Overview: Wiston Estate, owned by the Goring family in Washington, West Sussex, presents a dual offering of sparkling wine and distilled spirits. The Blanc de Noirs 2018 and Classic Cuvée are highlighted alongside a collaborative Estate Gin with Tom Martin-Wells. Recent summer heatwaves in 2026 have impacted yield, yet quality remains high at the vineyard.
The Full Story
During a lunch service at Chalk restaurant, the Blanc de Noirs 2018 was served alongside line-caught English bluefin tuna and heritage tomatoes. This sparkling wine, made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, displays baked pear, greengage, buttery pastry, and toasted almond flavors with uplifting red berry notes on the nose. The finish is described as uplifting and very balanced, providing bright acidity and mineral character that pairs well with local dishes.
The estate’s approach to viticulture involves cultivated vines with deep roots that draw water from soil inaccessible to other plants. Pruning encourages the plant to concentrate energy on fruit rather than leaf growth. Although late spring and summer 2026 were tough for arable and livestock farmers, English vineyards remain confident regarding this year’s vintage potential despite lower yields.
Beyond wine, the Estate Gin collaboration with Tom Martin-Wells at Slake Spirits in Worthing reflects the local landscape rather than standard branding. Local botanicals are responsibly foraged from the estate, with Douglas fir emerging as a standout ingredient. The resulting spirit is an elegant, smooth London dry style gin featuring delicate herbal character and refreshing citrus and fruity juniper notes.
Production & Profile
The Blanc de Noirs 2018 is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, creating a white wine made with the juice of red grapes. The Classic Cuvée serves as a partner to lunch menus at Chalk restaurant. The Estate Gin utilizes local botanicals responsibly foraged from the estate, highlighting Douglas fir alongside citrus and juniper in a London dry style profile.
Brand & Industry History
Wiston Estate is owned by the Goring family, where passion for wine extends to a commitment for people. The vineyard is situated on the edge of Washington in West Sussex. While specific founding dates are not detailed, the estate has established cultivated vines that demonstrate remarkable resilience through deep root systems allowing water access from deeper soil layers.
What This Means
The summer of 2026 presented challenges with unprecedented scorching temperatures, yet the estate maintains confidence in producing a great vintage. Yield may be lower than average, but the quality of the fruit is potentially very good due to deep root systems and pruning techniques. This resilience positions Wiston as an accessible vineyard of note from Brighton for those seeking local produce and spirits.
Consumer Takeaway
Visitors can access the vineyard via a quick train journey followed by a taxi from Worthing Station. The restaurant offers three courses of superb dishes packed with locality and seasonality, with prices around £60-65 for lunch service under head chef Jordan Powell. For spirits enthusiasts, the Estate Gin offers a unique profile reflecting the landscape around Wiston rather than standard branding conventions.
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