Vineyards in Sussex for wine tours, tastings and dining

Nestled between coast and countryside in Southeast England, Sussex has quietly become one of the UK’s most celebrated wine regions. Renowned for our rolling hills, chalky soils, and mild climate, the counties of East and West Sussex offer the perfect terroir for producing some of the country’s finest wines. Let’s raise a glass to some of the best vineyards in Sussex.

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From award-winning Sussex Sparkling wines that rival those of Champagne to crisp whites and elegant reds, the vineyards and wineries of Sussex are crafting exceptional vintages that are earning global acclaim. Aren’t we lucky!

How Many Vineyards in Sussex?

Sussex vineyards number around 140 although don’t quote me on that because the number seems to rise daily. So the good news is you don’t need to travel far to find one!

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass, exploring the vineyards and wineries of Sussex promises a delightful journey through England’s most exciting wine destination. Let’s discover some of the best vineyards in Sussex.

East Sussex Vineyards

Tillingham

We’ll start with one of my favourites. Tillingham, an organic vineyard and rural working farm established by Ben Walgate in 2018. 

As well as 40,000 vines the estate includes 70 acres of woodland, grazing land and stunning views across the High Weald. The winery sits in the beautiful Tillingham Valley with the Cinque Port town of Rye less than 4-miles away.

The 13th century red-brick farm setting with oast houses blends seamlessly with the winery, tasting room and huge Dutch barn which serves freshly baked pizzas. Upstairs you’ll find the restaurant and a private dining room. 

The old hop barn has been beautifully renovated and converted accommodating 11 stylish guest rooms. For glampers and outdoor lovers there are two luxury bell tents. 

Read my review of wine tasting and overnight stay at Tillingham.

Tillingham Dew Farm Dew Lane Peasmarsh, Rye TN31 6XD.

Getting there:

Take the train to Rye from London (St Pancras, change at Ashford International for Rye) or Hastings and then it’s a taxi from Rye station. Or you could walk the 3-miles across country if you bring your walking boots and use this map.

Charles Palmer Vineyards

Charles and Sally Palmer starting leasing Wickham Manor in 1998 before planting their first vines in 2006. The family-run vineyard sits in a beautiful location close to the medieval Cinque Port town of Winchelsea, just a mile from the sea.

Charles and his son Robert make all wines in-house and have exacting standards. They believe the wines should be able to ferment and develop in the most natural way, using natural yeasts where possible and with minimum intervention. I can vouch for their range of excellent sparkling and still wines which are best enjoyed overlooking the vines as they roll towards the beautiful Brede Valley.

Charles Palmer Vineyard’s 35-acres of vines sit within the Wickham Manor estate with its beautiful 16th-century manor house where you can book stays in one of two private suites with private garden access. 

Wine tastings with winery tours can be booked Wednesday to Sunday at the Cellar Door. Check website for timings.

Charles Palmer Vineyards Wickham Manor, Wickham Rock Lane, Winchelsea TN36 4AG

Getting there:

Take the train to Rye from London (St Pancras, change at Ashford International for Rye) or Hastings and then it’s a taxi from Rye station.

If you’d prefer an organised tour with transfers you might like to explore these tours for rates and availability.

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in England, is located just outside the village of Sedlescombe, East Sussex. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, the vineyard offers a serene setting to explore England’s organic wine scene.

Founded in 2005, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard has grown into one of the UK’s most respected organic wine producers. The bio-dynamic estate cultivates a variety of grapes suited to England’s climate, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, producing a selection of sparkling and still wines.

All vines are grown according to Soil Association organic standards, and the winemaking process emphasises sustainability, with minimal intervention to preserve the natural character of the grapes.

There are a range of vineyard experiences. Guided tours take you through the vines and production areas, explaining the winemaking process from grape to glass. Tastings include the estate’s sparkling and still wines.

Food is also available during tours, featuring home-made charcuterie, ploughmans or seasonal accompaniments to complement the wines.

For a longer visit, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard offers on-site accommodation. ‘The Nest’ is a 3-bed detatched house allowing guests to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the vineyard experience over a weekend or longer.

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard Hawkhurst Road, Sedlescombe, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5SA

Getting there:

The nearest major road is the A21. Sedlescombe sits off the B2244, 8 miles north of Hastings. The nearest train station is Battle.

