2007
Pulborough
Simon Woodhead planted 21,000 vines at Stopham in 2007, establishing a vineyard above the River Arun in the South Downs National Park. He chose Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Bacchus for aromatic still whites, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling wine. The winery occupies a Grade II-listed Victorian barn.
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 designed automotive sensors at TAG McLaren F1 before studying viticulture and winemaking at Plumpton College. At Stopham, he uses temperature-controlled fermentation, laboratory analysis and real-time monitoring to manage the wines. Bottling under inert gas helps limit their exposure to oxygen.
The collection
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Update your listingSaturday tours include a vineyard walk, a visit to the winery in a converted Victorian barn, and a tasting of up to three still wines and one sparkling wine, subject to availability. Selected bookings can include lunch nearby.
Pre-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.
