We don’t need much of an excuse to drink good wine – but the weather is glorious and English Wine Week has just been and gone, so we’re going for it. With its mellow climate and chalky soils, Sussex has become something of a grape escape, now producing a quarter of all English wine. There are well over 50 vineyards across East and West Sussex alone (don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down). These are ten we’ve visited recently – and can happily vouch for.
1. Kinsbrook, Thakeham, West Sussex
If you like your vineyards with a bit of attitude and a lot of flavour, Kinsbrook delivers. Run by the refreshingly unpretentious Joe and Rebecca – possibly the youngest vineyard owners in the UK – it’s an energetic, next-gen estate doing English wine with swagger. The setting is a lush family farm with rolling views and proper ‘I could live here’ vibes.
Come for a tasting and wander, then stay for lunch in the cafe or their sleek timber-framed restaurant (those views!), and don’t leave without raiding the farm shop, which is frankly an Aladdin’s cave of Sussex produce. Supper clubs and Argentinian grill pop-ups only add to the hangout appeal.
What we’re drinking: Chough au Vin – their first red under the buzzy Kith label. Chill it, sip it and you’ll probably love it. kinsbrookvineyard.com
Coming up: Their two-day summer festival that has the perfect mix of good wine, good food, good music and good vibes (27th and 28th June)
kinsbrookvineyard.com
2. Nutbourne Vineyard, Pulborough, West Sussex
Lakes. Wildflowers. A windmill. Nutbourne feels like stepping into a slightly surreal postcard – but with wine. Family-run, friendly and delightfully low-key, this small-but-mighty vineyard (just down the road from Kinsbrook) has been producing tip-top bottles for over 30 years, with a refreshingly sustainable, carbon-neutral approach.
Wander the vines on a self-guided trail, or book a Saturday tour and tasting (April to October). In summer, go all in with one of their dreamy picnics and keep an eye out for the next dates for the feasts in the vines.
What we’re drinking: Nutty Wild – dry, fizzy, and bursting with wild strawberry sass. In short: the kind of bottle you’ll want to hoard.
Coming up: Summer Fridays mean burgers, bubbly and tunes (every two weeks until 11th September) in the vineyard.
nutbournevineyards.com
3. Nyetimber Estate, West Chiltington, West Sussex
If English sparkling has a poster child, it’s Nyetimber. With medieval roots (it was named in the Domesday Book in 1086), a ridiculous amount of awards, and a wine list that could out-sparkle your wedding ring, this is English fizz at its most iconic. Their bottles have been poured at royal dos – and we’re not just talking the ones involving tiaras on The Crown.
The estate is only open a few select days a year, so if you want in, book well ahead. Or, keep an eye out for their dining events and their mint-green vintage Routemaster bus, which pops up around the UK like a particularly stylish wine fairy.
What we’re drinking: Cuvee Chérie – lightly sparkling, golden-hued, and just the right side of fancy.
Coming up: The next open day tours are on Saturday 27th June.
nyetimber.com
4. Wiston Estate, Washington, West Sussex
Think stately home energy with a wine-soaked heart. Wiston is one of the grand dames of Sussex fizz – all chalky slopes, ancient trees and cinematic scenery. It’s been in the Goring family since 1743, but don’t expect stuffiness – they’re blending heritage with bold flavours and modern flair.
You can book a classic tasting, hop on a sunset safari, or explore on a bike tour. Don’t leave without a meal at their jaw-droppingly good restaurant Chalk, where dishes are almost too pretty to eat (almost). Fancy staying? The Pump House cottage is now open and calling your name.
What we’re drinking: The Wiston Estate Cuvée – creamy, dreamy and dangerously drinkable. Follow it with their gin. You deserve it.
Coming up: 20 Years in the vines party (Saturday 27th June) – a full day of wine, food, music and magic.
wistonestate.com
5. Tillingham, Peasmarsh, East Sussex
If Wes Anderson designed a winery, it might look a bit like Tillingham. Perched on a hilltop with views across the Rother Valley, this stylishly rustic, biodynamic vineyard is a favourite among natty wine lovers and design geeks alike. It’s got the cool, lo-fi energy of a boutique Berlin hotel – with the added bonus of pigs and vines.
You can book a tasting or just drop in for wood-fired pizzas and small plates in the Scandi-chic restaurant. Or go all out and stay the night in one of their minimalist-chic rooms or dreamy bell tents. Their range of low-intervention wines changes regularly and includes everything from cloudy pet-nats to skin-contact stunners.
