We recently had the pleasure of hosting a couple of vineyard and winery visits at Downsview Winery near Crowborough in East Sussex. This gives guests a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and to see what happens to members grapes and how they are made into wine.
These wonderful events give both Urban Wine members and non-members the chance to explore the rolling vineyards and surrounding countryside at Downsview Winery.
During the vineyard walk, guests receive expert tips on vine care before enjoying a leisurely stroll back to the winery. At the winery, locally sourced cheese and charcuterie are served, along with a generous wine flight featuring Bacchus and Sauvignon Blanc wines from the vineyard. There is ample time for socialising and relaxing.
During the visit, Richard Sharp Urban Wine Founder, answers questions and gives a presentation on the development of the Urban Wine experience over the last 15 years. Urban wine members also share some insight into their experiences and provide tops and tricks on growing urban grapes in London. Guests also hear from chief winemaker Toby Spires, who shares his unique perspective on making English wine in Sussex.
Members also have the unique opportunity to taste their very own wine, made from their grapes grown in London allotments and gardens, straight from the tanks at Downsview.
Guests also receive a complimentary Urban Wine Tote Bag and a bare rooted vine to take away.
Below are a few photos from the recent visits, along with testimonials from some of those who took part.
If you would like to join a future winery visit, please subscribe and we will send you updates when booking opens. This is an ideal opportunity for a gift for friends, neighbours or corporate visits.
Becca from Peckham:
“You gave us such a great day yesterday; thank you! And thank you for all you do to give us all the joy of being part of this great wine collective endeavour, which we love! Please pass on our thanks to Toby too at Downsview vineyard.
It was lovely to meet everyone else yesterday and to hear your great story of the conception and journey to get Chateau Tooting to where we are today. Your tales of tweed suited officialdom descending on your house to check out the vineyard were hilarious and your humour and tenacity are inspiring. Thanks for bringing us together”.
Marianna from West London:
“Many thanks to you and everyone at Downsview for such a lovely day at the vineyard. Especially good to see exactly where "our" grapes become wine. As I said to you today, it is the romance of the whole experience that keeps us tending our few vines. With Best wishes and thanks”.
