Spend Shrove Tuesday In A Sussex Vineyard

Shrove Tuesday is almost here, and Pancake Day is the perfect excuse to step out of the kitchen. Forget about cooking at home this year, and treat yourself to some freshly-prepared crêpes at Bolney Wine Estate.

A Tradition That Endures

Shrove Tuesday has been marked in the UK for centuries, dating back to medieval times. Falling on the day before Ash Wednesday, it was originally a day for Christian confession — to “shrive” oneself — and a practical moment to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and butter before the 40 days of Lent. Pancake races were held in some towns, and in Olney, Buckinghamshire, the tradition began in 1445 and continues to this day.

Pancakes emerged as the ideal solution to use up these ingredients. They’re quick to cook, versatile, and satisfying, providing a final indulgence before the period of fasting.

Pancake Day Outside The Kitchen

If you don’t fancy flipping pancakes at home, or perhaps you’ve forgotten to stock up on ingredients, there’s a better way to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Across West Sussex, few settings feel more fitting than Bolney Wine Estate.

On 17 February 2026, the Café & Wine Bar will be serving delicate crêpe-style pancakes with a tempting variety of toppings, presented with care and attention. Tables look out across winter vines, the landscape pared back, and quietly striking at this time of year.

Order lemon and sugar to honour tradition, or indulge in something richer, such as Nutella and seasonal fruit. Pair your pancakes with a well-made coffee, or take the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Sussex sparkling wine. Midweek feels different when you are seated in a vineyard rather than standing at the hob.

Quick tip: Pair your crêpes with Bolney Bubbly NV. Its bright acidity, fine bubbles, and flavours of green apple, citrus, and brioche complement both simple lemon-and-sugar toppings and richer options like Nutella, caramel, ice cream, or fruit compote.

A Winter Vineyard Experience

Why not stay for a vineyard tour after your pancakes? February offers a chance to see the estate at its quietest, with magical winter light, and to take a guided walk through the vines, followed by a visit to the winery and a tasting session in the cosy tasting room.

What to expect on your vineyard tour:

• See the vines up close and learn about winter pruning and the seasonal care that shapes the harvest.
• Step inside the winery to observe how grapes are processed, fermented, and prepared for bottling.
• Conclude in the tasting room with a selection of Bolney wines, discovering what makes each one distinctive.

The tour offers an educational and immersive experience, giving visitors insight into both the winter vineyard work and the winemaking process.

Make a Day of It

Shrove Tuesday comes but once a year. A short drive to Bolney takes the chore out of making pancake batter and turns it into a day out worth planning. Enjoy carefully prepared crêpes, see one of England’s most romantic vineyards, and perhaps bring home a bottle of Sussex sparkling wine to prolong the celebration.

Plan Your Visit

• Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
• Café: Open as usual, serving crêpe-style pancakes throughout the day
• Table Booking: Not required for the Café
• Vineyard Tour: Pre-book your tour and tasting session at Bolney Wine Estate