“Wine is bottled poetry.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Abingworth Vineyard was born from a moment of reflection — and a simple question:
What if we just went for it?
Planting the Seed
In 2021, during the stillness and uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, Chris and Caroline Stedman made a bold decision: to swap the pace of London life for a long-held dream — starting their own vineyard and making exceptional English wine.
Chris had retired from a long career in the shipping industry. Years spent living in France had already planted the idea. This wasn’t about slowing down — it was about doing something meaningful.
FINDING THE RIGHT PLACE
That dream came into focus when they discovered centuries-old Champions Farm, tucked into the scenic surroundings of the South Downs in West Sussex.
With its gently sloping, south-facing fields and rich history, the land was perfect for vines. It felt right — and too good to ignore.
By 2022, the first vines were planted, marking the beginning of a brand-new chapter for the land… and for our family.
Family First
From the very beginning, Abingworth has been a true family effort.
Chris and Caroline are joined by their four daughters — each bringing their own strengths and skills in areas like design, illustration, writing, marketing, and business.
But it hasn’t all been behind-the-scenes work. We've all been out in the fields — pruning, weeding, picking; learning as we go, and growing something we can all be proud of.
Of course, family life has its quirks — and so does working together — but our shared passion keeps us grounded and has brought us closer than ever.
Our guiding motto? It’s about having fun.
The Next Chapter
Today, we’re still a close-knit team — now joined by brilliant people who’ve become part of the Abingworth family. Together, we’re committed to producing expressive English wine — crafted with care and full of character.
Every bottle tells a story — of our land, our people, and our journey so far.
Explore Abingworth Vineyard
Take a look around, browse our shop, and discover our range of English wines.
Thinking of visiting? Book a tour or get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.
