“On your Marks”
We didn't see it coming either
No, it wasn’t in the plan — not that career plans are ever that easy to control.
What started as a bold idea is becoming a reality. We are a family-run boutique vineyard in West Sussex, specialising in the production of elegant still wines. And now, for the first time, we’re bottling our own wines and preparing to share the story of Abingworth Vineyard with you.
So, What’s Different About us?
What's our twist?
Well there are a few.
First, we’re a family with a strong female presence — four sisters working alongside our parents — writing a new chapter in the story of Champions Farm, a historic site with a house dating back to the 13th century.
The name Champions comes from the Norman French surname Champeneys, meaning “someone from the Champagne region of France.” It feels only right that the farm has come full circle, now honouring its name by growing grapes destined for exceptional wine.
The land itself is rich in literary and historical connections. Most notably, it was once owned by the Shelley family—relatives of the famed Romantic poets Percy and Mary Shelley—who held the property for three centuries. On the grounds, there are traces of a secret priest hole, remenants of Roman artefacts, and faded memories of a fierce 13th-century battle between rival rectors.
There is so much story to unearth here, and our vision is to build something that not only honours the past but inspires and empowers everyone working in the industry today.
Our family brings a diverse set of skills to the table — from engineering and design to marketing and resource management — allowing us to nurture the vineyard with creativity, care, and attention to every detail, from grape to glass.
Our Focus
We’re passionate about crafting elegant still wines. While we’ve been mindful about what varieties thrive on our land, we’re also excited to explore experimental processes in the winery. This balance of precision and creativity is part of what makes Abingworth unique.
New Roots, New Beginnings
Starting from scratch has allowed us to be involved in every exciting and challenging part of building a vineyard. The past three years have flown by, and the surprising weather of 2023 became a turning point — setting us up for 2025, the year we finally begin to share Abingworth with the wider world.
It’s been a journey filled with sleepless nights worrying about frost damage, and incredible moments of shared pride as we harvested our grapes for the first time. Life shifted us simultaneously to begin this adventure — and as a family, we’re so grateful for the time we’ve had together.
Thanks to an incredibly dedicated team — including our vineyard manager, Dom, and all the consultants who’ve guided us — we’re launching our first wines in August 2025.
Join the Abingworth Story
You’ll find us nestled in the foothills of the South Downs — a place like no other, rooted in quality, family, sustainability, and community. However you come to know us, we hope you feel the care that shapes our land, guided by family and shared — one moment, or one glass — at a time.
Follow our blog and social media to stay updated on all things Abingworth Vineyard — and to be the first to know when our wines are ready to enjoy.
