Roebuck Estates: Award-Winning English Sparkling Wine from the South Downs
Set against the rolling backdrop of the South Downs, just outside the picture-postcard market town of Petworth in West Sussex, Roebuck Estates has quietly become one of the most decorated names in English sparkling wine. Since releasing their debut vintage in 2019, founder Michael Kennedy and his team have assembled six vineyard parcels across Sussex and Kent, harvested exclusively by hand, and built a portfolio of vintage-only traditional-method wines that has drawn praise from Jancis Robinson and trophies from the world's toughest competitions.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a visit, place an order, or book an experience with Roebuck Estates, from the six vineyard sites that supply the fruit, to the wines in bottle, the gift sets, the Vintage Cru wine club, and the full calendar of summer events at the Petworth vineyard and the new Brighton sparkling wine bar.
The Roebuck Story
Roebuck Estates was founded in 2013 by two friends who shared a passion for great wine and a clear vision: to craft exceptional vintage English sparkling wines every single year that could be enjoyed all over the world. The name itself comes from the wild roe deer that frequently roam the fields around the home vineyard in Tillington - a creature the founders chose to honour because, like a roe deer, they wanted to leave only the lightest possible footprint on the landscape.
The team is led by Michael Kennedy (CEO) and Jake Wicks (Head of Viticulture), supported by a full-time vineyard crew who have worked all over the world. Their stated goal is uncompromising: only the finest hand-selected grapes from the very best vineyard sites in England make it into a Roebuck bottle.
Awards and Recognition
Roebuck's wines have won numerous trophies and awards in prestigious global competitions. Their Rosé Reserve 2019 was awarded an outstanding 96 points at The International Wine Challenge, taking both a Gold Medal and the English Sparkling Rosé Trophy in 2025. Jancis Robinson described Roebuck as a “producer that stands out from the crowd”.
The Vineyards
Roebuck's fruit is sourced from six parcels of land across West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent - around 70 individual blocks of vines, each planted with its own clone and rootstock combination chosen specifically for the soil beneath it. The classic Champenois trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is grown across all sites.
Roebuck (Petworth, West Sussex)
The home vineyard sits close to the village of Tillington, west of Petworth, and offers the most magnificent southerly views across the South Downs. Planted back in 2006, it is home to Roebuck's oldest vines and grows the full trio of classic varieties on free-draining greensand soils, which give elegance and finesse to the wines.
Roman Villa (Bignor, West Sussex)
Nested in a serene valley south-east of Petworth, the Roman Villa vineyard covers just under 15 acres of exclusively Pinot Noir, planted in 2007 on south-facing slopes with a mixture of Burgundian and Champenois clones. The loam/clay-rich soils, moderated by the South Downs sheltering the prevailing south-westerly winds, give great structure and depth to the wines. This site is the sole source of the celebrated Blanc de Noirs 2018 and the Rare Expressions No.19.
Little Brockhurst (Lurgashall, West Sussex)
Planted in 2014 on flint, clay and sandy soils in a natural amphitheatre in the foothills of Black Down, Little Brockhurst sits outside the village of Lurgashall. Seventeen acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier thrive on abundant summer sunshine, producing exceptional fruit with remarkable complexity.
Waterlands (Slinfold, West Sussex)
Roebuck's 2017 planting just north of the village of Slinfold. Its aspect, gradient and south-facing slopes create ideal growing conditions for sparkling wine grapes, adding texture, depth and richness to the blends.
Hazelhurst (Ticehurst, East Sussex)
Overlooking the Bewl Water reservoir in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hazelhurst is Roebuck's largest site with just over 40 acres of vines split across eight distinct blocks. Heat-retaining sandstone soils and multi-aspect slopes deliver richness and complexity to the blends.
Chalkhill Blue (Bilting, Kent)
Roebuck's most recently established vineyard, named after the rare Chalkhill Blue butterfly native to the area. Thirty-five acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sit on the finest chalk soils with spectacular south-facing slopes and natural drainage. The vines here are still maturing but already show huge potential.
The Craft
Crafting exceptional vintage sparkling wines lies at the heart of everything Roebuck does. The team works at one with nature, treating each vintage as a unique expression of the growing season in which it was made.
Hand in Hand with Nature
Each of the 70 vineyard blocks is monitored using a sophisticated software system called Sectormentor, allowing the viticulture team to keep detailed records of how every block is faring - from soil moisture to fruit ripeness - so that vineyard decisions can be precise and tailored.
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.
Vintage Only
Every Roebuck sparkling wine is vintage only, produced according to the traditional method from the harvest of a single year. Each vineyard block is vinified separately, giving a multitude of components to work with at blending. A small proportion of the base wines are partially fermented in fine, aged Burgundian oak barrels, imparting complexity, depth and texture.
