There was a time, when if you wanted to experience the soft and gentle buzz of the grape harvest, you had to head to France. There, you might find yourself following a slow and heavily laden tractor as it chugged its way carefully to the local “cave cooperatives” or you might treat yourself to a French wine harvest experience or “vendange” in the shadow of a lofty chateau. If you did, it felt slightly exotic and far removed from the chalky slopes of the South Downs. But times have changed, and these days you can experience the rhythmic clip and plop of grape picking and the busy ebb and flow of winemaking with a Sussex wine harvest experience.
Why take part in the wine harvest and what’s it like?
Being part of the wine harvest is a remarkably sensory and fulfilling experience. By definition, it has a certain earthiness about it making it wholesome but it’s also therapeutic (you’re out in beautiful surroundings, taking part in the methodical and semi skilled art of cutting the grapes from the vines and letting them plop gently into a bucket) and, of course, it’s educational. You don’t need any skills in advance (you’ll be taught everything you need to know when you arrive). On a sunny day, the grapes are warm, sticky and sweet, the vine leaves have the beginnings of a golden hue and there is excitement in the air at the culmination of another growing year. It’s atmospheric and unique.
Your experience will depend on the vineyard you choose. Wine harvest experiences range from a few hours to a few weeks, and you may be paid or you may have to pay. Some include lunch, some don’t but all of them are an interesting way to learn more about this new aspect of our Sussex heritage and a very old craft.
Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex
Sitting on the crest of the South Downs just south of Alfriston, when you pull up on a sunny day and smell the saline hints of the sea, you can be forgiven for thinking you are back in France here.
Wine harvest details
In 2025, Rathfinny have picked up the pace with their wine harvest experience and volunteers are warned they will be “doing in excess of 15k steps a day and there will be some lifting of buckets”. But if you have the requisite stamina and fitness, this is a superb vineyard. They will be picking at some point between 15 September and 6 October but check website for details. You need to be available every day, possibly for three weeks from 8 am to 6 pm but they pay their pickers.
Other things to do in the area
If you have any energy left, a trip into Alfriston is a must, if only for dinner. It’s often referred to as one of the prettiest villages in England with historic buildings, great hostelries and the odd smuggler (he’s not that odd). A visit to the Long Man at Wilmington is also a must and before you head home, make time for a walk on the beach at Cuckmere Haven.
Artelium Wine Estate
To the north of the South Downs and to the west of Lewes, Artelium combine wine and art, collaborating with Sussex-based and national artists and hosting contemporary exhibitions, a sculpture garden and cultural events.
Wine harvest details
At the moment, they expect their wine harvest to begin in the 3rd week of September but check their website for confirmation.Their grape picking is a paid role and you will be working for eight hours a day with a minimum three-day commitment over two to three weeks.
Other things to do in the area
Head into Ditchling and visit the Museum of Art and Craft there which has an internationally important collection. Alternatively head into Lewes and visit the castle, the priory and Charleston in Lewes.
Oastbrook Estate
Oastbrook Estate, not far from Bodiam, has oodles of personality and sits in a landscape that was once covered in hops. They have been voted one of the best vineyards in Europe and they successfully combine innovation, fun and quality.
Wine harvest details
At the time of writing, their 2025 harvest dates are 8 and 10 of October. This is a voluntary role and involves a whole day grape-picking. Volunteers will be rewarded with lunch in the winery. As always, check their website for details.
Other things to do in the area
There is lots to do in the area, from a trip to Bodiam Castle and a ride on the heritage railway, to a quick excursion into the town of Battle and a visit to Battle Abbey.
Tillingham
Just outside Rye, this is not a grape picking experience but is a Harvest Celebration with live music and dancing. Held on the 25 October 2025, from 5 pm, you can join the Winery Team as they toast the end of harvest. Booking required.
Tinwood Estate, West Sussex
Tinwood sits north east of Chichester and offers a “truly immersive day of grape picking, rustic feasting, and sparkling wine tasting”.
Wine harvest details
You start the day with tea, coffee and pastries and meet the vineyard owners, Art and Jody Tukker, before you get stuck into picking alongside their vineyard team. You pick for about for 2 hours, picking Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. You then finish with a three-course rustic Harvest lunch paired with Tinwood wines. Their harvest runs from the 25 September to 5 October but some dates are already sold out. You will need to pay for this experience.
Other things to do in the area
Finish your day with a visit to the ruins at Boxgrove Priory or a walk up to Halnaker Windmill via the famous tree tunnel – for amazing views. Both are within walking distance of Tinwood.
Leonardslee Wine Estate, West Sussex
Bordering St Leonard’s Forest, near Horsham, Leonardslee sits in the very heart of Sussex and also offers a touch of the exotic (you might spot a wallaby as you work).
Wine harvest details
The 2025 harvest will be between 29 September and 16 October (Monday – Thursday) from 8 am to 1 pm and is free to attend. You start the day with coffee, tea and a bacon roll before four hours of picking. The day finishes with a Winemaker’s Lunch – a light, seasonal lunch, paired with a glass of Leonardslee sparkling wine.
Other things to do in the area
Spend the afternoon exploring the autumn colours of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens and their sculpture tail, and visit their incredible Dolls House. Or pop across the road for afternoon tea at South Lodge.
Right at the foot of the downs, and not far from Worthing, Wiston have membership and non member harvest experiences. They also have a Michelin quality restaurant, Chalk, at Wiston and local bike hire.
Wine harvest details
The day starts at 9 am with a briefing and hot drinks, with cake mid-morning, a hearty lunch and more sweet treats at the end of the day (4 pm) with a glass or two of Wiston. Dates not yet known and you will need to book.
Other things to do in the area
If you fancy soaking up some of the landscape, then head up to Chanctonbury Ring for some of the best views in the county, book a Ride and Dine experience or hire a bike from the Bicycle Exchange at Wiston. Alternatively, visit historic Steyning and the ruins of Bramber Castle.
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