Weyborne Estate

The Weyborne Estate: English Sparkling Wine at the Roof of the South Downs

Introduction

Nestled at the highest point of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, The Weyborne Estate has rapidly emerged as one of England's most exciting new traditional-method sparkling wine producers. With 25 acres of vines planted on historic Blackdown Park near Haslemere, the estate combines centuries of heritage with modern precision viticulture to craft single-estate English sparkling wines of remarkable finesse and character.

Since its first commercial release, Weyborne has captured the attention of leading critics including Tom Cannavan, Jancis Robinson, Matthew Jukes, Jamie Goode and Susie Barrie MW. Its flagship Oriana 2019 was awarded a 2025 IWSC Trophy, cementing its place at the very pinnacle of English sparkling wine.

Location and Setting

The Weyborne Estate sits at the highest point of the South Downs National Park, perched some 190 metres (623 feet) above sea level, the loftiest vineyard site in the national park. The estate is located between Petworth and Haslemere, just south of Haslemere in West Sussex, off Fernden Lane. Its postal address is Weyborne Estate, Fernden Lane, Haslemere, GU27 3DR.

The terroir is a remarkable combination of mixed clay, greensand and chalk, with a south-facing slope that provides natural drainage and protection from frost. The site enjoys a micro-climate shaped by the cool maritime influence of the south coast, with long sunlit days and steady coastal breezes that nurture slow, refined ripening. As Margaret Rand wrote in The World of Fine Wine, the estate is "thriving at higher altitude". This altitude is what distinguishes Weyborne from many of its Sussex neighbours.

Hidden within the estate lies the source of the River Wey, a pristine spring fed by an ancient aquifer, reputed to be among England's purest waters. These crystal-clear waters once refreshed royal guests and literary greats alike.

A Brief History

The Weyborne Estate was established in 1600, with the manor built by the influential Yaldwyn family in 1640. The estate abuts the ancient River Wey and has played host to a remarkable procession of distinguished guests over the centuries. Legends speak of King Edward VII, Oliver Cromwell, George Bernard Shaw and the great Alfred Lord Tennyson, who once drank from the spring waters while visiting the estate.

The historic Bathing House, dating back to the 1800s, remains a tranquil spot at the source of the River Wey, once a sanctuary for wild swimmers and a retreat for Tennyson, who is celebrated as the estate's historic neighbour and inspiration. Tennyson's poem "The Ballad of Oriana," discovered in a 1905 edition within the estate's own library, gives its name to the flagship wine.

The first vines were planted in 2007 by founder Nick Clarke, who purchased the historic Blackdown Park estate in 2010. Clarke, a geologist and energy entrepreneur, was drawn to the unique terroir and was convinced the site could produce world-class sparkling wine. The original plantings, a classic combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, now form the backbone of the portfolio.

The Winemaking Team

Nick Clarke - Founder

Nick Clarke has been passionate about geology all his life. It was from this background that he came to understand the unique terroir of the Weyborne Estate and felt compelled to start his vocation to prove he could deliver the finest sparkling wine in the world. He has built a number of businesses in the energy space, including the largest UK independent marketer of natural gas and helped to build the first wind farm in China. His current mission in energy is helping the nuclear renaissance decarbonise the world.

Benjamin Abric - General Manager & Winemaker

Born in Languedoc, France, Ben trained in Montpellier and has worked throughout France, including in Champagne, as well as in Virginia in the USA. He settled with his Welsh wife in England and joined the Weyborne Estate in 2022. As a child, Ben once set his sights on becoming an Air Force pilot, but life soon steered him toward the art of winemaking. His favourite spot on the estate is the viewing deck, where he loves to gaze across the vineyards with a glass in hand. He describes Oriana as "authentic, powerful, and fresh."

William Sharpley - Commercial Director

William joined the wine trade 39 years ago in Paris as a teenager. Since then, he has accumulated extensive experience selling and marketing wines from all over the world, and in particular Champagne. He arrived at Weyborne in March 2024 and is most excited about the feedback the estate receives on the Family Reserve 2018 and the Oriana 2019.

Damian Cross - Vineyard Manager

Damian joined The Weyborne Estate as vineyard manager in Spring 2025, drawn to the estate by its natural beauty and the shared ambition to craft the finest English wines. With a background in estate management, Damian is most at home among the rows of vines and enjoys the variety of the work, where no two days are the same.

