Predominantly Pinot Noir vineyard for sale in Sussex

Those wishing to buy into the English wine boom have the chance to secure a small slice of West Sussex wine country for £690,000.

The Foxhole Vineyard, situated just west of Bolney, is 12 hectares in total with 6.5ha under vine. The vines, planted in 2008 and 2009, are mostly Pinot Noir, though there is also a small amount of Pinot Gris and Bacchus.

It is situated on a gentle, south-facing slope, meaning that the grapes have more exposure to the sun and are therefore more likely to properly ripen. The vineyard has also been deer-fenced to prevent wildlife from entering and eating the fruit.

In previous harvests, grapes from the two plots planted have been used by nearby Bolney Estate to make sparkling wines, including its NV Foxhole Vineyard Brut Reserve, a blend consisting of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Meunier and 15% Chardonnay.

Chris Spofforth, head of the viticulture team at Savills, the agents selling the vineyard, said: “Foxhole Vineyard offers a rare opportunity for a buyer to enter the rapidly expanding English wine industry and acquire a well-established standalone vineyard. As Foxhole is purely a producer of grapes, it would suit an existing producer who needs a reliable source of fruit or a new entrant looking to create their own personal brand without having to start from scratch.’’

According to 2022 data from Wine GB 218ha of West Sussex are under Pinot Noir vines, making it the county with the second largest area devoted to the variety, after Kent which has 250 hectares.

In related news: Sussex Sparkling Wine granted PDO status.