A time of renewal in the vineyard and beyond.

As the days grow longer and signs of spring emerge, the estate hums with anticipation. The start of Spring marks a time of balance and renewal – a moment when nature tips forward into growth. The mornings carry a gentle chill, but the afternoons are starting to warm, coaxing shoots of green into life. Around the estate, daffodils and blossoms add a cheerful brightness to the landscape, and there’s a sense of optimism in the air. This is a time to look forward – to a season of growth, vitality, and connection.

In the Vineyard

Around the estate, early spring flowers bring vibrant colour, and the grounds are alive with the promise of what’s to come. In the vineyard, buds are beginning to swell, heralding the start of a new growing season. Vigilance is key, as spring frosts can still threaten these tender shoots. Our vineyard team is hard at work preparing frost protection measures and monitoring the weather closely. At this time of year, ground frost is something which needs to be managed; the grass between the rows has been carefully mowed, keeping it low to prevent frost reaching the vines. Wood has been chopped and kept dry ready to feed contained bonfires which warm the vines and prevent frost from harming the new buds. Alongside this, machine frost guards have been placed where frost usually is at its worst in the vineyard. These machines automatically turn on at 0.5 degrees, blowing 80 degree heat out into the vineyard at a 1-hectare circumference at ground level, keeping the vines toasty and protected from frost damage.

Solly tasting wines left in barrel ahead of blending.

In the Winery

Inside the winery, preparations are underway for the next stages of winemaking. It’s an exciting period; the 2024 wines are beginning to take shape and the winery team are making key decisions about blends and new releases.

‘We’re in a very creative period in the winery,’ says winemaker Solly Monyamane. ‘At this stage, we’re looking at the 2024 vintages and seeing what sort of wines we can make. All the 24’ wines have now got to a stage when they need intervention, so there is a lot of racking and tinkering to bring out their essential qualities.’

‘I’m particularly excited about the 2024 Pinot Gris. The 2023 Pinot was such a beautiful and successful wine that people seemed to really love so following this with the 2024 vintage is a brilliant challenge. We want to make this vintage even better than the last and it’s shaping up that way, despite the high acid content we’ve had to work around due to 2024s wet growing season. I think it will be a brilliant follow up from the 2023.’

‘I can’t say much about it at this stage but we’re also working on a really exciting red blend which will come out towards the end of this year. I think it's a wine which will surprise people in a very good way.’

In the Gallery

The arts programme too sees a period of creative preparation. We’re busy working with Kate McMinnies on her upcoming May solo show ‘Inherent Rhythms,’ as part of Artist Open Houses. Recent visits to Kate’s studio have prompted exciting conversations about the upcoming exhibition. We’re developing installation plans to best exhibit Kate’s series of hanging hedgerow sculptures and beautiful Sussex clay vessels.

Our private view for the exhibition will be held on Thursday 1st May.

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