The Wines

The Weyborne Estate produces a small but distinguished portfolio of traditional-method English sparkling wines from its single 25-acre estate. All wines are vegan and single-estate.

Oriana 2022 - £48.00

The flagship vintage release, made from 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. The 2022 vintage was a spectacular year marked by the hottest and driest summer in recent history, producing high-quality, clean fruit with exceptional flavour and high yields. Available to purchase directly from the estate in single bottles, 3-bottle, 6-bottle or case-of-12 formats, with free gift wrapping available.

Wayward No.1 - £54.00

The 2020 vintage Brut, from a lower-yielding year that was excellent in quality. Smaller bunches with great concentration of fruit produced an earlier harvest in September and the first few days of October. Currently awaiting release.

Wayward No.1 Demi Sec - £54.00

The sweeter sister to Wayward No.1, also from the 2020 vintage. Currently awaiting release.

Oriana Golden Spur - £48.00

An early release of the 2022 vintage, made in a more oxidative style with open-tank fermentation, 3% in barrel and full malolactic fermentation. A blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay and 1% Pinot Meunier, with a low dosage of 4g/l. Jamie Goode (Wine Anorak) scored it 93/100 and praised its "lovely depth and richness, with a sense of harmony." The wine received a Silver Medal at the IWSC. Available through stockists including Harrods, Ocado, Farr Vintners, Hawkins Bros, Wine & Earth and Bibendum.

Oriana 2019 - £49.00

The estate's flagship cuvée, a 2019 vintage wine that is 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier from the oldest vineyard, planted in 2004. Made in an oxidative style with 3% barrel ferment, with a deep colour and only 2g/l dosage. Awarded an IWSC 2025 Trophy for "Sparkling Success Stories," three Golds and two Silvers, and scored 93 points in Decanter's Vintage English Sparkling panel tasting. Tom Cannavan described it as "a new name from England making an impressive debut." Available through stockists.

Family Reserve 2018 - £45.00

The bottled essence of the annual production from the five vineyard blocks, a Chardonnay-led cuvée (Blanc des Blancs in style) supported by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. From the near-perfect 2018 vintage, bottled in 2022 with zero dosage to allow the essence of the estate to be revealed in its pure state. Scored 89 points in Decanter.

Where to Buy

Wines can be purchased directly from the estate online and are stocked across an impressive list of leading retailers and hospitality venues.

Retail

• Ocado
• Harrods, Knightsbridge
• Hedonism, Mayfair
• Farr Vintners, Battersea
• House of Townend, Yorkshire
• Bibendum, London
• Fairview Wine, Midhurst
• Hawkins Brothers, Godalming
• Hay Wines, Ledbury
• Amps Wine Merchants, Oundle
• Professional Wine Services, London
• Hazelbank Stores, Ewhurst
• Wine & Earth, Guildford
• Voss Wine, Norway

Hospitality

• Claridge's, Mayfair
• The Butchers Arm, Eldersfield
• Hakkasan, Mayfair
• ROW on 5, Mayfair
• Clarette, Marylebone
• Teal by Sally Abé, Hackney
• Nobu, London
• Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Yorkshire
• The Retreat Hotel, Berkshire
• The Barnsdale, Rutland
• The Mitre, Hampton Court
• The Great Grape, Cheltenham
• The Woodcote, Graham
• Eastnor Castle, Ledbury
• Uig Lodge, Isle of Lewis
• Surveyors House, Westminster
• Le Monde, Cardiff
• The Old Custom House, Penarth
• Moma Restaurant, Haslemere
• Homewood House
• Shangri-La The Shard, London
• Brighton Harbour Hotel
• The Duke of Cumberland, Haslemere
• Park House Hotel, Midhurst
• Graycliff Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas

Critic Reviews & Awards

The Weyborne Estate has accumulated a remarkable portfolio of accolades and considered praise from the world's leading wine writers.

