Six of the best Sussex vineyards

At the edge of the country where the land meets the sea, the English county of Sussex has always attracted those who see the world differently. Nowhere is this brave thinking more evident than in the region’s many winemaking estates, where bold producers have forged ahead to turn a once unlikely vision for English wine into a globally recognised industry. 

The same chalky soil of which Champagne is so proud is also key to Sussex’s success – the two regions are connected by a huge bedrock of chalk across the English Channel. Many believe that this imparts a distinctive character into our wines and is part of what makes Sussex so unique.  There are now almost 150 vineyards in the Sussex Winelands – the largest concentration of vineyards in any county. If you’re looking to visit a Sussex vineyard for a tasting, a tour or a bite to eat, these exceptional estates are a great place to start.

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Enjoying some of the most spectacular views in all of Sussex, Rathfinny Estate’s lofty south facing slopes roll down towards the sea near Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters. A vast estate with B-Corp Status and world-class wine tourism experiences, at its heart Rathfinny is very much a family business, and an exceptional level of care runs through everything they do. There’s a range of dining options, from the Michelin-recommended Tasting Room restaurant to cosy and relaxed evening meals in the Flint Barns Dining Room and Courtyard. Hot drinks, glasses of sparkling, and casual bites are available at The Hut, open daily for walk-ins. There are plenty of accommodation options too should you wish to stay here longer, from the cosy self-catering Rathfinny Cottage, or 10 beautifully-appointed bedrooms at The Flint Barns B&B, located amongst the vineyards at the heart of the estate. Rathfinny Estate, Alfriston

Wiston Estate

Set in ancient chalk downland landscape in the heart of  West Sussex, the beautiful Wiston Estate welcomes visitors all year round for tours and tastings, fine dining, and restorative rambles through the surrounding countryside. The elegant Chalk restaurant (named after the estate’s terroir) serves up an applauded menu of seasonal local produce, while takeaway drinks and indulgent toasties are available during the summer months at Chalk Express – Wiston’s Airstream food truck with panoramic South Downs views. Seasonal events punctuate the year at Wiston, from  ‘Sundowner Safari’ tours throughout the summer months to winter tastings and festive events when the nights draw in. Make a weekend of it by booking to stay at the recently renovated Pump House: a charming hideaway for up to four people tucked up in rolling Sussex countryside, where guests will find a bottle of Wiston Brut NV chilling in the fridge. Wiston Estate, Washington

Bolney Estate

As the oldest commercial vineyard in Sussex and one of the first in Britain, Bolney Wine Estate ushered in a new era of winemaking in the early 1970s, when Rodney and Janet Pratt purchased a smallholding and planted their first vines. These days, Bolney continues to be a leading force in Sussex wine. At the estate just outside of Horsham, just an hour from London by train, visitors can enjoy a range of vineyard experiences including guided tours and tastings, seasonal events and delicious food with vineyard views at the award-winning Eighteen Acre Restaurant. Bolney Wine Estate, Haywards Heath

Ridgeview Wine Estate

Near the artistic village of Ditchling, this family-run wine estate has led the way in the English sparkling wine revolution in Sussex, crafting classic method sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier since 1995. The picturesque estate with B-corp status welcomes visitors all year round for relaxed tours, wine tastings, a packed calendar of events and seasonal dining with vineyard views at the beautiful Rows & Vine restaurant. Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common

Ambriel Sparkling

Overlooking the South Downs in West Sussex, this small family-run wine estate nurtures  Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines on south-facing greensand hills. An important archaeological site, settled through history by Neanderthals, Celts, Romans and Anglo-Saxons, the views from the tasting barn are truly spectacular. Taste their Traditional Method, English Sparkling Wines on a relaxed winemaker tour, pre-bookable by appointment. Ambriel Sparkling, Pulborough

Bluebell Vineyard Estates

Set amidst bluebell-strewn woods from which the vineyard derives its name, this  award-winning vineyard and winery on the edge of the Ashdown Forest was established in 2005. The estate stretches across East and West Sussex, with nearly 100 acres under vine. Try their still ‘Ashdown’ still wines and ‘Hindleap’ traditional method production sparkling wines. Book ahead for estate tours and wine and cheese pairings, or simply stop by for a drop-in tasting and a self-guided trail through the woodlands and vines. Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Uckfield