Female Founders Long Lunch

Wine + Chats around the fire

Enjoying Classic Cuvee at the Cellar Door

Delicious Canapes by Georgie Morton

For more photos of the event, follow us on Instagram @ryeharvest 🍇

Join us for a special International Women’s Day gathering for women who build - founders, leaders, makers and doers. We’ll meet in Rye for a gentle countryside walk towards Winchelsea, then settle in at Charles Palmer Vineyard for a beautifully generous long lunch: local produce, English sparkling wine, and relaxed conversation in an exceptional setting - an outdoor conservatory with firepits at the centre of each table. Expect a cosy hygge vibe, good food, outstanding wine and a little pampering.

Sunday 8 March 2026

• 10:30am Meet at Gibbet Marsh Car Park, Rye

• 10:40am Depart on foot (prompt start)

• 12:00pm Arrive at Charles Palmer Vineyard & be seated

• 4:00pm Return transport departs to Rye (for those who walked with us)
  

  Cost: £85 pp

The Walk

A relaxed 3-mile countryside walk from Rye towards Winchelsea, following the 1066 route for part of the way. It’s mostly flat, with one short, steeper climb into Winchelsea, then pavement all the way to the vineyard. If it's been raining the trail can be muddy underfoot, so we recommend waterproof shoes or walking boots.

📍The walk starts at Gibbet Marsh Car Park, Rye. Prefer to make your own way?

We’re offering a limited number of Lunch Only (no return transport) tickets for guests who would like to travel independently and meet us at Charles Palmer Vineyard.

Please note: this ticket does not include return transport and does not reserve a seat  back to Rye

What’s included 

Walk (or Wet-Weather Transport) + Long Lunch + Return Bus

• A 3-mile guided walk from Rye to Winchelsea

• A feast of local produce by Georgie Porgies Pudding and Pie

• ½ bottle of Charles Palmer Classic Cuvée per guest (approx. 3 glasses)

• A reserved seat on the return bus to Rye (female-run community transport)

• Handpicked local goodies, including a gift from Rock Rose (award-winning local organic skincare), optional hand & arm massages during lunch (limited slots, first-come sign-up on the day) & a chance to win a complimentary facial at Ethel Loves Me in Rye.

  
  

Wet-weather plan

If conditions are very wet (muddy/unsafe underfoot), we’ll switch to our wet-weather plan: group transport to Charles Palmer Vineyard and back to Rye for guests holding the Walk (or Wet-Weather Transport) + Long Lunch + Return Bus ticket.

We’ll confirm the final plan by 6:00pm the day before and send clear meeting instructions by text/email.

Guests on Long Lunch Only (make your own way) tickets continue to travel independently and are not included in organiser transport.

Please ensure your mobile number is provided at checkout for last-minute updates.

What to wear

We recommend smart layers: a warm coat, knit or scarf, and comfortable shoes. The walk includes a country trail that can be muddy in wet weather, and we’ll finish with pavement into the vineyard - so waterproof boots or sturdy trainers are ideal. We suggest avoiding heels. A light layer you can remove near the firepits works well.

Travel note

Planned engineering works are affecting rail services on Sunday 8 March 2026. Please check your journey in advance and allow extra time.

Dietary requirements & allergies

Please tell us your dietary requirements and allergies at checkout so our fabulous chef can take care of you. While we’ll do our utmost to accommodate dietary needs, we can’t guarantee an allergen-free environment.