Celebrating Sussex Vineyards on English Wine Week

There are over 700 vineyards in the UK and The Lewes District is lucky to be near to many of the most beautiful. To mark English Wine Week (Sat, 19 Jun  – Sun, 27 Jun), we’ve put together a list of some of our favourites - all either in the Lewes District or a short drive away. 

Many of our vineyards offer tours and tastings - a chance to stroll through beautiful vines and enjoy breathtaking views across Sussex and beyond. Several also boast restaurants, so why not make a day of it?

Breaky Bottom
One of the oldest vineyards in the district, and the closest to Lewes town, Breaky Bottom produces world-beating sparkling wines. Although it’s not open to visitors, it’s one of our most dearly loved local vineyards so we couldn’t omit it from our list. Enjoy a delicious bottle of their fizz at many local shops and restaurants or buy online here

Rathfinny
The largest vineyard in the area (eventually, the site will boast 350 acres under vine), Rathfinny was planted in 2012. An award winning restaurant and beautiful overnight stays at the flint barn await you, plus regular tours and events.

Bolney
Traditional method sparkling and still wine producers, it’s well worth a visit to Bolney, who in addition to regular tours and tastings, will offer you a warm welcome at their 18 Acre Cafe which looks down onto the vineyard: one of the oldest and most beautiful in Sussex. Ample parking is available and it’s just a short 20 minute drive away.

Ridgeview
For more than 25 years, Ridgeview have been producing world-class sparkling wines. Enjoy a tour followed by a cheese or charcuterie board in the Ridgeview’s Wine Garden which looks out onto row upon row of Chardonnay vines.

Artelium
Our newest local vineyard, Artelium have recently opened for tours and tastings - just in time for the summer! They’re also planning to host performances and art exhibitions at their two sites. Visit their website to see what they have planned and grab a bottle of their latest fizz.

Bluebell
Lauded for their brilliant traditional method sparkling wines, Bluebell Vineyard is open 7 days a week for tours and tastings. Situated just near Sheffield Park, the vineyard is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and as well as tours and tastings hosts larger events including weddings.

Court Garden
Boutique producer Court Garden is a family-run, single-estate vineyard and winery set on a beautiful south-facing slope with the South Downs as a backdrop. In recent years, Court Garden  has been rewarded with numerous national and international awards. Tours run on Saturdays and can be booked via their website.

Off The Line
Producers Off The Line offer weekend tours and award-winning rosés. Grab a bottle and take a self guided stroll through the vineyard, walking down to the beautiful Bluebell Trail which lies at the bottom of the vines.

Hidden Spring
Moments away from Off The Line is Hidden Spring. Kick back and relax at their tasting room verandah which looks out over the vineyard and enjoy a crisp glass of their Bacchus Reserve or award winning Classic Cuvee.

Beacon Down
Lewes locals Paul and Al Pippard planted Beacon Down vineyard in 2015. Their delicious still and traditional method sparkling wines are available to try at the vineyard and in addition to tours and tastings, you can also book in for a picnic.

Wolstonbury Vineyards

Wolstonbury Vineyards was planted at the foot of the Wolstonbury Hill in the South Downs in 2015. Producing both still and sparkling, they welcome visitors at their vineyard cellar door (and so does their cat, Flint). Get in touch to check opening times.