The Art of Blending
Blending is one of the most important stages in the winemaking calendar. Each wine is meticulously assessed for quality, aromatics and distinctive characteristics before being blended to create the perfect picture of the vintage. Pinot Noir adds structure and texture, Chardonnay brings elegance, acidity and aromatics, and Pinot Meunier fills in the gaps with floral and perfumed notes.
Aged to Perfection
Roebuck allow a generous period of lees-ageing in bottle for a minimum of three years, followed by significant time on cork before release. The Blanc de Blancs 2019, for example, was aged for more than five years on its lees.
The Wines
Roebuck's portfolio is built around the Classic Collection, the Rare Expressions, and a handful of limited older vintages. Every wine is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, and the wines are aged and released only when they have reached optimum drinking potential.
Classic Cuvée 2020 - From £38
The flagship blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, sourced from the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Waterlands vineyards. Pale golden in the glass, it reveals notes of baked apples and ripe citrus fruits layered with a biscuity richness and a delicious hint of sweet spice. Discover & buy the Classic Cuvée 2020.
Rosé de Noirs 2020 - From £42
An elegant sparkling rosé crafted from handpicked Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier across the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst, Roman Villa and Waterlands sites. Delightful notes of wild strawberries, ripe red berries and a hint of toasted walnuts are complemented by biscuity richness and vibrant acidity, leading to a long, beautifully poised finish. Discover & buy the Rosé de Noirs 2020.
Blanc de Noirs 2018 - From £50
Made only in exceptional years, the Blanc de Noirs is produced exclusively from Pinot Noir grown at the Roman Villa vineyard. A perfect growing season delivered one of the finest English vintages on record, yielding a complex, refined sparkling wine with delicate bubbles, a silky texture, and a long, exquisite finish. Discover & buy the Blanc de Noirs 2018.
Blanc de Blancs 2019 - From £50
The latest release, produced exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay grown in West Sussex. Following partial fermentation in old Burgundian oak barrels and more than five years on its lees, delicate aromas of ripe citrus and stone fruits are layered with notes of white flowers and toasted hazelnut. Discover & buy the Blanc de Blancs 2019.
Rosé Reserve 2019 - From £35
Made from fruit grown across the Roebuck, Little Brockhurst and Roman Villa vineyards, the Rosé Reserve 2019 showcases vibrant notes of raspberries and apricot, layered with subtle hints of toasted hazelnuts. Recent winner of 96 points and the English Sparkling Rosé Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2025. Discover 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 over seven to eight years on lees. The result is layered texture, structural poise and a quiet, resonant complexity.
Rare Expressions No.19 - From £95
Sourced entirely from the Roman Villa vineyard's Pinot Noir, the 2015 vintage bears the hallmark of Roebuck's signature style: structure, depth of flavour and layers of complexity. Delightful notes of ripe peach, baked apples and honeysuckle are layered with hints of toasted almonds.
Rare Expressions No.96 - From £95
Defined by time and careful bottle ageing, Rare Expressions No.96 reveals a deeper, more evolved expression of the house style. Deep golden in colour, the wine offers notes of baked apples, honey and a biscuity richness layered with hints of toasted walnuts and candied citrus peel.
Vintage Collections and Cases
For celebrations, Roebuck offers a series of curated cases and trios:
- Celebration Duo - £80. One bottle each of 2019 Classic Cuvée and 2019 Rosé de Noirs.
- Estate Trio - From £130. One bottle of 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs.
- Celebration Case - £240. Six bottles of 2020 Classic Cuvée and 2020 Rosé de Noirs.
- Estate Collection - £260. Two bottles of 2020 Classic Cuvée, 2020 Rosé de Noirs and 2018 Blanc de Noirs.
Magnums and Limited Vintages
Selected wines are released in magnum format for larger celebrations:
- Classic Cuvée 2018 Magnum - £90
- Rosé de Noirs 2018 Magnum - £100
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 Magnum - £110
Back-vintage library releases include Classic Cuvée 2013 (from £32) and Rosé de Noirs 2017 (from £42), subject to availability.
Gifts and Personalisation
Roebuck's gift range has been thoughtfully curated to suit every occasion, from intimate thank-yous to milestone celebrations. Available options include:
- Classic Cuvée 2020 Gift Set - £65, with two tulip-shaped Roebuck glasses
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 Gift Set - £69, with two tulip-shaped Roebuck glasses
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 Gift Set - £77, with two branded glasses
- Classic Cuvée 2020 with Gift Box - £40
- Rosé de Noirs 2020 with Gift Box - £44
- Blanc de Noirs 2018 with Gift Box - £52
- Rare Expressions No.19 Gift Set - £125
- Rare Expressions No.96 Gift Set - £125
Personalised Bottles
Through Roebuck's personalisation service, in partnership with All About You, you can engrave a name, message or special date directly onto a Classic Cuvée 2020, Rosé de Noirs 2020 or Blanc de Noirs 2018 bottle - or onto a gift set. Personalised bottles are dispatched separately via Royal Mail 24hr tracked and may take up to five working days.
