HAYWARDS HEATH WINE FIELD GUIDE
Meet the Maker: A Close Study of English Sparkling from Vine to Glass in the High Weald
A two‑hour, expert‑led walk through 63 acres of vines and a modern winery that ends with a guided tasting of four award‑winning sparkling wines and local cheeses — this guide orients you to what to expect and how to prepare.
Meet the Maker: A Close Study of English Sparkling from Vine to Glass in the High Weald.
Set within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Meet the Maker pairs a vineyard walk with a modern‑winery walkthrough to reveal how site, soil and sustainability shape English sparkling wine before finishing with a four‑wine tasting paired with local cheeses.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on vineyard insight
The experience begins in the vineyard, where the winemaker discusses site selection, soils, vine nutrition and canopy management — a focused look at the factors that influence grape quality for English sparkling wines.
A detailed walkthrough of production
You move into a state‑of‑the‑art winery for an in‑depth tour of the traditional method for English sparkling wine, covering pressing regimes, fermentation, blending, lees ageing and disgorgement.
Guided tasting with local cheese pairings
The tour concludes with a guided tasting of four award‑winning wines paired with locally sourced cheeses, led by the winemaker with time for discussion of style, structure and vintage variation.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
Over roughly two hours you move from the vineyard into a modern winery, listening to technical explanations of vine and cellar practices before settling into a relaxed, expert‑led tasting of four wines with local cheeses.
THE VINEYARD
Hands‑on vineyard insight
The experience begins in the vineyard, where the winemaker discusses site selection, soils, vine nutrition and canopy management — a focused look at the factors that influence grape quality for English sparkling wines.
THE WINERY
A detailed walkthrough of production
You move into a state‑of‑the‑art winery for an in‑depth tour of the traditional method for English sparkling wine, covering pressing regimes, fermentation, blending, lees ageing and disgorgement.
THE TASTING
Guided tasting with local cheese pairings
The tour concludes with a guided tasting of four award‑winning wines paired with locally sourced cheeses, led by the winemaker with time for discussion of style, structure and vintage variation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours.
Meet at Deak's Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5JB, United Kingdom.
Tours run in all weather; depending on the season wellies and raincoats may be required — dress for muddy or wet conditions.
Expect technical discussions of vineyard practice, sustainability and the traditional method of sparkling production, concluding with a guided tasting of four wines paired with local cheeses.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Meet the Maker tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Where do I meet the group?
Meet at Deak's Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5JB, United Kingdom.
What will we taste?
The experience concludes with a guided tasting of four award‑winning wines paired with a selection of locally sourced cheeses.
Is there an age limit?
Yes — the tour is for adults aged 18 and over.
What should I wear?
Tours run in all weather; depending on the season wellies and raincoats may be required, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
Will I be able to ask questions during the tasting?
Yes — the tasting is led by the winemaker and encourages discussion around style, structure, balance and vintage variation with opportunity for questions.