Sustainable management is essential to the growth and future of Bolney Estate’s vineyards. Surrounded by the gentle slopes of West Sussex, with its mild climate and distinctive sandstone soils, we have spent years identifying grape varieties that thrive in our local ecosystem. By observing and responding to the rhythms of the land, we care for its biodiversity, protect its natural resources, and create English wines that reflect the character of this unique region. Understanding and respecting the environment helps safeguard its beauty for generations to come.
The Vineyard
We minimise our environmental impact by mulching prunings back into the soil. Shredded vine branches are spread over the ground to naturally nourish the earth and improve soil health.
A biofilter system safely treats and recycles water used in the vineyard. All materials that can be reused or recycled, including packaging, chemical containers, vine guards, and food waste, are carefully managed.
Whenever possible, vineyard supplies are sourced locally. These practices help maintain a healthy ecosystem while producing wines that reflect the character of West Sussex.
The Winery
By visiting Bolney Estate and experiencing our wines, you are supporting a vineyard powered by renewable energy.
Solar panels on the roofs of the winery and main buildings supply around 30% of the estate’s electricity, producing up to 25 kilowatts of power. That’s enough to run the equipment used to prepare sparkling wine for sale, including removing spent yeast from bottles (disgorging) and adding labels.
On sunny summer days, the panels generate more electricity than needed, with surplus energy fed into the National Grid, helping communities beyond the vineyard benefit from clean power.
Waste wine and press juice are distilled to create Bolney Estate Gin and Bolney Estate Rosso Vermouth, so by choosing these products, you help give by-products a new life while reducing waste.
The Wine Bar, Café, & Vineyard Shop
Enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients and products sourced from local Sussex suppliers, reducing environmental impact while giving you a taste of the county’s finest. In the Vineyard Shop, you can explore a range of items grown or made in Sussex, knowing your choices support local businesses and help protect the environment.
When you dine at Bolney’s Café and Eighteen Acre Restaurant, you can feel confident that only oils that can be recycled into biodiesel are used in the kitchen.
Packaging
When you choose our wines, you are making a positive environmental impact. Every bottle is 100% recyclable, labels are made from recycled paper, and now Bolney’s sparkling rosé is bottled in green glass containing 30% more recycled material than flint glass. Your choice supports English wine that is crafted with care for the environment.
Packaging is designed to be reusable, recyclable, and compact, and bottles are protected with Flexi-Hex, a plastic-free sleeve. So, your wine is delivered safely while reducing plastic use, helping protect the planet, and supporting sustainable winemaking.
Electric Car Charging
The estate now features a community-owned, solar-powered electric vehicle charging point, installed by Brighton Energy Cooperative (BEC). It is the first of its kind in the South East, linking clean solar energy directly to EV charging.
Over half of the electricity used across the estate comes from BEC’s solar panels on our roofs. Visitors can charge their electric vehicles using renewable energy, making it easy to travel sustainably while visiting the vineyard.
Sustainable Wines of Great Britain
When you choose our wines, you can be confident they are produced to recognised sustainability standards. The winery is accredited by the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Certification Scheme, with the most recent accreditation awarded in 2025.
The scheme supports a responsible English and Welsh wine industry that prioritises environmental care and long-term resilience. Continued progress towards vineyard accreditation allows visitors to support wines made with transparency, accountability, and respect for the British landscape.
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