Beacon Down vineyard in Cross in Hand, which already runs tour and wine tasting experiences alongside picnic lunches, is this month opening the doors to a new café and shop. The new shop / café will be open six days a week (Tuesday-Sunday) and will showcase not only the award-winning wines of Beacon Down, but also a range of other amazing local produce. The building sits on the site of a previous tractor shed at the vineyard, and has been built in the style of a traditional Sussex barn, with lovely views over to the vines. It is a beautiful setting and the owners Paul and Alice Pippard can’t wait to welcome new visitors to the vineyard.
The shop will sell a range of Sussex produce including local cheeses, charcuterie, chocolate, artisan gin, biscuits and ice cream, while the café will serve homemade treats such as cakes and pastries alongside grazing boards again featuring delicious Sussex cheeses, meats and accompaniments. All can be paired with the wines of Beacon Down, or if you prefer a cup of tea or coffee, a soft drink or a local beer!
Beacon Down vineyard was planted by Paul and Alice in May 2015, with their first harvest in 2017 and first wines on sale in 2018. This is a very exciting next step for them as they open the vineyard on a full-time basis for the first time. For more details follow their progress on Instagram @beacondownwines or Facebook @beacondownvineyard or on www.beacondown.co.uk. Or pop by to see for yourself, and enjoy a glass of wine in the glorious Sussex countryside – Browns Lane, TN21 0QJ