2007
Pulborough
Stopham began in 2007 when engineer-turned-winemaker Simon Woodhead planted 21,000 vines on a south-facing sweep above the River Arun. Simon had designed sensors for Formula One before wine took over; after studying at Plumpton, he brought the same curiosity and precision to a very different sort of machinery. The choice of grapes made Stopham distinctive from the start. Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Bacchus lead a range built around aromatic still whites, while Chardonnay and Pinot Noir provide the fruit for traditional-method sparkling wine. The vineyard’s free-draining sand keeps the roots working hard, and the winery’s temperature-controlled tanks, laboratory analysis and closed-loop fermentation monitoring give the team unusually close control once the grapes come in. For all that technology, the place itself remains wonderfully rural: vines within the South Downs National Park, a winery inside a Grade II-listed Victorian barn and the historic hamlet of Stopham close by. A tour joins the two sides of the story — a walk through the rows, a close look at the equipment and a tasting of the wines at the end.
Stopham’s roughly six hectares — around 15 acres — hold 21,000 vines on south-facing, sandy, free-draining ground in the South Downs National Park. Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Bacchus are planted for aromatic still wines, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling. Wide rows improve sun exposure, grass cover limits erosion and manure from cattle on the wider estate adds organic matter to this naturally lean soil.
WINEMAKER
Simon Woodhead moved from designing automotive sensors at TAG McLaren F1 to studying viticulture and winemaking at Plumpton. That engineering background still runs through Stopham’s cellar: slow, temperature-regulated ferments are tracked in real time, bottling takes place under inert gas and the wines are scientifically monitored in the estate laboratory. The aim is not technology for its own sake, but clean fruit, aromatic definition and dependable precision.
The collection
UKFizz is continually researching and adding wines. Represent this producer and do not see your wines here? Update the listing so we can review and feature them.
Update your listingPre-booked vineyard and winery tours run on most Saturdays from April to September, normally at 11am or 2pm. Stopham does not publish regular walk-in cellar-door hours. Check the live booking calendar before travelling.
Advance booking is required. Tours cross working vineyard ground, so suitable outdoor footwear is recommended. Contact Stopham before booking if you have access, mobility, child or dog-related questions.
