The Secret Vineyard: Artisan English Wines and Lakeside Retreats in East Sussex
Tucked into the rolling landscape of the Weald between conifer hedges, ancient woodland and spring-fed lakes, The Secret Vineyard at Lime Cross Nursery is one of the most quietly romantic boutique English wine estates to have emerged in recent years. A small, hand-tended plot of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay has produced a modern, vibrant range of still and sparkling wines, while the wider Lime Cross estate offers mirrored-glass ÖÖD House lakeside stays, a new Finnish sauna and cold-plunge spa, and a rolling calendar of pop-up dining, open-air theatre, sound baths, wild-swimming sessions and yoga retreats. This is English wine country as the founders clearly intend it to be: regenerative, deeply seasonal, and rooted in the family story of three generations of Tates at Lime Cross.
A family venture at Lime Cross Nursery
The story of The Secret Vineyard is inseparable from the story of Lime Cross Nursery in Herstmonceux. Alan and Olive Tate moved from London to Sussex in the early 1940s and bought the land, originally trying to make a living from pig rearing and tobacco farming before settling on cut flowers, which sustained the family through the 1940s, 50s and into the 60s. Their son Jonathan joined the business in the 1970s and slowly transformed it, moving into container-grown conifers, trees and shrubs and becoming a co-founding member of the British Conifer Society. He discovered rare conifers on the nursery and rescued others from the brink of extinction, contributing to many publications.
Jonathan's daughters, sisters Vicky and Helen Tate, took the business over in 2014 after his long battle with cancer. For eight years they ran a café, garden and well-being centre on the site, but during the pandemic closed the shop and café. The conifer nursery continues to thrive to this day, and in 2020, with more space available, Helen and Vicky decided to plant The Secret Vineyard. The name was a playful nod to the village whispers about what might happen to the newly closed site - rumours of a supermarket or housing development were circulating, and the vineyard was originally meant to be a surprise. Word leaked, but the name stuck. As the sisters note, they hope their father and grandparents would approve of the new chapter: "They all certainly enjoyed drinking wine and visiting wine regions."
The team behind the vine
Helen brings the official wine credentials to the partnership, having studied BSc Viticulture & Oenology at Plumpton College and worked in various vineyards and wine companies. Vicky brings a wealth of experience from her background in horticulture and looks after the gardens, the wreath-making workshops and many of the seasonal events. The wider site is supported by viticulture consultant Sam Barnes of S J Barnes Ltd, who has guided the team through pruning, canopy management and harvest. Sam describes the vineyard as: "A great, small vineyard site, with lovely soil."
The vineyard: soil, site and grape varieties
The vineyard sits on a sunny ridge protected from the wind by beautiful conifer hedges with archway entrances. The well-drained soil is a band of sandstone over clay, and the vineyard borders an orchard rich with biodiversity - cider apple trees, peach and pear trees, honeysuckle, wild hops, wild strawberries and wild beehives. The team has planted a mixture of:
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Gris
- Chardonnay
This classic-look quartet gives the winery the flexibility to make both still and sparkling wines. A sensory garden is being planted alongside the vineyard, with herbs, fruit and vegetables selected to mirror the Sussex countryside and the aromas of the wines themselves, so visitors can immerse themselves in the flavours of the place.
Sustainability at the heart of production
Sustainability is not a marketing line at The Secret Vineyard; it is woven into how the vines are grown and how the wine is packaged. The team uses a minimal-intervention approach, putting the environment before profit or efficiency. They prefer canopy management over spraying the vines with chemicals, and they use their own water source from a spring-fed lake, which they have found reduces disease and imbalance in the vines. All packaging is sustainable, including the label, which is made from recycled grape leaves.
The sisters have begun to look at the whole site holistically, with plans to experiment with grazing sheep in the vineyard to suppress weeds and naturally fertilise the soil, and to coppice the ancient woodland to rejuvenate the diversity of plant, tree, flower and wildlife, providing wood to chip and use as mulch under the vines. They have already had a soil carbon audit done - achieving a reassuringly good score for such a young vineyard - and continue to test for nutrient imbalances, using low-impact methods to stabilise the soil.