Rathfinny Estate

Tucked away in the rolling hills of East Sussex near the charming village of Alfriston, Rathfinny Estate is England’s largest vineyard and a sparkling wine lover’s dream. Spanning over 500 acres of south facing, chalky soils, it’s the kind of place where you can wander among endless rows of vines and feel like you’ve stumbled into your own little corner of Champagne country in the heart of the South Downs.

Founded in 2010, Rathfinny has made a name for itself producing elegant, world-class sparkling wines. The vineyard grows all three classic Champagne varietals; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, using sustainable methods that respect the land and the environment. Rathfinny sparkling wines are made in the traditional style, with careful attention to detail.

Visiting is a treat in itself. Guided tours take you through the vineyard, the production facilities, and even the wine cellars, giving you a fascinating peek behind the scenes. Tastings are included, of course, and you can book lunch in the Tasting Room Restaurant. The perfect excuse to linger over a glass (or two) of fizz.

If you want to make a full weekend of it, Rathfinny has accommodation options in the on-site Flint Barns. So you can stay close to the vines and soak up the peaceful Sussex countryside. Whether you’re a sparkling wine connoisseur or just looking for a scenic day out, Rathfinny Estate is a stunning estate that blends world-class wine with English charm.

Rathfinny Estate Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5TU

Getting there:

From London take the M25, M27 and A27 heading east. Exit the A27 to Alfriston on Alfriston Road (direction Drusilla’s Zoo). Drive through Alfriston village passing The Alfriston, South Downs Hotel on your left. You’ll soon see Rathfinny’s driveway and entrance to your right. Look out for the Rathfinny logo and shield. 

If you’d prefer an organised tour with transfers you might like to explore these tours for rates and availability.

Ridgeview Wine Estate

The first vines were planted at Ridgeview Wine Estate in 1995. Now, a second generation of the Roberts family is following their dream of creating world-class English sparkling wine in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

The 11-acre vineyard lies 15 miles northeast of Shoreham-by-Sea. Its position beneath the South Downs Ridge creates a combination of cool climate and soil that makes it ideal for growing grapes.

This family run vineyard focuses heavily on sustainable and ethical wine production. It holds B Corp status and is a founder member of Sustainable Wines GB. The winemaking team blend traditional methods and modern expertise to create exceptional white, rosé and red sparkling wines.

Visitors to Ridgeview can enjoy a self-guided audio tour and woodland walk for £5 per person, while a ‘Taste of Ridgeview’ tasting session is available for £15. The £45 ‘Rosé Revealed’ experience takes in a guided tour of the winemaking process followed by a tasting of five wines paired with a cheeseboard.

You can complete your visit by enjoying delicious food at the alfresco Rows & Vine restaurant, which offers seasonal small plates paired with Ridgeway’s great wine.

Ridegview Wine Estate Ditchling Common, Fragbarrow Lane BN6 8TP

Getting there:

If you’re travelling to Ridgeview by public transport, the nearest train station is Burgess Hill. A complimentary shuttle bus service to and from Burgess Hill Station is available on summer weekends.

The nearest bus stop is around half a mile from the vineyard at Folders Lane Roundabout.

Carr Taylor Wines

In 1969, David and Linda Carr Taylor bought 21 acres of land to create a vineyard. It lies around five miles north of Hastings in the High Weald National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Shelter from Hastings Ridge helps to create a mild environment ideal for growing high-quality grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier.

The first commercially viable harvest produced around 2000 bottles of wine in 1976, and since then, this East Sussex vineyard has won over 150 awards for its exceptional English wines. In 1983, Carr Taylor Wines produced the first commercially available sparkling wine made using the traditional method in the United Kingdom.

In addition to their still and sparkling white and rose wines, this Sussex winery also produces an award-winning range of fruit wines.

Self-guided tours of the vineyard are available for £5 per person. You can also enjoy a ‘Cream Tea & Wine Tour for Two’ or a ‘Tour, Tasting & Lunch for Two’. Private tours of the vineyard are also available on request.

Carr Taylor Vineyard Wheel Lane, TN35 4SG (this is the road which links the villages of Westfield and Seddlescombe near Hastings in East Sussex) What3Words: vines.proud.young

Getting there:

Several bus routes serve the Carr Taylor Wines vineyard, and the nearest bus stop is less than a mile from the vineyard on Churchfield.

Oxney Organic Estate

Lying around 7 miles northwest of Rye, Oxney Organic is England’s largest single-estate organic wine producer.

