Welcome to Charles Palmer Vineyards
Our Cellar Door is open for, wine purchases, drop in try and buy, or simply come and enjoy a lovely glass of our wines whilst overlooking our vineyards.
also during the year, we run a variety of events, some that need pre-booking, and some that you just turn up and enjoy.
have a look at our social media pages (charlespalmervineyards) on facebook and Instagram to see what’s happening.
Our hours of opening are Wednesday to Saturday 11.00 until 5.00, and Sunday including Bank Holiday Mondays 12.00 until 4.00, Otherwise we are open by appointment only outside of these hours, please contact 01797 226216.
Online sales anytime. 24/7
Charles Palmer and his wife Sally first took on Wickham Manor, and the land that makes up the estate in 1998 after having farmed previously in West Sussex for 21 years. Charles knowledge of growing crops and raising livestock stood him in good stead for establishing and growing grape vines. “Farming is not just about planting a crop, and hoping it will grow, it’s much more than that, and requires an intimate knowledge of the soil and the environment” claims Charles.
Charles and his family hand planted their first vines in 2006 specifically with the aim of producing a sparkling wine of the highest standard. The estate covers a total of 120 acres of which 40 acres are in vines. Production of each wine is carried out in house by winemakers Charles and his son Robert, in small batches with meticulous attention to detail. Since 2018 as a result of the constantly warming climate, the family now makes a range of still wines along side their sparkling wines, using specific clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that Charles planted with this in mind. Every effort is made to ensure only the best grapes are produced and selected according to the family’s exacting standards. The result is a small and exciting collection of vintage still and sparkling wines, each vintage is unique and characterful in its own way.
The Method
All of the wines are made using the Champagne method. The Grapes are whole bunch pressed using low pressures to extract the best juices for fermentation before going on to spend between two and a half years to four years on the lees. We then cellar our wines for a further minimum six months before release.
The Setting
Charles Palmer Vineyards is a family run wine estate at Winchelsea in Sussex. The estate’s vineyards benefit from an ideal climate for vines, with its close proximity to the sea, south facing slope, and its terroir in particular. The lowest part of the vineyard is a mere 5 metres from sea level and sits above a bed of Kimmeridgian clay similar to the Grand Crus of Burgundy.
The Seal of Approval
Each bottle has its own unique number, with every label hand applied. You’ll often find Charles pouring over labels at Wickham’s kitchen table, a process which seems to render him in equal parts anguish and pride. We passionately strive towards creating the very best sparkling wine.
Notable Vintages
2017 marked a new milestone for the family’s budding business. A new winery was completed onsite at the estate, marking the first year that all our wines will be made in-house.
2018 this was the most amazing year so far in our history, the weather was ideal from start to finish with perfect growing and ripening conditions. It was so good that we were able to leave picking of one of our Pinot Noir blocks for one week after we had finished the main picking and then make our first still red wine. Definitely the one to watch for when its released!
Awards & Accolades
Our Wines
Our Selection of Still and Sparkling Wines.