• IWSC 2025 Trophy - Oriana 2019 was awarded a Trophy in the "Sparkling Success Stories" category, recognising it as the best of the best English sparkling wine.
• IWSC Silver Medal - Oriana Golden Spur Brut NV received a Silver Medal.
• Decanter - 93 points - Susie Barrie MW rated Oriana 2019 as "Highly Recommended" in the Vintage English Sparkling Panel Tasting.
• Wine Anorak - 93/100 - Jamie Goode praised Oriana Golden Spur for "lovely depth and richness, with a sense of harmony."
• Jancis Robinson - 17 points - "This seems to spring out the glass offering blossoms and apples and kumquats - an expressive wine zipped up by energetic little bubbles."
• Wine-Pages - Tom Cannavan named Oriana 2019 in his Wines of the Year 2024 and described it as "a new name from England making an impressive debut."
• Vineyard Magazine - Matthew Jukes wrote that he was "utterly mesmerised" by Oriana Golden Spur, "I Was Utterly Mesmerised by this Wine."
• The Drinks Business - Patricia Stefanowicz: "As for the UK, we are producing some fine sparkling wines with rapturous applause going to Weyborne, West Sussex."
• Glass of Bubbly - Oliver Walkey: "Summer berries, good taste, nice acidity, crisp flavours of apples, citrus, ready salted crisps, and a wide array of red berries."
• The Telegraph - Sam Wylie-Harris: "Sprinkling of stardust surrounding this stylish label. Exhibiting delicate notes of florals, creamy orchard fruits and hints of toasty nuts... Divine."
• The Guardian - David Williams: "I was impressed by the second release from a winery that makes much of its lofty position on the highest point of the South Downs national park in West Sussex."
• The Independent - Emma Denney, Sommelier of the Year 2026 at Claridge's: "The Weyborne Estate... it's outstanding. It has beautiful complexity, depth, and just provides a really nice alternative to champagne."

The Vineyards & Terroir

The Weyborne Estate comprises 25 acres of vines spread across five plots, their south-facing slopes capturing the best of the South Downs' sunlight. The combination of sand, clay, flint and chalk gives Weyborne's wines their distinctive tension and depth. The lowest block, the one-acre Diddy Field, sits at the summit of Blackdown at 190 metres and was planted in 2007; the lower slopes were established a decade later.

The altitude offers protection from frost, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop elegance and finesse. As winemaker Benjamin Abric has explained, this unique terroir gives Weyborne a distinctive profile: rich, complex, and food-friendly, with the kind of ageing potential that characterises the very best sparkling wines of the world.

Visiting & Events

The Weyborne Estate is primarily a private estate, but it offers a stunning range of venues for hire for private events, celebrations and corporate gatherings.

The Viewing Platform

Perched 190 metres above sea level, the viewing platform offers sweeping views of the South Downs and the distant sea. With capacity for standing events of up to 80 people and seated gatherings of up to 30, this serene and elevated setting is perfect for private gatherings, celebrations and special occasions. Georgie Fenn (@georgiedrinks) described it as a "stunning backdrop which is located at a steep (for England) 623ft, the highest point of the South Downs."

The Dovecote

A charming setting for private dining, family celebrations and corporate gatherings, with a picturesque backdrop and a pergola perfect for BBQs overlooking the lower vineyards. Capacity: standing 20, seated 10.

The Bathing House

Step into history at the Bathing House, where untouched waters and poetic legacy create a serene escape. Once a retreat for swimmers and Lord Alfred Tennyson, this tranquil spot at the River Wey's source offers a unique setting for intimate, outdoorsy gatherings. Capacity: standing 20, seated 10.

Polo Training Experience

Experience an unforgettable day of polo training followed by a wine tasting and a barbecue. A rare opportunity to witness grace, power and precision on the field, paired with the exceptional flavour of the wines from The Weyborne Estate. Available by enquiry.

Environmental Commitment

At The Weyborne Estate, the goal is simple: to craft one of the finest English sparkling wines in the UK while caring for the special piece of land that makes it all possible. From the unique chalk, clay and limestone soils to mindful winemaking practices, every decision is guided by a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

• Sympathetic agriculture: The high, sloping ground with excellent drainage reduces frost risk and cuts the need for fuel-intensive frost protection. Soil health is monitored regularly, with organic amendments used where necessary and cover crops like clover to release nutrients naturally.
• Biodiversity: Pruned vine cuttings are mulched, wildflower growth is encouraged and habitats are created for beneficial insects and local wildlife.
• Organic approach: No herbicides or pesticides are used; instead, limited biodegradable treatments like copper sulphate and sulphur are deployed when absolutely necessary.
• Hands-on care: Careful pruning, shoot thinning, leaf pulling and green harvesting minimise disease and reduce chemical sprays by up to 30%.
• Integrated pest management: Natural predators are nurtured by encouraging "useful insects" through habitat management.
• Wildlife preservation: The land provides shelter for pheasants, deer, badgers and birdlife. Trees are planted, wooded areas maintained and hives introduced to support bee populations.
• Responsible packaging: Packaging is chosen with a low carbon footprint and supplier practices are regularly reviewed.

