at £10 each (glass of Classic Cuvée on arrival, or a soft drink for under-18s), with an extra sharing platter for £30. Wines by the glass or bottle are available to purchase on the night. 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Book Sunset Sipping.
Feast in the Vines - £70pp
The estate's signature long-table lunch. Generous platters of slow-cooked meats fresh from the coals are served alongside seasonal vegetable dishes and freshly prepared salads, all thoughtfully paired with the vintage sparkling range. After lunch, guests enjoy a guided stroll through the vineyard before returning to The View for a celebratory glass. Saturday 8 August 2026, 12:30pm - 5:00pm. £70 per person. Book Feast in the Vines.
Sushi & Sparkling - £55 per person
An evening of handcrafted sushi paired with vintage English sparkling wine at the Roebuck Brighton Wine Bar. In partnership with Michelin-trained, multi-award-winning chefs at Little Fish - Sushi in the Sticks, the experience includes four Roebuck vintage sparkling wines matched with eight pieces of sushi, presented by the Roebuck wine expert and Little Fish head chef. Thursday 14 August 2026, 18:30 - 21:30. £55 per person. Book Sushi & Sparkling.
Sparkling Wine Bar at The View
Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, the team opens the Sparkling Wine Bar at The View on the Roebuck vineyard. Drop in from 1pm for a glass, a bottle or a Wine Flight of all three cuvées, with a Roebuck expert on hand to guide you through. No booking required. Please note that the bar is closed for special events on dates such as Feast in the Vines and Music in the Vines.
Private tours, group events and bespoke celebrations
For something more intimate, the Petworth vineyard and tipi can be hired for private tours, group events, milestone celebrations and corporate away days. The team can arrange bespoke packages, including trusted local caterers. Enquire via events@roebuckestates.co.uk or call 01798 263123.
What to expect on the day
The Roebuck vineyard is at Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD (what3words: blazing, lazy, chess). Leave Petworth on the A272 towards Midhurst, pass through the village of Tillington and turn right at the large Roebuck Estates sign. Follow the drive up the hill and turn right at the Roebuck Estates sign; continue along the track as it curves around to the top.
The estate is around a 15-minute taxi ride from Pulborough or Haslemere train stations, both of which have direct services from London Victoria and London Waterloo. Recommended local taxi firms:
- Pulborough - South Downs Taxis (01798 874111)
- Haslemere - Haslemere Independent Taxis (01428 787222)
Parking is free on site, although there is no coach parking. Visitors are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes. The vineyard tour is unsuitable for under-18s; soft drinks are available at The View for drivers and younger guests. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
All ticketed events must be booked in advance. A minimum of four attendees is required for a tour to run, and the team will contact guests to rearrange if a session is undersubscribed. Cancellations require at least 72 hours' notice in writing to events@roebuckestates.co.uk; tours can be rescheduled with at least two weeks' notice.
Roebuck Brighton: a summer sparkling wine bar in The Royal Pavilion Rooms
For the first time, Roebuck has taken its wines into the city. The Roebuck Sparkling Wine Bar sits inside The Royal Pavilion Rooms, 5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove BN1 1EE, just moments from the famous Lanes. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm - 9pm throughout the summer, the bar offers the full Classic Collection by the glass, bottle and selected magnums, alongside carefully curated sparkling wine flights.
There is indoor seating within The Royal Pavilion Rooms and a terrace that looks directly onto the Royal Pavilion - a setting that feels made for English sparkling wine. Throughout the season the team hosts special events celebrating Brighton's vibrant food and drink scene in partnership with local producers and restaurants. Bottles from the collection are available to take home if you find a new favourite.
The Brighton bar is also the venue for the Sushi & Sparkling pairing evenings. To enquire about private bookings or group visits, email roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk or call 07347 998 412.
Roebuck for weddings
English sparkling wine is increasingly the pour of choice for British weddings, and Roebuck has built a dedicated wedding wine service around it. The team can advise on quantities, help with selection, and provide personalised engraved bottles for bridesmaids, groomsmen and family gifts.
The most popular wedding pours are the Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs, but couples can also build mixed cases. Two Pre-Wedding Tasting Experiences are offered at the Petworth vineyard, both of which can be redeemed against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more:
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Two - a private tasting of the vintage range with a charcuterie board. £50.
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Six - the same experience for family, friends or members of the wedding party. £120.
For couples who can't make it to the vineyard, the At-Home Wedding Tasting Pack brings the experience to your kitchen. The estate has also produced two guides: English Sparkling Wine or Champagne for your Wedding? and How much English sparkling wine do I need for my wedding?
Corporate gifting, tastings and away days
Roebuck's corporate offering is built around three pillars: premium gifts, hosted tasting experiences and away days at the vineyard.
Gifts. From single bottles in elegant gift boxes to fully personalised engraved sets, the Estate Trio showcases the 2019 signature vintages and remains the flagship corporate gift. Deliveries can be made to multiple UK addresses, complete with handwritten notes.
The Vintage Hour. A 60-minute hosted tasting at your office, featuring three award-winning vintage English sparkling wines introduced with a short talk and plenty of time to sip, savour and socialise. Available Monday - 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. A seated, 90-minute deep dive into the craft behind the vintage sparkling wines, led by a Roebuck wine expert. Smaller groups, more detail, and tailored guidance on glassware, service and the perfect pour. Monday - Thursday evenings.
- Up to 15 guests - £45 per head
- Up to 30 guests - £40 per head
Corporate Away Days. Set among the vines in the Petworth tipi with sweeping views across the South Downs, the estate hosts away days for up to 50 guests - perfect for team retreats, client hospitality, strategy days or company celebrations. Trusted local caterers can tailor menus to your preferences. Enquire via corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk.
Partnerships and a wider role in the South East
Roebuck's reputation has led to several high-profile partnerships across sport, culture and horticulture. In 2026, the estate is the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of the RHS Badminton Flower Show (8 - 12 July 2026), having previously partnered the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2023 and 2024. It is also the official sparkling wine partner of Sussex Cricket, with a dedicated Roebuck Bar in the Dean Wilson Hospitality Suite at The 1st Central County Ground, and the exclusive English sparkling wine partner of Brighton & Hove Museums for 2026, serving the estate's wines across the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and the wider museum estate.
For trade partners, the Roebuck Viticulture Academy offers a three-day course covering pruning, canopy management and hand-harvesting, led by Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks.
How to buy Roebuck Estates wines
The full collection is available to buy online at roebuckestates.co.uk/wines. Orders over £65 to a single mainland UK address qualify for free standard delivery (3 - 5 working days). Standard delivery is otherwise a flat £5. Unfortunately weekend and Bank Holiday deliveries are not available, and the estate can only ship to mainland UK (England, Scotland and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands) - international orders can be discussed by emailing hello@roebuckestates.co.uk.
Personalised bottles are dispatched separately by Royal Mail 24hr tracked and may take up to five working days. Click & Collect is available from the vineyard office at Upperton Farm on weekday mornings (10am - 1pm) and afternoons (1pm - 4pm). Please bring proof of billing address and your order confirmation.
A full Delivery & Collections Policy and Terms & Conditions apply to all orders. The business operates as Southern England Wines (UK) Ltd, registered in England and Wales (company number 10077464) with registered offices at Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing BN11 1QR. All purchasers and recipients must be over 18.
Visit Roebuck Estates
- Vineyard office & Cellar Door Click & Collect - Roebuck Estates, Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD
- Phone - 01798 263123
- Email - hello@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Events team - events@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Corporate enquiries - corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Roebuck Brighton - The Royal Pavilion Rooms, 5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove BN1 1EE · roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk · 07347 998 412
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