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A Sussex village vineyard has been crowned the best in the South East of England in a national awards ceremony dubbed the “Rural Oscars”. Nutbourne Vineyard in Pulborough picked up the prize at the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards. The awards, which are now in their 18th year, recognise rural businesses across five categories, including: ‘Best local food’ ‘Best butcher’ ‘Best pub’ ‘Best rural enterprise’ ‘Best village shop/post office’ @sussexstories_ If you want your weekends in the sun to be looking like pub lunch and vineyard walks then this is an ideal day trip for you 👉 Head to the pretty village of Nutbourne in West Sussex for some proper pub grub at The Rising Sun and afterward, take a 10 minute walk down picturesque country lanes to Nutbourne Vineyard 🥂 Directions from the pub: 1.
turn left out of the pub and walk up the road until you get to where the road is sign posted ‘The Street’. 2. Walk right past ‘The Street’ sign and continue down straight (continue left past the big gated White House).
3. Walk past the lake and the old mill. 4.
Bear right past the cottages and then you’ll find the vineyard on your left 👌 ♬ Heavy Wave - Motorama The full list of regional winners can be found on the Countryside Alliance Awards website here . Sussex vineyard crowned the best in South East England Nutbourne Vineyard was named the winner of the Rural Enterprise category for the South East. The West Sussex family-run business is described as a "long-standing family business with one of the longest wine-making traditions in the South of England".
The awards continue: "The Gladwin family have been at Nutbourne for over 30 years and are still very much involved in the day-to-day life of the estate. "When you visit, you might see Peter leading your tour and tasting, Bridget arranging flowers or hosting the cellar door, Gregory in the winery or on a tractor, Oliver cooking in the outdoor kitchen or Richard serving wine with local and wild food at one of their special events. "They, along with their friendly dogs, have been praised for providing charming entertainment and hospitality.
"The stunning views from the rustic windmill create a picturesque backdrop for your visit. "Nutbourne has been described as “a little piece of paradise”, and their gold-winning wines are a must for all oenophiles." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nutbourne Vineyards (@nutbournevineyards) On its website , Nutbourne is described as a "wonderful place for a day out", with "wildflower meadows, alpacas, lakes, a historic windmill and sweeping views of the South Downs".
It is open to visitors with a vineyard trail throughout the year, offering wine tasting, food platters, picnics, tours and other events during the summer. The vineyard was not the only business in Sussex to be recognised at the awards. Sky Park Farm in West Sussex near Petersfield was highly commended in the best butchers category in the South East.
Its website says the butchery at the farm offers beef, lamb, pork, chicken and other meats, as well as "naturally lean and tender" venison reared on the farm. Recommended reading: The three stunning villages in Sussex named among the best in the country The 15 best places to live in Sussex according to property experts Why this Sussex village has been crowned one of UK's 'coolest postcodes' in 2025 It adds: "Our butchery team have over 50 years of experience and are passionate about the craft. "The whole team are on hand to give expert advice on the most suitable cuts and cooking methods.
" The family-owned farm also has a farm shop, gift shop, and hosts various events on site for families..
