About
Experience the Future of English Winemaking at Our State-of-the-Art Winery
In November 2023, planning permission was granted to build a £6 million Winery on the estate. The 1855 sq/m Winery will contain state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and storage, as well as private tasting rooms and larger social areas for hospitality and events.
Designed by London-based firm DesignCubed, specialist consultants to English wineries, the Winery’s simple and clean exterior is a nod to the local architectural vernacular of the simple black barns that dot the Hertfordshire countryside. The building, which includes 325 sq/m of Hospitality areas and 1530sq/m for Production and Wine store, will sit sympathetically in the local landscape, offering breathtaking views of the vineyard and the paddocks beyond where foals, mares and stallions graze.
Groundbreaking is expected to be in 2026.
Our Ethos
Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Innovation.
At Newsells, our vision is built on a foundation of excellence and respect for the land. As we lay the groundwork for our state-of-the-art winery and nurture our sunlit vineyards, we are shaping a future dedicated to crafting exceptional English sparkling wines.
Blending tradition with forward-thinking innovation, we are setting the stage for a winemaking experience that honours the heritage of this remarkable estate while embracing new possibilities.
Sustainability is at the heart of our journey, ensuring that the soil, vines and local wildlife will thrive for generations to come.
Above all, our mission is to create wines that inspire—bringing people together to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. As Newsells Winery takes shape, we invite you to be part of this exciting future where every bottle will tell a story of dedication, craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence.
History
From Stud to Vineyard: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1086
The history of Newsells can be traced back to the Domesday Book in 1086 with Newsells Park Stud being established in 1926 by Sir Humphrey de Trafford. Many top-class horses have been bred at Newsells Park Stud including the 2019 Gr.1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist, multiple Gr.1 and Classic 1,000 Guineas heroine Legatissimo, Classic Gr.1 St Leger winner Masked Marvel, as well as Gr.1 winners Japan, Mogul, Ylang Ylang, Lightning Spear, Secret Gesture, Gitano Hernando, Librisa Breeze, Rite Of Passage, etc.
Graham and Marcela Smith–Bernal purchased Newsells Park Stud and its bloodstock in 2021, and during Graham’s due diligence, he discovered that the 1200-acre estate comprised 175 acres of south-facing chalk land. On further investigation by leading experts in viticulture, the soil was deemed exceptionally good for growing vines. In the Spring of 2022, 41,000 vines were planted at Newsells, the three varieties in champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
English Wine Production
Side by Side with Champagne’s Finest
Climate change has resulted in the Champagne region in France becoming too hot for growing the three varieties needed to make their famous sparkling wine. France’s venerable champagne houses, Vranken-Pommery and Taittinger have set up in Kent just across the Channel in southeast England.
“We’ve seen viticulture in the UK expand nearly 400 percent from 761 to 3800 hectares between 2004 and 2021. Over that period the warming climate has supported much more reliable yield and quality of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties—these varieties are blended in the production of champagne-style sparkling wine.”
Lead UEA (University of East Anglia) researcher Prof. Steve Dorling of the School of Environmental Sciences and forecasting company Weatherquest Ltd
Estate
Explore the Beauty of Newsells Park
Newsells Park Wine Club Membership
Newsells Park Wine Club Membership
Designed for those who appreciate the finest English Sparkling Wines, membership of our exclusive Wine Club offers unparalleled access to Newsells Park events, our exceptional wines, vineyard and the prestigious world of elite thoroughbred breeding.