The animals of Lime Cross
A vineyard with characters is a vineyard worth visiting, and Lime Cross has a small cast of much-loved residents. The Ryland sheep Eric, Ernie and Basil can usually be found close by, ready to help with weed suppression, and they are accompanied by two alpacas and Zac the horse, who contribute manure to fertilise the vines. Not forgetting Po the tiny pony, who "mainly just looks cute and gets stuck in fences." The team plans to experiment with using the chickens to help eat weeds and vine pests during periods when the grapes are not at their sweetest.
The wines
The Secret Vineyard describes its wines as modern, vibrant and versatile, whether as an aperitif or paired with light dishes of white meat, fish or pasta. The current releases are from the 2022 harvest and made in collaboration with Defined Wines, a contract winemaking facility in Canterbury.
Chardonnay 2022
An elegant, perfectly balanced dry white with delicious fruits, zingy acidity and a rich mouthfeel. The grapes were hand-harvested from local vineyards and benefited from the excellent sugar levels of the hot summer of 2022. On the nose, expect aromas of lemon zest and grapefruit, with hints of honeysuckle and pear. The palate is mouth-watering with lemon sherbet and stone fruits, finishing extra-long. The blend is 97% Chardonnay, 2% Reichensteiner and less than 1% Pinot Noir. It is divine as an aperitif and works wonderfully with soft cheeses, fish dishes and white meat. Available from £22.00 per bottle.
Rosé 2022
A still, dry rosé that is full of fruit, finesse and freshness, made from locally hand-picked grapes grown by expert viticulturists. It was a silver medal winner at the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA). On the nose, aromas of wild strawberries, melon and a hint of tomato leaf. The palate brings raspberry with a twist of orange and a long refreshing finish. The blend is 51% Pinot Noir Précoce, 30% Pinot Noir, 14% Pinot Meunier and 5% Chardonnay. Lovely as an aperitif or paired with summer salads of watermelon and tuna. The 2022 vintage is currently sold out at the vineyard shop, but the wine is also available through Juiced Wines. RRP £22.00 per bottle.
Sparkling Brut
The team launched a Sparkling Brut to add to the still wines, made from locally sourced grapes and produced in close collaboration with an experienced winemaker. The aim is a fresh, vibrant sparkling wine that will sit alongside the still Chardonnay and Rosé. Stock is expected to be released in 2024. The Sparkling Brut listing carries the latest details.
The Secret Spa & Retreat
In March 2026, The Secret Vineyard opened a new lake-side immersive spa, complete with a Finnish-built sauna, wood-fired hot tub, cold plunge baths and lake dipping. There are two ways to enjoy it: regular group sessions or private hire for up to 12 people. Private hire includes the use of the Shepherds Hut changing room, with log burner, hot shower, toilet, kitchen facilities and fire pit, and is perfect for special occasions or events. To register your interest, email hello@thesecretvineyard.com.
Sunset Spa Sessions
The Sunset Spa combines a Pilates or yoga class beside the lake with a 90-minute wild spa experience. After the class, guests move into the Finnish-crafted lakeside sauna, then alternate between the wood-fired hot tub and the crystal-clear lake for a cold plunge. The evening finishes with a glass of Secret Vineyard wine and a mini charcuterie bowl as the sun sets. £60 per person, with summer sessions scheduled throughout July and August 2026.
Afternoon Yoga Spa with Maryann
For those who prefer a slower, more indulgent afternoon, the Afternoon Yoga Spa with Maryann pairs an invigorating yoga class with the same 90-minute sauna, hot tub and lake dipping experience, finishing with a glass of Secret Vineyard wine and a home-made cream tea with strawberries and jam. £60 per person, with dates scheduled on Saturdays and Thursdays through August and September.
