Nestled on the north bank of the River Rother, a once Guinness-owned hop farm has been quietly transformed into a most distinctive Sussex vineyard, Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, near Bodiam. We sat down with the husband-and-wife team (Nick and America Brewer) behind the venture to hear how it all began, how it’s going, and what the future holds.
What was the vision when you first planted vines?
“The vision was really driven by America,” Nick explains. “She studied viticulture at Plumpton College and ended up top of her class, despite not having a science background. She taught herself everything she needed to know. I joined her later for a winemaking course, and that’s when we fully committed.”
After researching sites and exploring their options, they found inspiration quite literally from the Sussex vineyard next door. “Our neighbour had already planted vines and had five or six years of experience. The terroir here is special—a mile and a half of vines now lines this bank of the river. Our farm and the surrounding area used to be owned by Guinness and farmed for hops, and where the hops once grew, the vines are now thriving.”
From the start, they made a bold decision: to focus more on still wines than sparkling. “At the time, about 80% of English wine production was sparkling. We flipped that ratio and now produce around 70% still wines.”
They chose Burgundian clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Alsatian clones of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. “The microclimate here is warmer than average, and the site lends itself beautifully to still wine production.”
The vision, however, extended beyond wine. “We knew if we were going to make this sustainable at our scale—25,000 to 30,000 bottles a year—we needed more than just wine. So, we built accommodation.”
One of the standout additions? A charming, round-doored lodge once known fondly (but now legally forbidden) as “The Hobbit House.” It’s part of a broader wine tourism offering that includes vineyard tours, tastings, glamping, and even corporate events by the pool.”
What’s the experience been like so far?
“In a word—transformative,” Nick says. “We’ve embraced wine tourism. Around 40–50% of our sales are now direct at the cellar door. We also supply locally and have representation in London to raise awareness.”
In 2020, they added a winery complete with a tasting room and event space to their Sussex vineyard. This has allowed them to host everything from public tastings to private functions. They’ve also played a key role in establishing a vineyard trail with six other producers, set to launch during English Wine Week. “It’s the pilot for what will hopefully become a Sussex wine route. There’s a walking option, but most people will use cars for now. We’re looking into shuttle buses like the ones used in wine regions abroad.”
Photo credit: Oastbrook Wine EstateTheir wine range has grown to 12 still and sparkling varieties, including two distinctive Chardonnays, a red Pinot Noir, and a white Pinot Noir. “We favour limited batches and hands-on winemaking—it’s just the two of us in the winery.”
Regenerative agriculture has become central to their ethos. “We don’t use herbicides. We spray very little, and only preventatively. Even in tough years like 2024, we’ve had good yields.”
What are your plans for the future?
“We’re always thinking ahead—America especially,” Nick laughs. “She’s tireless, always bursting with ideas. We’ve got another lodge in the works, more events planned, and we’re continuing to build on the wine trail.”
They’ve come a long way from corporate careers and international travels. Before wine, Nick worked in oil, ran an aid agency in Africa, cleared mines, and traded agricultural commodities. America’s path was equally eclectic—learning to drive tractors in the Jura while raising their daughter, making wedding dresses in Hong Kong, and eventually persuading a neighbour to let her work the vines.
“We’re different personalities, but we work incredibly well as a team. And we take risks. We’ve learned that not everything will work, but you’ve got to try.”
Their ethos is grounded in authenticity and accessibility. “We wanted to create a space that wasn’t elitist. It’s about storytelling. Wine can be educational, engaging, and fun. And we’re seeing people come back again and again. That’s how we know we’re doing something right.”
As the vines flourish where hops once grew, it’s clear this corner of Sussex has found new life—and its stewards, new purpose.
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