About

Beacon Down Vineyard spans 18 acres of the stunning High Weald, just outside Heathfield in East Sussex. Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its south-east facing slopes offer far-reaching views towards Eastbourne and the South Downs – an idyllic setting for growing award-winning English wine.

Founded in 2015 by Paul and Al Pippard, Beacon Down began as a “what if” conversation on holiday. That moment sparked a bold decision to turn a dream into reality – planting nearly 10,000 vines by hand and building a vineyard from the ground up. Today, Paul and Al run every part of the process themselves – from tending the vines to bottling, packing, and welcoming guests.

Tours, Tastings and Picnics

The vineyard is open through spring and summer, with guided tours and tutored tastings available to book. Visitors can sample a selection of current wines while learning about the winemaking process and soaking up the spectacular landscape. In August, the vineyard opens for free tastings on Saturday afternoons, offering a relaxed opportunity to explore the vines and enjoy a glass in the sunshine.

Picnic experiences are also available, and vouchers for tours and picnics make a thoughtful gift, available to purchase year-round. Beacon Down’s wines have picked up multiple awards, testament to the care and passion behind every bottle.