Although the modern-day story of Wiston Estate starts in 1972, when Harry and Pip Goring first arrived at this West Sussex location, its winemaking history can be traced much further back. In fact, it seems that the Romans were the first to grow grapes here, planting vines that thrived in the soft chalk soils of the South Downs.
Pip’s winemaking dream also had long roots – she dreamed of planting a vineyard here ever since the couple arrived, inspired by her childhood spent in South Africa’s Western Cape.
As is often the case, life got in the way, but eventually – with a lot of hard work, family support and the occasional prayer – the family were able to establish their longed-for vineyard in 2006, planting up 16 acres of south-facing land with chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier vines.
The vineyard soon became a true family project when Harry and Pip’s son Richard returned to the estate, along with wife Kirsty, bringing with them a great enthusiasm for working the land – something they developed while working on small organic farms in Canada as newlyweds.
Since those early days the vineyard team has doubled in size, and Wiston Estate has become a key player in the West Sussex wine community, creating wines that sing of their terroir as well as having distinct individual characters.