Wild Swimming
Community wild swimming sessions run throughout the summer in the lake, followed by a hot tub soak and a tea or barista coffee in the café. £15 per person, with a qualified lifeguard on duty. Sessions are suitable for confident swimmers only.
Retreat days
The Secret Retreat offers full retreat days combining classes with local professionals and therapists in a beautiful outdoor setting, on the decked banks of the lake or in the geodesic dome. Options include yoga, Pilates, lake swimming, wild swimming, sauna sessions and meditation, often paired with wine education, tasting and delicious food. The signature "Wine & Wellness Days" combine all of the above with vineyard exploration and a sensory activity.
Stay at Lime Cross
The ÖÖD House
The ultra-stylish mirrored-glass ÖÖD House sits on the edge of the crystal-clear lake and comes with its own wood-fired hot tub, BBQ and garden area, a SUP board and lake access for wild swimming. Inside, it is fully equipped with electric blinds, a rain shower wet room, air conditioning, a Nespresso machine, a mini bar stocked with local wines and beers and Romney Marsh toiletries. A complimentary bottle of Secret Vineyard wine waits in the fridge on arrival. Massage and beauty treatments can be booked with an experienced qualified practitioner. ÖÖD House Gift Vouchers start from £625 for a two-night stay, with peak (May - October) and off-peak (November - April) rates available. Bookings are made via the ÖÖD House booking page.
The Shepherd's Hut
The Shepherd's Hut is described as "cosy and romantic, with beautiful furnishings," and the original design was crafted in East Sussex, with the additional outdoor structures lovingly built by family friend Willy using almost only upcycled materials from the sisters' grandfather's shed, including a 100-year-old door from Willy's childhood home. Inside, a king-size bed, log-burning stove and luxury cotton bedding. Outside, a private garden overlooking the lake and the ancient woodland, a fire pit, outdoor seating, BBQ, festoon lights and a private shower with hot water and luxury eco products. Shepherd's Hut Vouchers start from £250 for a two-night stay, with peak and off-peak rates available. Bookable via the Airbnb listing.
The Cottage
The Cottage, located at The Secret Vineyard, is a super spacious house that comfortably sleeps five friends, ideal for group stays. Contact the team for details.
Events at The Secret Vineyard
The events calendar at The Secret Vineyard is deliberately eclectic, mixing food, music, theatre, sound healing and wine.
Pop-Up Dining
Throughout the summer of 2026, a series of Sunday pop-up dining sessions take place at The Secret Vineyard from noon to 6pm. No booking is required - just turn up. Featured caterers include Flame Made Pizza, Specs & Bear, Momo Nepalese Street Food and Big Pig Catering, with dates stretching from late May through early September. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and pétanque and garden games are laid on for the kids.
Romeo & Juliet
On Friday 10 July 2026 at 7pm, Open Bar Theatre (in partnership with The Dot Collective) brings Shakespeare's most iconic love story to the vineyard, set against the rose glow of a Secret Vineyard wine glass on a summer evening. Doors open at 6pm, running time is 1 hour 30 minutes plus a 20-minute interval, and Secret Vineyard wine plus other local drinks are available to purchase (pre-order wine with your ticket). Nibbles are available pre-show and at the interval. Tickets are available via TicketSource.
Sound Bath with Frankie
Sound baths use instruments such as crystal singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks and chimes to calm the nervous system and quiet the mind. They are popular for stress relief, better sleep and emotional release. Frankie runs sessions at the vineyard; bookings are available online via Lime Cross.
Wreath Making Workshops
Vicky runs wreath-making workshops in the Geo Dome using hand-picked conifer foliage from the Lime Cross Pinetum, alongside a superb range of traditional and contemporary materials. Naturally, the workshop finishes with a glass of Secret Vineyard wine and a mince pie. Tea and coffee are available throughout. £60 per person, all materials included. Sessions run 10:30am - 1:00pm and 1:30pm - 4:00pm. Sign up via the Wreath Making Workshops product page.