Roebuck Estates Gift Cards
Roebuck Gift Cards are delivered digitally by email, can be scheduled for a future date, and remain valid for 24 months. They can be redeemed against any of the vintage English sparkling wines, vineyard tours, tastings and seasonal events.
The Vintage Cru Wine Club
Membership of the Roebuck Vintage Cru is limited to just 100 discerning enthusiasts of fine English sparkling wine. Members enjoy a curated selection of 12 bottles each year - choose between two shipments of six bottles or four quarterly deliveries of three bottles - featuring the Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs.
Membership Benefits
- A curated selection of 12 bottles each year
- An additional bottle of Classic Cuvée as a birthday gift
- Four complimentary Tour & Tasting tickets to share with family and friends
- Complimentary access to Sunset Sipping evenings for two
- Exclusive member savings: 15% off online and Cellar Door wine purchases, plus 10% off at the Wine Bar
- Complimentary UK mainland delivery on all online wine orders throughout membership
- Priority access to new releases, limited-edition wines and exclusive vineyard events
Membership can also be gifted, with the recipient enjoying all the same benefits from the moment they join.
Vineyard Tours & Tastings
Roebuck's home vineyard in Petworth is the setting for a range of immersive experiences that take visitors from the vine to the glass.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting - £25 per person
Over the course of two hours, guests explore the vines while learning about the grape varieties Roebuck grow, the seasonal techniques the team uses, and their commitment to sustainable viticulture, all surrounded by sweeping views across the South Downs. The tour is followed by an in-depth tutored tasting of the Estate Collection, including a chilled glass of Classic Cuvée, Rosé de Noirs and Blanc de Noirs, with each wine introduced in turn. Suitable for over-18s only. Book a Vineyard Tour & Tasting.
Sunset Sipping
A relaxed Friday evening for two at the Petworth vineyard, overlooking the South Downs with a glass of Classic Cuvée in hand. The base experience includes two glasses of vintage sparkling wine or a bottle for the table, paired with a charcuterie or vegetarian sharing platter. Optional add-ons include additional guest tickets at £10 (glass of Classic Cuvée or a soft drink for under-18s) and an extra sharing platter for £30. The vineyard team will also give you a free sparkling wine stopper so you can take home any unfinished bottle. Book Sunset Sipping.
Feast in the Vines - £70 per person
A long-table Sussex banquet of slow-cooked meats from the coals, served with seasonal vegetable dishes and freshly prepared salads, all thoughtfully paired with Roebuck vintage sparkling wines. After lunch, guests stretch their legs with a guided walk through the vineyard before returning to the sparkling wine tipi for a celebratory glass. Book Feast in the Vines.
Sushi & Sparkling - £55 per person
Held at the Roebuck Brighton wine bar, in partnership with the Michelin-trained, multi-award-winning chefs at Little Fish - Sushi in the Sticks. An in-house Roebuck wine expert and the head chef talk guests through four Roebuck vintage sparkling wines paired with eight pieces of handcrafted sushi. Book Sushi & Sparkling.
Sparkling Wine Bar at The View
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm, the Sparkling Wine Bar sits at the top of the Roebuck vineyard with views across the South Downs. Drop in for a glass of your preferred cuvée, share a bottle, or work through the range with a Wine Flight guided by a Roebuck expert - no pre-booking required. The bar will be closed on Saturday 27 June for Music in the Vines and on Saturday 8 August for Feast in the Vines.
Roebuck Brighton Sparkling Wine Bar
Tucked inside the Royal Pavilion Rooms in the heart of Brighton, the Roebuck Brighton Sparkling Wine Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm throughout July and August. The bar offers indoor seating within the Royal Pavilion Rooms alongside an outdoor terrace with views of the Royal Pavilion itself.
The full Classic Collection is available by the glass, bottle and selected magnums, plus carefully curated sparkling wine flights for those keen to compare cuvées side by side. Bottles can be purchased to take home. Contact: roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk or 07347 998 412.
Visiting the Vineyard
The home vineyard sits a short drive from Petworth in West Sussex, with the postcode GU28 0RD. From Petworth, take the A272 towards Midhurst, pass through the village of 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 as it curves around to the top.
The vineyard is a 15-minute taxi ride from Pulborough or Haslemere train stations (both under an hour from London Victoria or London Waterloo). Recommended taxi firms are South Downs Taxis (01798 874111) for Pulborough and Haslemere Independent Taxis (01428 787222) for Haslemere.
