Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council applauds a local vineyard’s double gold triumph at the 2025 London Tasting Awards.
- The vineyard’s success is boosting rural jobs, tourism and supply-chain opportunities.
- New planning permission paves the way for expanded production and visitor facilities.
- Sustainable farming practices underscore the vineyard’s commitment to the local environment.
- Council-led business tours showcase *best-practice* viticulture to other regional enterprises.
Table of Contents
Background of the Vineyard
Founded on the rolling slopes just outside Horsham, the vineyard has grown from a four-acre experiment into Sussex’s benchmark for quality wine. Years of meticulous vine selection and cellar innovation culminated in Gold and Double Gold medals at the 2025 London Tasting Awards, catapulting the estate onto the national stage.
Horsham District Council’s Economic Development Lead noted via official statement that the accolades “shine a spotlight on the district’s entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural prowess.”
Council Business Tour
In response to the win, the council organised a business tour bringing together local councillors, business leaders and budding winemakers. Delegates witnessed:
- A cellar walkthrough detailing fermentation science
- Demonstrations of low-carbon bottling technology
- Community partnership presentations
“The tour has been incredibly insightful and inspiring,” declared a council spokesperson, underscoring plans to replicate similar programs for other rural enterprises.
Economic Impact
The vineyard now employs over forty full-time staff in viticulture, hospitality and logistics. Local cooperages, graphic designers and artisan food producers benefit from an invigorated supply chain, while tourism data shows a 28 % year-on-year rise in weekend visitation to the area.
Expansion Plans
With fresh planning permission secured, construction of a state-of-the-art winery and hill-top tasting room is under way. Blueprints reveal wheelchair-accessible terraces and a multi-use events barn set to host weddings and industry workshops.
Sustainable Practices
The estate champions organic composting, natural pest predators and rainwater harvesting that saves an estimated 500,000 litres annually. These initiatives, aligned with DEFRA’s Environmental Land Management scheme, have become a case study for eco-conscious viticulture.
Wine Tourism
Seasonal harvest festivals, twilight tastings and chef-led farm-to-table dinners have turned the vineyard into a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can stroll self-guided trails, pairing local cheeses with award-winning sparkling wines beneath Sussex sunsets.
Community Engagement
From school workshops on soil science to charity fund-raisers for regional food banks, the vineyard’s outreach illustrates its philosophy that *success tastes better when shared*.
Promotion of English Wine
National media coverage has positioned Horsham as a key player in the burgeoning English wine scene. The owner remarks, “We’re proud to wave the flag for English viticulture,” a sentiment echoed by peers who see the estate as a *north star* for innovation.
Conclusion
The council’s endorsement cements a partnership that blends enterprise, environment and community. As vines mature and visitor numbers swell, Horsham’s identity as a premier wine destination looks set to flourish for decades.
FAQ
How can I book a tour of the vineyard?
Bookings can be made online via the vineyard’s official website, with slots typically available Wednesday through Sunday.
When will the new tasting room open?
Construction is slated for completion in spring 2026, with a grand opening planned ahead of the summer tourist season.
Is the vineyard wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Recent infrastructure upgrades include step-free pathways and accessible restroom facilities.