“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.
What Makes Us Special
Discover what makes Abingworth unique — our passion for exceptional wines and working in harmony with nature. Watch the video to see the story behind the vineyard and the people who bring it to life.
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.
