August 2026 – An Exciting Year at Tinwood Estate
Watch our latest vineyard update on YouTube below, where we take you behind the scenes at Tinwood Estate and share how the vines are develop ahead of harvest. Prefer to read? You can find the full transcript below.
August is a fascinating time in the vineyard, as the grapes continue to develop and the signs of the approaching harvest become increasingly clear. At Tinwood Estate, this year’s growing season is already proving to be a particularly exciting one.
Preparing the Vines for Harvest
By August, much of the vineyard’s summer maintenance is complete. The vines have been trimmed, and leaf removal has taken place to help manage the canopy and expose the developing fruit.
As the vines reach the top of their canopy, their growth begins to change. Rather than continuing to produce large amounts of new foliage, the focus shifts towards the grapes themselves as they mature.
Walking through the vineyard, you can see how the fruit is developing beneath the leaves, with the grapes beginning to change colour as they approach maturity.
A Special Part of Tinwood’s History
During this vineyard walk, we visit the House Block, home to some of the very first vines planted at Tinwood Estate back in 2007.
These original vines are now at a wonderful age, offering a reminder of how far the estate has come since its early beginnings. Watching these mature vines continue to produce fruit is a special part of the vineyard’s story.
Every growing season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and seeing the original vines develop year after year gives us a unique perspective on the vineyard’s journey.
Watching the Grapes Change Colour
One of the most exciting stages of the growing season is veraison, when the grapes begin to change colour as they ripen.
In the vineyard, this transformation offers a visible indication that the fruit is progressing towards harvest. The grapes continue to develop their sweetness and flavour, with the conditions throughout the summer playing an important role in the final result.
This year, the development has been particularly encouraging. The vineyard is looking fantastic, and there is plenty to be excited about as we move closer to picking.
Looking Ahead to an Early Harvest
Last year brought Tinwood’s earliest-ever harvest, with picking taking place in September. As we look ahead to this year’s harvest, the progress of the grapes is once again an important focus.
While the timing of harvest is never something to take for granted, the signs in the vineyard are encouraging. The aim is always to pick at the right moment, when the grapes have developed the balance and character needed to produce exceptional sparkling wine.
The outlook for this year’s fruit is promising, with the potential for plenty of sweetness and flavour.
Our Cover Crops and the Vineyard Environment
The vineyard is about much more than the vines alone. The cover crops growing between the rows are also an important part of the landscape.
By late summer, these cover crops are beginning to reach the end of their growing cycle, changing as the season progresses. They are part of the wider vineyard environment and contribute to the natural character of the estate.
As we move towards harvest, the vineyard gradually takes on a different feel, with the focus increasingly turning to the fruit and the work ahead.
Experience the Vineyard for Yourself
There is always something happening at Tinwood Estate, and visiting during the growing season offers a wonderful opportunity to see the vineyard at work.
Our vineyard tours and tastings give you the chance to explore the vines, learn more about how our sparkling wines begin their journey and enjoy a tasting of the wines produced here on the estate.
You can also enjoy lunch in our Vineyard Kitchen or stay a little longer in one of our vineyard lodges, surrounded by the Sussex countryside.
As we look ahead to another harvest, we are excited to see what this year will bring. We look forward to welcoming you to Tinwood Estate to experience it for yourself.