As Chris Boiling wrote for the International Wine Challenge, "In an era where sustainability is a key focus for both consumers and producers, Weyborne Estate is keen on using minimal intervention in the vineyard, relying on natural composts, and fostering biodiversity."

Directions

From London, the M25 and the North, leave the M25 at junction 10 and take the A3 south. Past Guildford, turn off at "Milford, Haslemere, Petworth" (A286/A283) and follow signs to Petworth (A283) for approximately seven miles. Turn right at the crossroads signed for Gospel Green and Lurgashall Winery, follow signs for Lurgashall Winery for around two miles, then turn right into Quell Lane, which leads into Fernden Lane. Signage for Blackdown Park and Weyborne Estate is on the left.

From the East, take the A272 to Petworth. At the mini-roundabout turn north (right) onto the A283 toward Northchapel. After approximately four miles, the wall of Petworth Park ends. Turn left at the next junction signed to Lurgashall/Winery and continue past Lurgashall Winery on the left for one third of a mile. Turn left into Quell Lane, which leads into Fernden Lane.

From Winchester and the West, take the A272 to Midhurst. Continue on the A272 towards Petworth. After three miles, turn left signposted Lodsworth, Lickfold and Lurgashall Winery. Travel through Lodsworth and Lickfold for three and a half miles, past the Lickfold Inn, continue past Lurgashall Winery on the left for one third of a mile, then turn left into Quell Lane leading into Fernden Lane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Weyborne Estate?

The Weyborne Estate is located between Petworth and Haslemere in West Sussex, at the highest point of the South Downs National Park, some 190 metres above sea level.

What makes the South Downs good for sparkling wine?

The South Downs offer ancient chalk soils, a cool maritime climate, long sunlit days and steady coastal breezes. Weyborne's elevation at the highest point of the national park provides natural protection from frost, allowing slow, refined ripening.

What grapes are used in The Weyborne wines?

The classic trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is used across the portfolio, planted on a 25-acre single estate.

How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne?

English sparkling wines share the traditional method but benefit from a cooler climate, producing wines with bright, racy acidity and a distinctly English character. As Emma Denney, Director of Wine at Claridge's, noted: "because England has, no matter where you are, this racy, bright acidity, I think it pairs beautifully for the start of a meal."

Is English sparkling wine good for ageing?

Yes - the Weyborne Family Reserve 2018 is a zero-dosage Chardonnay-led cuvée bottled with four years of maturation to allow the essence of the estate to be revealed. Many of the wines age beautifully thanks to their high acidity and traditional-method production.

Can I visit The Weyborne Estate?

The estate is primarily private but offers venue hire for events, private dining and celebrations.

Contact

• Address: Weyborne Estate, Fernden Lane, Haslemere, GU27 3DR
• Email: info@weyborne.com
• Media contact: Vintwine PR - ali@vintwinepr.com
• Instagram: @the_weyborne_estate
• Facebook: The Weyborne Estate
• LinkedIn: The Weyborne Estate

Weyborne Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales (Company Number 10712596), with a registered address at 25 St Thomas Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9HJ. VAT Number: 318 1300 43.

Final Thoughts

The Weyborne Estate represents the very best of modern English sparkling wine: a sense of place rooted in history, the highest-quality traditional-method winemaking, and a small but celebrated portfolio that has captured the imagination of the world's most respected critics. From its earliest plantings in 2007 to its 2025 IWSC Trophy, the estate has consistently delivered wines of remarkable quality, finesse and character. Whether enjoyed by the glass at Claridge's or Harrods, opened at home with a Valentine's dinner of pappardelle bolognese, or shared on the viewing platform above the South Downs, Oriana and its stablemates are a compelling testament to just how far English sparkling wine has come.