Alison Nightingale began her working life in multi-national marketing before changing to a more creative, fulfilling and balanced path, setting up Albourne Estate. She selected the site of the vineyard not only for its stunning views of the South Downs, but for its slope, aspect, altitude and geology: tracing the beautiful south-facing slope of a low ridge created by underlying Cretaceous green sandstone. These features provide excellent drainage, low frost risk and maximum sun exposure. Albourne grow seven grape varieties planted across multiple clones and rootstock.