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Vineyard Description

The wines of Blackdown Ridge Estate are the result of the vision of owner, Professor Martin Cook, who has lived on the estate for 20 years. A passionate wine-lover, Martin was inspired to create his vineyard when an Italian family friend and winemaker, Antonio, suggested that the beautiful, serene south-facing slopes of Blackdown would be perfect for growing vines.

Antonio’s words inspired Martin to realise the potential of the estate and the first vines were planted in 2010. The soil of the Sussex Weald shares much with the terroir of the Champagne region of France, and this influenced our plantings of the classic sparkling wine varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. These have been used to create our first sparkling wine, released in 2015.

The grapes planted for our range of still wines include the aromatic Bacchus for our single varietal English white wine, as well as Rondo, Triomphe d’Alsace and, more recently, Sauvignon Blanc.

We have 10.5 acres currently planted to vines which are nurtured throughout the growing year with an environmentally sensitive approach to viticulture that ensures optimum ripeness, yield and fruit quality.

Each vintage allows us to learn and improve, so much so that we now enter international competitions in order to measure ourselves against the very best. We are very proud of what we have achieved in so little time, but we’re also continually aiming to refine and exceed expectations.

Opening Details

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Open all year round by appointment. Groups of up to 18 people can be sat for wine tasting with local cheeses.

Location
Address

Surrey Hills Festival, Coverwood Lakes, GU6 7NT.

Tours and Tastings

You have reached the exciting stage of choosing your wines to share with your family and friends as you celebrate your wedding.

In our experience we suggest that you budget for two to three glasses of wine per guest to enjoy during the meal with a 50/50% split of reds and whites (maybe 60/40% white for a summer wedding and 60/40% red for a winter wedding). We are happy to consider your menu and your wine choices with you. The price of any sample bottles you would like to try will be discounted from your final order.

Assuming on 100 guests you can average one glass per gust per hour giving a rough guide of:

Welcome drinks x 2 per person = 40 bottles

Wine for the table = 30 red and 30 white

Wine for the toast = 20 bottles

Typically you will get four to five glasses from a bottle of still wine and 6 glasses out of a bottle of bubbly.

Any unopened bottles you have at the end of the day, you can return to us at Blackdown Ridge for that extra added peace of mind (up to 25% of your order).

Most couples are keen to tick their wine order off the list as soon as possible, we can hold your pre-paid order free of charge until a delivery date of your choice.

Two good rules with wedding wines - firstly, don't choose something too heavy or distinctive, and secondly, if you like it it's right!

I think you will agree that the Blackdown Ridge feather branding will complement any wedding venue beautifully. We can also arrange personalised labels for your wedding at £3 per bottle.

To book your personal appointment to discuss your needs and to discuss our special wedding discounts contact Lucinda on 01428 656003

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