A Sparkling Season: Tinwood Estate Celebrates a Record 2025 Harvest Near Arundel
Just a short drive from the historic town of Arundel, the rolling hills of the South Downs have been alive with activity this autumn. Tinwood Estate – one of England’s leading producers of sparkling wine – has officially completed its 2025 grape harvest, marking its earliest start on record and second-largest yield ever.
An Early Start and an Exceptional Crop
The harvest began on September 17 2025, wrapping up after 19 days of dedicated hand-picking on October 5. In total, the team brought in 280 tonnes of grapes, including:
- 160 tonnes of Chardonnay
- 68 tonnes of Pinot Noir
- 52 tonnes of Pinot Meunier
Together, this bumper crop is expected to produce around 225,000 bottles of English sparkling wine, each capturing the sunshine and character of West Sussex.
“This year’s fruit came in with fantastic ripeness and balance,” said Art Tukker, Owner of Tinwood Estate. “It was a relentless 19 days of harvesting – everyone’s tired, but incredibly proud. The wines from this vintage are already showing great promise.”
Sunshine, Storms, and a Shared Effort
Despite the late arrival of Storm Amy, the growing season was kind to the vines, with warm, bright days helping the grapes reach perfect ripeness. The vineyard team – joined this year by wine merchants, restaurant partners, and loyal customers – worked side by side under the South Downs skies as part of the Tinwood Harvest Experience.
Guests spent the morning among the vines, picking grapes and learning about the craft of English sparkling wine, before enjoying a well-earned three-course lunch and a guided tasting overlooking the vineyard. “There was a real buzz of camaraderie and shared appreciation for what goes into each bottle,” Tukker added.
A Toast to Local Excellence
Tinwood’s story is one of passion, patience, and place – and it’s one of many that make the Arundel area a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Nestled between the Downs and the coast, the countryside surrounding Arundel is home to a growing number of vineyards producing world-class English wines. Whether you’re staying in town for a weekend getaway or exploring the scenic routes that wind through West Sussex, a vineyard visit offers a perfect taste of local life.
With its luxury vineyard lodges, daily tastings, and panoramic views, Tinwood Estate provides a sparkling reason to venture beyond Arundel’s castle walls.
As the grapes from this year’s harvest begin their transformation in the winery, all signs point to a vintage full of elegance, freshness, and depth – the perfect reflection of the region’s unique character.
Plan Your Visit
Tinwood Estate is located near Chichester, just a 20-minute drive from Arundel. Book a tour, stay among the vines, or raise a glass to the 2025 vintage at www.tinwoodestate.com.