Our pick of the best vineyards and wine tours in East Sussex
Travel to the continent is somewhat up in the air this summer, with quarantine arrangements shifting and cancellations increasing.
But a glass of wine in the sun can still be within your reach, especially as we celebrate the great British staycation.
Many people don’t know that East Sussex is home to the vast majority of England’s award-winning wineries. For years, winemakers have embraced the chalky soil of the South Downs National Park and its gentle south facing slopes, to produce internationally acclaimed still and sparkling English wines.
With most wineries now open for business following the lockdown, and eager to welcome you to their beautiful grounds, here’s our pick of the best vineyards and wine tasting experiences in East Sussex. All the vineyards listed are within easy reach of The Grain Store Lewes and we’d be happy to help you plan your visit.
You don’t need to travel far to have an authentic wine experience and raise a glass well earned this year. Now let us whet your appetite.
Our pick of vineyards and wine tours in East Sussex
Beacon Down Wines (supplier to The Grain Store)
Occupying 18 acres of land in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Heatherfield, Beacon Down Wines offers stunning views of Eastbourne and the South Downs. In celebration of reopening after the UK lockdown, from July to September, they are offering free entry including tastings, sales and self-guided walks amongst their 10,000 vines. And for just £12.50 per person, you can add a picnic including fresh local produce, with vegetarian options available. You can also get involved in the wine making experience through their ‘lease a vine’ package.
Beacon Down Wines is our official partner and anyone visiting The Grain Store will get to sample one of their award-winning wines in your welcome basket.
Beacon Down Wines Vineyard
Albourne Estate
This family owned boutique vineyard features a high end wine tasting room with views over the Downs. Wine tasting, priced at £15 per person and promises to ‘introduce you to a wide diversity of English wine styles. From sparkling to still to fortified, learn how the unique climate of the South Downs and the traditional wine making practices shape the final wine produced.
Bluebell Vineyard
The beautifully named and picturesque Bluebell Vineyard gets its name from the surrounding bluebell drenched ancient wood. They specialise in Hindleap sparkling wines, which have been awarded over sixty national and international awards in just five years since opening. All Bluebell wines are vintage wines, made exclusively from grapes grown in a single year, which makes every Hindleap and Ashdown vintage unique. Visitors can take a self-guided vineyard and woodland walk or indulge in a wine tasting flight at £8 per person or a full tour at £18 per person. They also offer a wine and cheese tour for £25 per person.
Breaky Bottom
This secluded vineyard planted in 1974 is a real hidden gem sitting 1.5 miles down a dirt track on the Downs. It is possible to drive, but we’d recommend cycling or leaving your car in Ilford and walking the last section. Tours of the vineyard and winery last approx two hours and are priced from £15 each. That includes tastings and the opportunity to purchase single bottles as well as cases from the cellar door. Visits are by appointment only so use the link below to secure a tour this summer.
Court Garden Vineyard
This family run vineyard has something for every palette. As well as their internationally acclaimed sparkling wines, of which the region is famous, they also offer a range of Ditchling still wines, a Red, a Rosé and a White. Wine tasting tours run from 11am every Saturday morning and cost £16 per person. You’ll discover how the maritime climate of this area of Sussex influences the kinds of grape that can be grown, and the distinctive flavours they produce.
Hidden Spring Vineyard
This vineyard has been on a transformation journey. Originally created in 1986 it was later converted into a campsite in the mid-2000s. However, the owners were keen to reclaim its former glory as an award-winning winery and transformed the site back into a vineyard in 2015, enlisting the help of their head winemaker David. New to 2020 are Tapas nights throughout August and September. Tours of the vineyard are also available, costing £20 per person for 1.5 hours.
Off the Line Vineyard
Off the Line Vineyard is unique in East Sussex as it focuses purely on growing red grapes and the production of three different Rosé wines. The 32-acre site offers a beautiful glimpse into the biodiversity of the Downs with species-rich pasture land, ponds and natural woodland that bloom with bluebells in the spring. As well as small group tours, they also offer self-guided visits and tasting experiences. Visit is by appointment only so make sure you get in touch first.
Photo courtesy of rathfinnyestate.com
Rathfinny Wine Estate
Situated just three miles from the sea, this award-winning heritage winery sits in a colossal 600-acre estate and has plans to become England’s largest vineyard. Take a guided tour for £25 per person and learn about a typical year of growing vines and wine production. Tours also include a visit to the RIBA nominated Winery where you will learn about the traditional method Sussex Sparkling wine process. After your tour, unwind and eat al fresco at the Tasting Room restaurant, which also offers take away. Luxury picnic hampers are priced at £28 (£12 for children).
Ridgeview Wine Estate
Located near the picturesque village of Ditchling is Ridgeview Wine Estate. The world-class vines have been meticulously managed by Vineyard Manager Matt Strugnell for over 15 years. Those who visit in 2020 will be among the first to enjoy the newly built winery facilities. Tours are offered at multiple times Friday to Sunday, including a self-guided tasting flight in the Ridgeview Wine Garden. The Ridgeview shop is also open daily where you can also pick up picnic hampers and other local produce.
Sussex Wineries
Sussex Wineries is a collection of nine vineyards, some of which are listed in this post. You can view a full list of all their wineries using the link below.
Wiston Estate Vineyard
Planted in 2006, this West Sussex vineyard covers 6.5 hectares on Upper Cretaceous Chalk. The traditional Coquard Press is unique to the UK, being one of only four outside of France. They host tours and tastings, as well as exciting events including…
Food & Wine Pairing Tastings
Harvest Dinners
Wiston House Garden Tours
Beacon Down Wine in your Grain Store welcome basket
More things to do in East Sussex
You will find lots of information on our plan your visit page, which has advice on things to do in Lewes and East Sussex, including advice for sporty days, rainy days, family days and more.
You may also find our recent blog helpful, revealing our pick of autumn activities in and around Lewes.
Join us and find a space to relax and unwind in the chaos of 2020
The Grain Store Lewes is the perfect place to sit back, relax and reconnect with nature this year. A glass of wine is of course optional but whatever your tipple, you can enjoy stunning views of the Downs from our garden or relax in the stylish interiors.
We’re all booked up for summer, but have some availability for autumn and winter. Contact us for more information.