Free parking is available on site. The terrain is uneven and unfortunately the team is unable to accommodate guests with mobility issues at The View. Dogs on leads are welcome on tours. Suitable outdoor clothing, comfortable shoes, sunhats and waterproofs are recommended.
Sustainability
Roebuck Estates is a proud founder member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme. Their sustainability ethos starts with the soil: the team has made a conscious choice to reduce herbicides and minimise the use of pesticides in their vineyard management.
The vineyard has embraced numerous biodiversity initiatives, from beehives and bird boxes to insect hotels, reptile habitats, wildflower meadows and a winter flock of grazing sheep. Their packaging is fully recyclable: Absolute Greenline neck foils are produced from plant-based polyethene derived from sugar cane and printed using water-based ink, while their wine boxes are fully recyclable.
Weddings
From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, the Roebuck wedding team helps couples select wedding wines, advises on quantities, and guides them through bespoke wedding packages. Personalised engraving is available for bridesmaid, groomsman and family gifts.
Pre-Wedding Tastings
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Two - £50. A private tasting at the Petworth vineyard of vintage English sparkling wines alongside a charcuterie board. Redeemable against wedding wine orders of 48 bottles or more.
- Pre-Wedding Tasting for Six - £120. Share the experience with family and friends; redeemable against orders of 48 bottles or more.
- At-Home Tasting Pack. A luxury gift box with a selection of vintage wines, tasting notes and guidance, redeemable against orders of 48 bottles or more.
Corporate Gifting and Events
Roebuck offers a premium corporate gifting service that delivers to multiple UK addresses and supports handwritten notes, alongside two off-site tasting experiences:
- The Vintage Hour: a 60-minute, three-wine tasting at your office, available Monday to Thursday evenings. Up to 20 guests at £35 per head, up to 50 guests at £30 per head, up to 80 guests at £28 per head.
- The Masterclass: a 90-minute seated masterclass at your office, available Monday to Thursday evenings. Up to 15 guests at £45 per head, up to 30 guests at £40 per head.
The Roebuck sparkling wine tipi at the Petworth vineyard is also available for corporate away days for groups of up to 50, with trusted local caterers arranged to suit. Contact corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk for enquiries.
Partnerships
Roebuck has become the sparkling wine partner of choice for a remarkable list of British institutions and events:
- Sussex Cricket - the first partnership of its kind in Sussex Cricket's 200-year history, with a dedicated Roebuck Bar in the Dean Wilson Hospitality Suite at the 1st Central County Ground.
- RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026 - the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of the inaugural show, taking place 8 - 12 July 2026 in the grounds of Badminton Estate.
- Brighton & Hove Museums - exclusive English sparkling wine partner for 2026, with wines served across the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Hove Museum of Creativity, Preston Manor and Booth Museum of Natural History.
- Glide at Battersea Power Station - the official sparkling wine of London's only open-air riverside ice rink, from November to January, including the Glass House, Luxury Igloos and Sparkling Saturdays.
- Roebuck Academy - a three-day viticulture academy exclusively for trade partners, led by Jake Wicks, covering pruning, canopy management and hand-harvesting.
Upcoming Events at Roebuck
The programme of summer events at the Petworth vineyard and Brighton wine bar includes the following highlights:
- Vineyard Tour & Tasting - every Friday and Saturday at 11:00am (next: Fri 7 August 2026).
- Sunset Sipping - every Friday evening, 5:30pm - 8:30pm (next: Fri 7 August 2026).
- Wine Bar at The View - every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm (next: Sat 8 August 2026).
- Feast in the Vines - Saturday 8 August 2026, 12:30pm - 5:00pm.
- Sushi & Sparkling - Thursday 13 August 2026, 6:30pm - 9:30pm at Roebuck Brighton.
Sparkling Cru Newsletter
Subscribers to the free Roebuck Sparkling Cru newsletter enjoy 10% off their first wine 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.
Delivery and Click & Collect
Roebuck delivers wine orders to mainland UK only (England, Scotland and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands). Orders under £65 carry a fixed £5 charge; orders over £65 are delivered free. Standard delivery takes 3 - 5 working days.
Click & Collect is available from the vineyard office Monday - Friday (10am - 1pm and 1pm - 4pm) from Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD. Bring proof of billing address and your order confirmation.
Contact
- Address: Roebuck Estates, Upperton Farm, Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0RD
- Telephone: 01798 263123
- Email: hello@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Events: events@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Corporate: corporate@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Brighton Bar: The Royal Pavilion Rooms, 5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1EE - 07347 998 412 - roebuckbrighton@roebuckestates.co.uk
- Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest
Please drink responsibly. Roebuck Estates is operated by Southern England Wines (UK) Ltd, company number 10077464.