Harvest season is one of the best times to visit a vineyard in Sussex, with late Summer sunshine and the leaves turning the landscapes a golden hue. From September through October, vineyards across the region welcome visitors to take part in grape harvesting, wine tastings, vineyard tours and harvest celebrations. Whether you're looking for a hands-on grape-picking experience, a harvest feast among the vines or an opportunity to learn how Sussex sparkling wine is made, these vineyard events offer a unique way to enjoy the county's award-winning wine scene.
In this guide, we've rounded up some of the best vineyard harvest experiences in Sussex.
Harvest Experience
Tinwood Estate, Chichester
Take part in a hands-on Harvest experience at Tinwood Estate and pick the grapes that will be used for their 2026 vintage English sparkling wines. Once you’ve finished harvesting, sit back and enjoy a 3 course lunch paired with a tasting of 3 of their Sussex sparkling.
Dates: 8th - 22nd September
Prices: £70 per person
Harvest Farm Feasts in the Vines
Nutbourne Vineyard, Pulborough, West Sussex
Celebrate the harvest at Nutbourne with a special edition of their popular Farm Feast in the Vines, featuring a four-course tasting menu from Local & Wild, paired with Nutbourne wines. The menu and wine pairings will be introduced by the Gladwins, with a menu showcasing local Sussex produce and their own selection of Nutbourne wines.
Dates: Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September
Prices: Tickets cost £108 per person
Harvest Volunteering
Oastbrook Estate, Rother Wine Triangle, East Sussex
Join a full day volunteering at the wine harvest, where you can help to pick the grapes for the next bottle of Oastbrook sparkling wines. Your hard work will be rewarded with a lunch at the winery. Volunteers are encouraged to bring wellies, a pair of gardening gloves and be prepared to get stuck in!
Dates: Various dates from 24th to 29th September
Harvest Tours & Tastings
Rathfinny Estate, South Downs National Park, East Sussex
Experience the buzz of harvest season at Rathfinny Estate, with an immersive wine tour which gives insight into the making of Sussex sparkling wines and a chance to try out the ‘doasge’ method used during wine making. The tour concludes with a tasting of 3 Rathfinny wines.
Dates: Various dates from 25th September to 25th October
Feast in the Vines
Roebuck Estate, Petworth, South Downs National Park
Celebrate the harvest season at Roebuck Estates with a Feast in the Vines, a banquet lunch paired with Sussex Sparkling wines. Take a tour of the vines and learn about the winemaking process, ending with a glass of sparkling Rose in the wine tipi overlooking the South Downs.
Dates: Saturday 12 September
Plan Your Sussex Vineyard Visit
Whether you'd like to spend a day picking grapes, enjoy a candlelit feast in the vines or discover how Sussex sparkling wine is produced, harvest season offers some of the best vineyard experiences in the South East. Harvest season in 2026 is due to take place from early September, with some harvests finishing by the end of September so be sure to book your vineyard experience early and don't miss out on a memorable experience.
Vineyards across Sussex will also be open for weekly Wine Tours and Tastings or more informal Cellar Door visits during the harvest and autumn season. Visitors can expect guided or informal tours of the vines, award-winning wines to taste or simply pop in and sample a glass of Sussex wine.
