Wildwood Vineyard is owned by three families - Paul and Andrea Olding, Paul's mum Enid Olding and Andrea's parents Carol and Vic Greenway. Paul is the vineyard manager and was trained at Plumpton Wine Division, and subsequently took further qualifications at NIAB EMR East Malling and WSET. During the week, Paul is a tv writer/director and part time lecturer in viticulture at the Plumpton Wine Division.
Our adventure started in 2014 with the purchase of a barren plot of grassland and a shaw of ancient woodland. Having ameliorated the site nutritionally and physically, in 2016 we planted our field with Bacchus, two clones of Pinot Noir (FR1801 and GM1-11), and Regent. That year the vines all burst into life and we were on our way, but while we established our vines, we took no fruit and so had to wait until 2018 for our first harvest.
For such a small vineyard, we produce a wide range of premium quality award-winning wines, both still and sparkling. From our aromatic Bacchus white, our mouth watering Pinot Noir rosé and our light bodied fruity Regent red, to our Blanc de Noirs and Rosé de Noirs Traditional Method fizz, plus a cheeky Pink Vermouth.
Our wines are available to buy at the vineyard from our fully licensed Cellar Door during the summer months, and at various markets across East Sussex, some exclusive cafes, restaurants and pubs, and also year round from our online shop. We also offer tours & guided tastings plus we have a children's nature trail to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy our wines.
We are accessible by car and taxi, bus, cycle and train (modern and steam).
Wildwood Vineyard is an active member of WineGB and the Explore Wealden
initiative, and employs a wide range of sustainability measures.
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The Wildwood
As well as the vineyard, we look after and manage a small shaw of ancient woodland, which is where we get the name Wildwood. The story goes that William the Conqueror's half brother Bishop Odo once used to hunt through these woods.
The woodland is made up of a wide variety of native trees, particularly Oak and Ash standards with a Hazel coppice. At the bottom, is a narrow stream which is populated by tiny trout smallfry washed down from the trout lake at Eridge. Dip your toes in and they will nibble your feet.
The wood also boasts a rich fauna, including Roe Deer, Badgers and Rabbits. We also have Buzzards and Kites, a Barn Owl, Pheasants, Voles, Shrews, Slow worms, Frogs and Toads. Once we even spotted a large male Peacock which was visiting from the nearby estate.
cosy cabin
edible hedgerow
Eco Toilet
campfire area
nature trail
orchard
tours & tastings
solar shower
volunteer opportunties
bluebell woods
physic garden
A wonderful day out in beautiful country side with the benefit of the woodland attached. A walk in the woodland reveals seating areas and all kinds of other experiences. Can't wait to try the wine!
There are a variety of neatly tended, productive vines. Friendly owners on site on open days to give lots of information and advice. The unspoiled woodland adjoining is lovely especially in spring-time when the bluebells are flowering.
We spent a very enjoyable afternoon at one of Wildwood's open days in the Summer and followed that up by joining their adopt a vine scheme. Very interesting for wine lovers and family friendly too, we are looking forward to tasting the first vintage.