Sussex


<p>Vineyards aren’t just for summertime fun and frolics. The vines may have shed their leaves but as the landscape recuperates after a bumper crop, there’s a festive buzz in the air over at <a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolney Wine Estate</a> near Haywards Heath. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s one of the county’s oldest vineyards, with roots stretching back more than 50 years and its first award coming in 1985. There have been many more since, and for the past decade, Bolney has been sharing its pioneering winemaking heritage with visitors who arrive from around the world, keen to taste its success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This year’s events programme has been bursting with variety and it’s finishing strong, with an array of irresistibly Christmassy offerings that combine personal pleasure with thoughtful gifting opportunities and the kind of mellow moments you only find when you head out into the countryside. Sun-kissed grapes are lovely – especially when they’ve been magicked into a glass of luscious Bolney pinot noir – but frost-silvered branches make for an even more beguiling backdrop come Christmas. Here are six activities you’ll want to make time for as your festive diary fills up.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-wine-fair-29-nov"><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/product/christmas-wine-fair-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Christmas Wine Fair</strong></a><strong>, 29 Nov&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cheers.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82130" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cheers.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cheers-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cheers-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cheers-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Beautiful festive decorations add to the magic of this laidback event. It’s a perfect chance to explore Bolney’s ever-growing range of award-winning red, white, rosé and sparkling wines on offer – gin and vermouth, too. Tickets are £15 and you’ll receive a welcome glass of wine, a professional tasting glass for your sampling, and a mouthwatering mince pie. Better yet, friends of Muddy get 50% off – just add the code&nbsp;MUDDY50&nbsp;at checkout.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twilight-food-pairing-21-22-28-nov"><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/product/twilight-tour?prefillselection=7811" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Twilight Food Pairing</strong></a><strong>, 21, 22, 28 Nov&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twilight.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82134" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twilight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twilight-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twilight-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twilight-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bolney Wine Estate’s ever-popular regular tours and tastings are running throughout the festive period but you can also enjoy a seasonal Twilight Food Pairing. As dusk descends, fall under the spell of the vineyard’s beauty with an experience that includes a selection of thoughtfully paired wines and food, with expert guidance. Think of it as a silver-lining to winter’s shortening days. Tickets £40.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twelve-wines-of-christmas-tasting-every-fri-5-30pm-and-sat-11am-until-21-dec"><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/product/twelve-wines-of-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Twelve Wines of Christmas Tasting</strong></a><strong>, every Fri (5:30pm) and Sat (11am) until 21 Dec</strong> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twelvewines.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82136" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twelvewines.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twelvewines-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twelvewines-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_twelvewines-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Looking for the ideal pairing this Christmas? Enjoy a welcome glass and then let the experts guide you through a relaxed tasting of a dozen hand-selected Bolney wines. Sip your way to the ideal pairing for all your seasonal celebrations, whether it’s turkey and all the trimmings on the menu or a cheeky cheeseboard-and-boxset combo. Tickets £45.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festive-fridays-5-12-and-19-dec"><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/product/festive-fridays-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Festive Fridays</strong></a><strong>, 5, 12 and 19&nbsp;Dec&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_colourful.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82128" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_colourful.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_colourful-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_colourful-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_colourful-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Live music, festive food and something indulgent to drink: Christmas cheer needn’t be overly complicated, especially in a stunning setting like Bolney. Add friends and family, and you’re all set for a stylish celebration with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment. Tickets are £15 and include a welcome drink. A menu of small plates, sharing boards, and desserts will be available to purchase throughout the evening.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-shopping-daily-9am-5pm"><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/vineyard-shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Seasonal shopping</strong></a><strong>, daily, 9am–5pm</strong> </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_goodies-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Vineyard Shop is packed with gifty inspiration for the foodies in your life as well as the wine lovers. Along with mixed wine cases there are beautifully presented Signature Gift Boxes, which feature a bottle of sparkling wine accompanied by two flutes and a bottle stopper, and Magnum Gift Boxes (because when it comes to bubbles, more is quite simply more, right?). You can choose from tour and tasting vouchers, too. Look out for an exclusive discount (Estate only) on the Lychgate Red and Rosso Vermouth – 15% off if you buy both, plus a bottle of Bolney Sloe Gin for £38. With shelves laden with local products including Sussex cheeses, charcuterie and condiments, you’ll want to fill your own larder while you’re at it. Feeling spoilt for choice? A passionately clued-up shop team is on hand with answers and suggestions for your new favourite pairings. Better yet, they’ll be serving Bolney Mulled Wine (yum!) from the end of November and throughout December.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-delicious-refuelling-options-weds-sun-times-vary"><strong>..and&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/eighteen-acre-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>delicious refuelling options&nbsp;</strong></a><strong>, Weds–Sun, times vary&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cafe.jpg" alt="Christmas events at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-82127" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cafe.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cafe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cafe-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/Bolney_cafe-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Don’t leave without sampling Bolney’s award-winning restaurant and drinking in views that are sublime year-round. The breakfast menu is especially tempting, with indulgent yet healthy options that’ll keep you on the right track as party-season hots up. Think Breakfast Sag Aloo, Smashed Butternut Squash, or of course the classic Bolney Breakfast, complete with the Estate&#8217;s own sausages. It’s open until 10pm on a Friday.&nbsp;</p>



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Sparkle and sip: 6 ways to savour the festive season at Bolney Wine Estate

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