A SUSSEX VINEYARD, EATING & DRINKING DESTINATION
Launches A Summer Of Seasonal Supper Clubs and Pop Ups
Nestled in the heart of the Weald of Sussex and Kent countryside, Downsview is a family-run vineyard and winery that is collaborating with local producers and chefs to create a unique destination for food and wine lovers. From fine-dining amongst the vines, to sunny afternoon picnics and Friday night pizza and fizz, Downsview is offering locals and beyond so much more than a cellar door.
Husband and wife team, Toby and Katy Spiers, took over Downsview in July 2020 after falling head over heels for the two-acre vineyard, with its gentle South-facing slopes. Since taking on the vineyard, the couple, who met at Plumpton College in 2005 and have worked in wine since, have transformed the space and the wine offering to make Downsview a eating and drinking destination.
A tasting room above the winery boasts a bar and log burner, perfect for cosy evenings with a glass of red or supper clubs. Rescued miniature ponies, peacocks and farmyard animals occupy the neighbouring paddock. Most recently, an outdoor kitchen and seating area has been added to winery to make the most of idyllic spring and summer days in the vineyard. Wines are made by Toby, who opens the winery every weekend for tastings, vineyard tours and cellar door sales.
To make the most of the glorious setting, Downsview has launched a new summer dining programme. In collaboration with local chef, Aaron Fitzgerald, regular supper clubs will be held among the vines, featuring seasonal produce and beautiful wines from the vineyard and across the world to match. From feasts of meat with earthy new and old-world reds to Asian inspired menus that sing with fragrance and colour, and seasonal tasting lunches designed to be lingered over on a sunny day, each supper club offers a distinctive dining experience.
For a more casual evening, Downsview is open every Friday afternoon and evening for pizza cooked al fresco from the vineyard’s pizza oven and served with a selection of home-produced wines and ciders, with locally brewed beer. Those just looking to drop in and try some wine can choose from charcuterie boards and tasting flights.
Toby and Katy are dedicated to growing grapes of exceptional quality, to make truly delicious wines of Sussex. Downsview grows six grape varieties – the whites are Bacchus, Chardonnay and Ortega and the reds are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Dornfelder. All the wines are produced in the onsite winery, with the grapes often being crushed directly in the vineyard to ensure incredible freshness and vibrancy.
Since taking over Downsview the couple has also become custodians of rare, old vine vineyards in the local area planted over thirty-five years ago. A new Downsview Vineyards Old Vine Collection launching in June will feature a Museum Release Late Disgorged 2006, a Sparkling NV, and an Old Vine White 2022.
Downsview is the perfect escape for tasting beautiful food and wine in the idyllic setting of the Sussex Countryside. Located in High Weald AONB on the edge of the stunningly beautiful Ashdown Forest, Downsview is stone’s throw from Crowborough, in between Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Lewes in the heart of the High Weald. There is a very friendly campsite next door and a direct train line to London Bridge within 30 minutes on foot from Crowborough Station.
Downsview Vineyard
Hadlow Down Rd, Crowborough TN6 3RG
Supper Clubs are priced from £45 per person. To book, visit www.downsviewvineyard.co.uk or Instagram: @downsview_vineyard