Set in a beautiful location with striking views of the South Downs, Plumpton College is technically part of the University of Brighton. The Wine Studies Centre produces and sells award-winning wine in its own right and, with its highly knowledgeable, friendly staff, it is worth paying a visit on one of its open days.
Or get a group together – minimum size 10 – and take your own bespoke tour, finishing in one of the fine pubs nearby, perhaps in the artistic village of Ditchling.
With former students working at leading wineries in the UK and abroad – or setting up on their own – you will be witnessing a part of the future of the UK wine industry.
Annual Events
- Spring & Autumn Open Mornings
- Plumpton College Open Day, May
Silverware
- Plumpton College Sutherland’s Block Pinot Noir 2009 – Best Red Wine & Best Wine Produced in Smaller Quantities, 2010 English & Welsh Wine Awards
- The Dean Brut NV – Gold, 2010 English & Welsh Wine Awards
- The Dean Blush NV & The Dean Brut NV – Silver, 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition
What’s nearby?
The charming village of Ditchling, famous for its artistic community, including designer and engraver Eric Gill is minutes away, while the coast is little more than a 20 minute drive.
Trade bodies
SE & UK Vineyard Associations
Attended courses, 2009/10
Features
Tours
Café and/or Restaurant
Shop
Wheelchair Access
Public Transport within 5 miles
Tour details
Individual
Since it is a working college, ad hoc tours for individuals are not feasible. Look out instead for the College open mornings and main open day in May.
Groups
Friendly, knowledgable staff can tailor the tour to the visitors’ needs. Generally a visit includes a tour around the college’s unique vineyards on site – since this is the UK’s centre of viticulture learning and research, there is a wide selection of vine varieties being grown and different trellising methods to see. The tour continues through the well-equipped winery, finishing with a tasting from the Plumpton Estate range, with tea and coffee an option for the designated drivers, and a chance to buy Plumpton wines.
Minimum group size: 10
Public transport
Train: Plumpton Station, 3 miles
Lewes & Haywards Heath: faster and more frequent services, both within 10 miles
Course details
The College runs an extensive programme of full and part-time courses, including degree courses, “Principles of… ” courses (one day a month for seven months), Wine & Spirit Edcuation Trust courses, plus one-day intensive wine workshops designed around the group or company’s requirements.
See web for further details.
Opening times
All year
Pre-arranged Group tours can take place at most time during the week throughout the year at a time to suit, weather and other college committments permitting.
Sales
Plumpton wines can be bought during college hours by prior arrangement with Paul Harley, see contact details.
Sustenance
A snack bar behind the Wine Studies Centre (9-3.30pm) plus a students’ canteen in the main college building open at lunchtime.
Wheelchair access
Winery & tasting room. The on-site vineyard is tricky in wet conditions
Prices
Tours
Adults: £12
Students: £8
Minimum age: 18
Get in Touch
Tel: 01273 890454
Email: [email protected]
www.plumpton.ac.uk
Twitter: PlumptonCollege
Location
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road
Plumpton
East Sussex
BN7 3AE