Wine Bar Friday
Following the legendary Wine Bar Friday nights of around 2015, the team has revived the format in the main building: a glass (or two) of wine, authentic tapas, cool music and a relaxed atmosphere. Tables can be booked via Acuity Scheduling.
Christmas Sip & Celebrate
The annual Christmas event brings wine tasting, Christmas carols and cocktails, wood-fired pizza, arts, crafts and games for kids.
Hatha Yoga with Sam
From 6 November 2026, a new gentle Hatha yoga class begins with Sam Austen in the Geo Dome, moving into the main building during the colder months. Suitable for all abilities, beginners welcomed. £10 per person. Contact Sam directly at yogawithsam1@hotmail.com or call 07773 036405.
Harvest, awards and the wider stage
The 2025 harvest was the vineyard's first real vintage, after a warm dry spring and a hot sunny summer reduced disease pressure and helped sugar levels ripen fully. The team focused on canopy management throughout the year, a form of shoot, leaf and fruit-zone management that directly affects grape quality through disease control, yield and ripening. The grapes were hand-picked with friends, family and dogs, and transported to the winery in Canterbury by Round Wood of Mayfield.
The Secret Vineyard Rosé 2022 won a silver medal at the Independent English Wine Awards, one of only 53 silvers awarded out of 150 entries from 70 producers. The judges praised the wine as "Lovely wine, feels like it comes from a hotter climate. Creamy with a slight spice at the end - very good. Well made. Good fruit, nice palate with fruit and hint of spice and floral character."
The Secret Vineyard also featured in the launch of the Wealden Wine Trail, a collection of 12 vineyards in East Sussex, which was celebrated with a virtual wine tasting hosted by Oz Clarke. Oz tasted the Secret Vineyard Rosé and said he loved it. The estate has also poured at the Cavalry and Guards Club in central London, hosted trade tastings with Defined Wines, and spoken at The Small Farm Training Group at Burwash Pavilion. Wines have been available at Burford Garden Co, featured at the IEWA awards, and can be bought online through Juiced Wines.
The shop: wines, gifts and merchandise
The online shop at thesecretvineyard.com carries the wines, gift cards, merchandise and accommodation vouchers. Highlights include:
- Chardonnay 2022 - from £22.00 per bottle
- Rosé 2022 - £22.00 per bottle (sold out)
- Sparkling Brut - listing released
- Baseball Hats - £15.00 (navy, minty green or dusty pink)
- Beanie Hats - £15.00 (British racing green, camel or dusty pink)
- ÖÖD House Gift Vouchers - from £625.00
- Shepherd's Hut Vouchers - from £250.00
- Wine Gift Card - from £10.00 (denominations of £10, £25, £50 and £100)
- Gift Boxes - from £1.99 (sustainable 1 or 2 bottle boxes)
For corporate and bespoke gifts, the team can organise preferential pricing on orders of 12 or more gifts, with sustainable plastic-free packaging, personalised messages and hand-delivery locally. Email hello@thesecretvineyard.com to discuss orders.
Award-winning menus on the doorstep
For pop-up dining and retreats, the kitchen pairs with local producers wherever possible. On the wine and wellness days, chef Sue cooks a two-course lunch paired with the Secret Vineyard white and rosé. Pop-up events feature Punk Tacos, Rascals Pizza and Big Pig Catering, alongside beer from Lake Down Tap Rooms and ice cream from Simply Ice Cream. This approach - keeping it local - is very much part of the Lime Cross ethos.
Visit The Secret Vineyard
The Secret Vineyard is set within the wider Lime Cross Nursery estate in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, with the postcode BN27 4RS. The vineyard itself is open by appointment only, but the shop, retreats, spa sessions and events are open to all, and the wider Lime Cross site offers conifer plants, well-being retreats and the ÖÖD House for those wanting to extend their stay.
For trade, group or bespoke enquiries, the team can be reached at hello@thesecretvineyard.com or by phone on 01323 833229. The Secret Vineyard is also on Facebook and Instagram, sharing event announcements, harvest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the vines, the wines and the animals of Lime Cross.