Hilco is delighted to offer for sale a vineyard and winery located in East Sussex, on behalf of the retiring owners, following an extensive period of trading. Established in 1971 the vineyard was one of the pioneers of English wine, situated in an attractive rural location on a freehold site of approximately 21 acres, including a principal residence with a two bedroom annex and a range of outbuildings including winery, bonded storage and visitor centre/shop. The company has cultivated a strong brand and customer base over c.50 years of operation, providing vineyard tours and sales of own brand wines to trade and direct to consumers. Offers are sought for both the freehold property and business and assets of the operating company, as a whole or for individual parts.
The Opportunity
A rare opportunity to acquire an established vineyard and winery, situated in an attractive countryside setting in East Sussex
Large freehold site of 21 acres with main house and ancillary dwelling
Award winning vineyard producing a range of still and sparkling wines
Operational family run business with loyal customer base
Range of outbuildings including bonded storage
The Business
The vineyard was originally planted in 1971 with approximately 17 acres under vine. Circa 8 acres were replanted in 2010 with Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Bacchus grapes.
Long standing business operation with winery on site and shop and café. The company has an experienced workforce of 14 staff, providing vineyard tours throughout the season with an average of 10,000 visitors annually. Approx 85% of current sales are generated through the shop on site.
The site extends to 21 acres in total with two residential dwellings and a range of outbuildings housing the winery and bonded storage. The site benefits from a private water supply.
The residential dwellings comprise a principal three bedroom house with a two bedroom annex providing over 4,200 sq ft of residential accommodation.
Planning consent previously granted for new visitor centre, tasting rooms and shop.
Numerous growth opportunities including construction of new visitor centre and winery, expansion of existing tours and shop, contract winemaking, re-planting new grape varieties and production of wider range of wines.
2024 turnover c.£580k, 2023 turnover c.£500k and 2022 turnover c.£550k.
Assets For Sale
The Freehold Property – the freehold property extending to c.21 acres including principal dwelling and two bedroom annex with a range of outbuildings including winery, bonded storage and visitor centre/shop; and land currently under vine. Machinery and Equipment – the vineyard and winery machinery and equipment. Intellectual Property – the established brand name, web domain, copyright in the website, customer database, domain name, social media accounts and wine protocols Stock – the current wine stock of c.£825k, including the finished wine in bond and the sur-latte and bulk stock. Customer Databases – substantial databases of customers (c. 26,000 parties). Goodwill – the goodwill attaching to the business.
Sales Process
Interested Parties are requested to make contact at the earliest opportunity.
On receipt of a signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) access will be provided to a virtual dataroom housing additional information. To access the NDA please click the link, sign and return via email to ahart@hilcoglobaladvisors.co.uk and apercival@hilcoglobaladvisors.co.uk
Key Terms & Conditions
No warranties, express or implied, are provided in relation to any information or statements made in connection to this opportunity. The information contained herein, and within the project data room, has not been verified by Hilco and prospective purchasers must undertake their own due diligence to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of all such information and any statements made. Hilco’s full Terms and Conditions apply. Hilco acts as agent for the Vendor who offers for sale only such right, title and interest the Company possesses in the assets.
