Our new lodges are now open!
Tinwood Estate opened three lodges in 2016, offering Vineyard Tour guests the option to spend the night amongst the vineyard. The popular accommodation is south-facing, with far-reaching views of the vines. Indoor facilities include a Nespresso coffee machine, a large king-sized bed, a double jacuzzi bath, a two-person walk-in shower, and a private deck. The stay includes mountain bikes to explore the local walking trails, two oak-barrel saunas, and a continental breakfast hamper delivered to the lodge in the morning. Lodge guests also get 20% off a Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting when booked with their stay.
We announced on social media on the 24th of February that five new lodges were set to open in spring/summer 2024. The reel received nearly 30k views, and 640 likes across Facebook and Instagram, indicating the immediate excitement for this new venture. The five new lodges will be symmetrical to the pre-existing ones, promising the same design and layout, and those much-loved tranquil views.
Ahead of schedule, the latest lodges will welcome their first inhabitants on Thursday 25th April, with the estate fully booked for opening day. The build has been a six-month project, and the Tinwood Team are very excited to increase their availability at the estate as it grows its reputation as a unique place to stay as well as a successful wine producer.
Where it all began…
Tinwood was originally bought in 1985 by first-generation farmer, Aad Tukker, who moved from the Netherlands to Sussex to grow iceberg lettuce. An entrepreneur in agriculture, Mr Tukker was one of the first iceberg lettuce farmers in the UK. While the farm was successful through the late eighties and into the nineties, it was in 2006 when Art Tukker persuaded his father to change the farm’s future.
Art Tukker, the estate’s current owner, was at Agricultural University at the time, writing his dissertation on the feasibility of having a vineyard in the south of the UK. After some time spent in New Zealand getting hands-on education about viticulture and winemaking, the first 28 acres of vines were planted at Tinwood in 2007.
Since then, the vineyard has continued to expand. Tinwood Estate now has 110 acres of vines, which equates to around 160,000 vines of the traditional Champagne variety – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The original Tasting Room was opened in 2012, welcoming members of the public to enjoy a tour of the vines and taste their sparkling wine. Tinwood produces Blanc de Blancs, Brut, and sparkling Rose, and in 2018 they added a Limited Edition Blanc de Noir to their menu.
Enjoy a Tour and Tasting while you Stay
Tinwood Estate is now open daily for Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting Experiences twice a day – at 12 pm and 3 pm. An additional 6 pm tour takes place on weekends in the summer and can often welcome up to 60 tour guests. Personable, family-run, and welcome to all is what makes Tinwood unique. At the core of their business is not just producing a quality product, but also wanting to provide an enjoyable and memorable day out. The recent increase in lodge availability means that guests can stay longer than an afternoon and immerse themselves in the vineyard experience.
In April 2023, Tinwood opened its Vineyard Kitchen, upgrading its food offerings. Open daily from 9:00 – 17:30, passersby can walk in for lunch and wine by bottle or glass. On the menu is a range of hot and cold tapas-style small plates made by a full-time team of chefs. Hummus, cold-smoked trout, mackerel pate, arancini, teriyaki chicken, sausage rolls, cured meats, local cheeses, and desserts are amongst some of the most popular dishes. Each food item is crafted to pair with Tinwood sparkling wine, enhancing the wine-tasting experience. Overnight guests are welcome to enjoy Vineyard Kitchen dishes from their lodge or al fresco on the picnic benches beside the vines.
Tinwood Estate hosts regular Sparkling Afternoon Teas and organises a Dinner Series event each season. The evening presents five courses paired with five wines from Art Tukker’s favourite wine regions from around the world. They are celebratory events of the correlation between food, wine, and stories, perfectly matched to the season. Other events include Yoga in the Vines, open-air cinema evenings, and an annual Summer Party Festival.
Our brand-new lodges
Tinwood Estate’s new accommodation is already attracting many more visitors to the Sussex area, particularly those looking for a unique stay. Tinwood’s close ties to local restaurants, bars and tourist attractions mean that lodge guests can receive exclusive discounts on experiences in the area. This includes free self-scheduled test drives in a Tesla, discounted flying experiences with Ultimate High, and discounted entry to Weald & Downland Living Museum. Such recent collaborations tighten connections between Tinwood and other independent businesses. It is evidence of celebrating wine tourism and tourism in Sussex as a whole. Tinwood is a location which marries a peaceful vineyard retreat while being only 10 minutes from the vibrant city centre or 15 minutes from the beautiful Wittering beaches.
Tinwood’s new Luxury Lodges mean that England is one step closer to becoming as popular as the wine region on the other side of the channel, as more people are exposed to and celebrate the beautiful taste of English Sparkling wine.