Tillingham Winery – Natural Wines from East Sussex

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Peasmarsh, East Sussex, Tillingham Winery is at the forefront of natural wine in the UK. Founded in 2017 by Ben Walgate and now led by winemaker Salvatore Leone (since 2023), the estate spans a 70-acre biodynamic farm where innovation meets tradition.

Tillingham cultivates 21 grape varieties—including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Bacchus, Ortega, Gamay, Seyval Blanc, and rare PIWI types like Phoenix and Schönburger—across chalk and clay soils. Since planting 44,000 vines in 2018, the winery now produces around 40,000 bottles annually, with a notable focus on still wines (around 60% of output), a rarity in England.

In the cellar, Tillingham champions low-intervention techniques: spontaneous fermentation, little to no sulfites, and an eclectic mix of vessels including qvevri, oak, stainless steel, concrete, and foudres. Methods like carbonic maceration, barefoot treading, and field blends shape expressive, terroir-driven wines such as:

• Col Fondo – a cloudy sparkling from Auxerrois & Seyval Blanc

• Endgrain – a crisp white blend of Bacchus, Ortega & Auxerrois

• Rosé – a juicy Pinot Noir–Bacchus pink

• Qvevri Dark – a skin-contact Chardonnay aged in Georgian clay

• R Red – a vibrant mix of Dornfelder, Regent, Gamay & Pineau d’Aunis

Flavors range from citrus and orchard fruit to forest floor and bright red berries, often with low ABV (10.5–11%) and a signature earthy minerality.

Beyond winemaking, Tillingham practices regenerative farming: no-dig gardens, lunar calendar planting, and free-roaming livestock all play a role in nurturing biodiversity and soil health.

Visitors can stay in one of 11 boutique rooms or bell tents, dine at the Michelin Green Star restaurant, or enjoy casual fare at the pizza barn—making Tillingham a full-fledged wine destination rooted in sustainability and craft.