Wiston Estate
Set amidst the rolling landscape of the South Downs, the beautiful Wiston Estate is in a world of its own. With its historic flint barns and buildings, elegant restaurant and continental–style courtyard, this pristine Sussex wine estate welcomes visitors for tours and tastings, fine dining, and restorative rambles through the surrounding countryside.
The elegant Chalk restaurant (named after the estate’s terroir) serves up a menu of seasonal local produce expressive of the nature and heritage of the Sussex landscape, while takeaway drinks and indulgent toasties are available at Chalk Express – Wiston’s Airstream food truck with panoramic South Downs views.
Discover the estate’s award-winning sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier through vineyard tours and wine tastings, or head off down one of the many idyllic footpaths and cycle routes into the hills beyond. Just don’t forget to come back again – there’s always more to discover.
Don’t miss
- Enjoy a sunny lunch in the Chalk courtyard, sampling local produce and wines from the estate.
- Head out for a walk to local landmark Chanctonbury Ring from the winery – and treat yourself to an indulgent toastie when you make it back.
- Experience the winery and vineyard on a special Safari Tour – Fridays throughout the summer months.
When to visit
Wiston Estate is open all year around. Wine Tours take place at 11am and 14.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday – book online or just walk in. Chalk Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday. Chalk Express (takeaway drinks and toasties) is open Fri – Sun 10am – 4pm. More special one-off events and tours can be found online. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the courtyard.
Do I need to book?
Not always, though we do suggest booking tours and tables at Chalk in advance to avoid disappointment.
While you’re in the area, Wiston Estate recommends
- Knepp Estate
- Leonardslee Gardens
- Arundel Castle
- RSPB Pulborough
Opening times
Chalk Restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm. It is open for dinners on Fridays and Saturdays. The shop at North Farm is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Tours and Tastings run daily Tuesday to Sunday, 11am and 2.30pm – booking recommended but walk-ins available. Chalk Express is open Friday to Sunday 10am – 4pm.
You may also like
Cissbury Ring
Landscape  
Cissbury Ring, in the South Downs National Park, is the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. Set high up on a chalk promontory, on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
Albourne Estate
Wine  
With outstanding views towards the South Downs Albourne Estate offers a unique flavour of English wines with expert-guided small group tours and tastings.
Devils Dyke
Landscape  
Devil’s Dyke is a legendary spot in the South Downs National Park. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK.
Bolney Wine Estate
Wine  
Established for more than half a century, Bolney is a true pioneer of English wine.
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Wine  
Ridgeview have led the way in the English sparkling wine revolution in Sussex, crafting classic method sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier since 1995.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Art  
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Its diverse collections bring together arts and history to tell stories about the city and the world we live in.
Amberley Wild Brooks Nature Reserve
Landscape  
This downland nature reserve sits on the fringes of the county town of Lewes. The Iron Age hill fort of Mount Caburn can be accessed from here and is a 15-minute walk up from Glynde village. It has beautiful views out to the sea.
Stopham Estate
Wine  
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate is home to 21,000 vines.