What's on at Wiston this Autumn
As the seasons change, the leaves begin to transform in colour, we reach for the cosy clothes, and there’s an excitement around the upcoming grape harvest, festive feasts at Chalk and other special events. Discover what’s on at Wiston in the coming months and join us through this seasonal change…
TOP DRAWER TASTING & DINNER
Available on Fridays in November and December
Introducing our new Top Drawer Tasting & Dinner. This winter we will be offering guests a very special evening; an opportunity to sample a selection of our rarest and most exciting wines, which we rarely pour at tastings, followed by a delicious seasonal dinner at Chalk. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of our sparkling wine from magnum and canapés to start the evening off. Our host will talk us through the triumphs and challenges of the 2023 harvest – the wines from which will be quietly ageing in the barrels and tanks which surround us. This will be followed by a candle lit tutored tasting of a selection of our premium vintage wines, which we do not open very often! Following the tasting, we will head across the courtyard to Chalk for a three-course set dinner showcasing the best produce Sussex has to offer.
STEYNING FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL TOUR
September 27th
Join Kirsty Goring for a tour of the winery at North Farm, followed by a specially curated tasting of the wines with food matching alongside from the team at Chalk. Guests will be taken through the story of the estate and learn about the vineyards which surround the winery and restaurant. Then you will walk through the winery taking in the traditional Champagne coquard press, tank and barrel halls and finish up with a tutored tasting of a selection of our award-winning Wiston wines in the tasting room, alongside food matches.
FORESTS FOR WOOD & WILDLIFE
October 6th
Wiston Estate has nearly 500 hectares of woodland; that’s enough to cover all of urban Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding twice over. Since time immemorial these woods have yielded prime timber for all sorts of uses, as well as being a wonderful resource for wildlife. Join Wiston Woodland Manager, Tom West and Wiston Estate Manager, Richard Goring for a tranquil tour through one of Wiston’s largest woods. Find out how Wiston tackles the many challenges faced by modern foresters as they conserve wildlife while managing a profitable commercial woodland. Discover hidden habitats and perhaps, glimpse a deer!
HARVEST 2023 VOLUNTEER PICKING DAYS
October 13th – 15th
We have been totally overwhelmed by the response to our newsletter about harvest volunteers – the places were filled in less than 15 minutes! The enthusiasm to come and pick grapes is inspiring. We are very sorry if you did not manage to get there in time – do pop your details on the waiting list and we will let you know if any spaces become available.
COCKTAIL WORKSHOP
October 14th
We are partnering with local expert Myles Cunliffe from Mixology School in Brighton to bring you a fun evening of cocktail wizardry using seasonal and local ingredients, including Wiston’s delicious own gin and vodka. You will learn the art of balancing a cocktail as well as exploring a myriad different garnishes, techniques and flavours. Myles will guide you through three distinct drinks each with their own production techniques and styles. You will have the opportunity to explore different garnishes with some special items sourced from the around Wiston Estate.
DINNER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WHOLESOME WAREHOUSE
October 20th
We are delighted to partner with local charity The Wholesome Warehouse, in hosting a very special fundraising dinner at Chalk. Based a stone’s throw away in Storrington, The Wholesome Warehouse creates connection between people with resources to give, and people going through a time of need. Wholesome’s goal is that no-one in our surrounding community should lack the basics of food, furniture and friendship this winter. We are pleased and proud to invite you to join us, in attaining this vision.
WINEMAKER & CHEF DINNER – WINTER EDITION
November 18th
We’re planning our next Chef and Winemaker Dinner on 18th November. These evenings at Chalk are curated by our chef Tom Kemble and Marcus Rayner-Ward our Winemaker. Guests will enjoy a set menu which Marcus and Tom have paired with a selection of our wines. Marcus will present the wines to you throughout the evening and Tom will talk through the dishes. The Menu will be published in due course, but you can expect seasonal treats, perhaps some game, delicious autumnal flavours and wines to match.
MIDWINTER MERRIMENT
November 29th
As the nights draw in and we reach for the woolly jumpers, join us at Wiston Estate and get into the festive spirit at our Midwinter Merriment event. Get ready for Christmas with our late night shopping in the Cellar Door and celebrate the season with friends and family. We will be offering free tastings for anyone who would like to try a selection of our wines, and Chalk will be serving up warming treats. We will be announcing details for this event soon. Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear when this event goes live!
