Court Garden

In the lea of the South Downs, in Ditchling, East Sussex, Court Gardens Farm has a long history of farming. In Saxon times the farm was known as the Manor of Ditchling Garden, from the middle ages to the reformation it was held by the monks at the priory in Lewes.

The vineyard was established in the spring of 2005 on a beautiful south-facing slope with the South Downs as a backdrop, and is now one of the more charming vineyards in England. The family run single-estate vineyard now extends to 17 acres, mainly planted with the three classic varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier for the production of Sparkling Wine, and also Pinot Gris, Ortega, Rondo and Pinot Blanc for use in still wine. Two rare old varieties of Arbanne and Petit Meslier are grown as well.

Sussex shares similar geology to north-east France, the chalk of the downs runs beneath the Channel into France. In East Sussex we have a more maritime climate which is perfect for the production of sparkling wine.

Our Sparkling English Wines are all hand-crafted using traditional grape varieties and bottle fermentation, where long ageing on the lees adds to the complexity of the flavour. We also have a range of Ditchling still wines, which currently features a Rosé and a White, and a red and rosé vermouth.


Served in Rockwater, you can order their bottles online to enjoy at home. Even better, Court Garden are offering all Open Water subscribers 10% discount on all orders. Simply enter code OPENWATER10