What we’re drinking: The PN21 – a textured, slightly wild Pinot Noir that’s juicy, earthy and dangerously gluggable.
tillingham.com
6. Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney, West Sussex
One of the OGs of English wine, Bolney’s been producing bottles since the early ’70s – long before Sussex became the Champagne of England. It’s a proper working vineyard, but the visitor experience is top-notch, too: think vine-side tastings, vineyard picnics, and a modern restaurant overlooking the grapes.
They’ve got a great range of still and sparkling wines, all made from grapes grown on their clay and sandstone soils. If you’re after a crash course in English winemaking with a side of cheese boards and sun-dappled vineyard strolls, this one’s for you.
What we’re drinking: The crisp and aromatic Bolney Estate Bacchus – perfect for pairing with seafood or smug post-walk picnics.
Coming up: They’ve got a full programme of events for English Wine Week, from vineyard picnics to blending experiences and live music nights on the terrace.
bolneywineestate.com
7. Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling, East Sussex
If you’ve ever drunk English sparkling at a royal event, there’s a fair chance it was Ridgeview – this award-winning, family-run estate has been perfecting the art of fizz since 1995 and has picked up a tonne of trophies along the way.
Set on the edge of the South Downs, Ridgeview offers relaxed vineyard tours, tastings, and their excellent vineyard restaurant The Rows & Vine with panoramic views and seasonal plates from local producers. It’s just 15 minutes from Brighton, so ideal for a fancy lunch-with-fizz without the faff.
What we’re drinking: The Ridgeview Bloomsbury – a fresh, elegant sparkler that’s as celebratory as it sounds.
ridgeview.co.uk
8. Tinwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex
Glamorous but grounded, Tinwood is the kind of place where you’ll drink fine fizz in the sun and end up befriending a dog called Nigel. Just outside Chichester, this modern family-owned estate is known for its trio of classic English sparklings, plus eight luxury vineyard lodges (each with a private terrace and hot tub). Trust us, you’ll want to move in.
Tastings are relaxed, generous and run daily, with sunset sessions in the summer and regular food and wine events, such as afternoon teas and picnics in the vines, all year-round. Their grape-picking harvest experience is particularly fun. And if you like your sparkling with a side of spa energy, book a lodge and toast the sunset from your deck in a bathrobe.
What we’re drinking: The Tinwood Brut – crisp, citrusy, and ideal for sundowners in your dressing gown.
Coming up: Tinwood Garden Party – a day of live music, DJs and good wine (22nd August)
tinwoodestate.com
9. Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, East Sussex
Set on the sun-soaked South Downs near Alfriston, Rathfinny is one of Sussex’s big hitters – and rightly so. This family-run estate is best known for its award-winning sparkling wines made using the traditional method (the same as Champagne), and it’s got the views, vines and vibe to match.
You can book onto one of their popular tours and tastings, but you don’t have to go full wine geek to enjoy the place – stroll the vineyard trail, soak up the scenery, or grab a glass of Sussex Sparkling and a snack from their seasonal Flint Barns refreshments van. If you’re after something a bit fancier, their Tasting Room restaurant and more relaxed Flint Barns dining room both serve beautifully crafted dishes with local ingredients and big South Downs views [read our review here]. You can even make a night of it in one of the sumptuous flint barns.
What we’re drinking: The Classic Cuvée – bright, elegant and always ready to party.
Coming up: Wine in the Vines tour tasting and lunch (Sunday 29th June)
rathfinnyestate.com
10. Titch Hill Vineyard, Steyning, West Sussex
Low-intervention, high enjoyment – that’s the vibe at this small-but-mighty natural wine vineyard in the South Downs just outside Worthing. Everything at Titch Hill is done with care, curiosity and zero chemicals: no filtering or fining, nothing added. It’s proper hands-on winemaking, with deliciously cloudy, characterful results.
Tours are relaxed and intimate – a gentle wander through the vines with plenty of chat and generous pours. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger for a few more glasses. And you can – bed down for the night at their farmhouse B&B. The vineyard also periodically runs Middle Yard in their big barn. It’s a brilliant little pop-up market with natural wine by the glass, seasonal small plates, vinyl DJs and indie makers – basically your dream Saturday in a vineyard.
What we’re drinking: Their naturally fizzy Fieldwork 23 Pet Nat – vibrant, juicy and just the right amount of wild.
titchhillvineyard.com