This East Sussex winery grows around 20% of all UK organic grapes on 35 acres of Soil Association-certified organic vineyards. Its wines are crafted using modern technology in a Grade II-listed oast house, with sustainability supported through wild fermentation, avoiding filtration and minimal use of sulfites.

This results in a beautiful range of still and sparkling white and rosé wines using grapes such as Pinot and Chardonnay.

Vineyard tours are available every Saturday between May and October. Between November and April, you can enjoy a winery tour and guided tasting of wines and home-made charcuterie. All tours cost £30 per person.

If you’d like to extend your visit to the stunning Sussex countryside, Oxney offers accommodation in cute shepherd huts, converted barns and the historic Vineyard House.

Oxney Organic Hobbs Lane, Rye TN31 6TU

Getting there:

Buses run to Oxney Organic from several nearby towns, and the nearest bus stop is about a mile away on Stocks Road. Otherwise it’s a taxi from Rye station.

If you’d prefer an organised tour with transfers you might like to explore these tours for rates and availability.

Bluebell Vineyard Estates

Covering nearly 100 acres of former farmland in the High Weald National Landscape AONB, Bluebell Vineyard Estates creates delicious world-class wines using the traditional method of production.

Bluebell Vineyard Estates’ first commercial release came from the 2007 vintage, and they currently produce white and rosé still wines alongside red, white and rosé

sparkling wines. This includes their ‘Hindleap’ sparkling and ‘Ashdown’ still wines, which have won over 100 national and international awards.

A 90-minute Wine Tour and Tasting session costs £22.95 per person. You can also combine a winery tour with a guided tasting of Hindleap award-winning wines paired with locally-produced High Weald Dairy cheeses. This option lasts two hours and costs £32.95 per person.

Visitors can also wander through woodland and enjoy views of the stunning vineyard and glorious countryside from the terrace.

Bluebell Vineyard Estates Glenmore Farm, Slider’s Ln, Furner’s Green, Uckfield TN22 3RU

Getting there:

Bluebell Vineyard Estates is located 15 miles north of Brighton. The nearest train station is Haywards Heath, which is 15 minutes away by taxi.

Wiston Estate

In 2006, Pip Goring and her husband Harry planted 16 acres of vines in the soft chalk soil of the South Downs, where the Romans grew grapes nearly 2000 years ago.

Today, the Goring family creates excellent white and rose sparkling wines and still Pinot Noir wine. The Wiston Estate winery uses a gentle and sustainable production method, treating the grapes with patience and respect to make exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. Any unused grape juice from the winemaking process is distilled to create gin or vodka.

Wine tours at Wiston Estate start at £25 for a 1.5 hour vineyard tour and tutored wine tasting. You can also add a three-course set lunch at the estate’s restaurant, Chalk, for an additional £40.

Alternatively, for £115, you can enjoy a ‘Sundowner Vineyard Safari Tour and Tasting’. This combines a vineyard and winery tour with a five-course seasonal dinner at the Chalk restaurant.

Visitors who want to linger a little longer at Wiston can book a stay in the charming Pump House. It’s dog-friendly, fully equipped with all mod-cons, and even includes a chilled bottle of Wiston Brut NV on arrival.

Wiston Estate North Farm, Pulborough RH20 4BB

Getting there:

The nearest train station to Wiston Estate is Horsham. From there, it’s possible to travel by bus, but the journey could take up to an hour so taking a taxi may be easier. The nearest bus stop to the vineyard is around a mile away in Washington Bostal.

Stopham Vineyard

Stopham Vineyard lies 15 miles northeast of Worthing in the beautiful South Downs National Park.

The free-draining sandy soil at Stopham is ideal for growing vines, and the estate crafts an excellent range of still and sparkling white wines using Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Bacchus grape varieties.

Stopham Vineyard’s winery is housed in a converted Grade II-listed Victorian barn. The team uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art equipment to extract the best flavour from their estate-grown grapes.

Vineyard, winery, and wine-tasting tours are available on most Saturdays between April and late September. The guided tour with a tasting of five wines costs £25, or you can pay £50 to enjoy a pub lunch alongside your tour and wine tasting.

Stopham Vineyard Stopham, Pulborough RH20 1EG

Getting there:

The nearest train station to Stopham Vineyard is 1.5 miles away at Pulborough, and the closest bus stop is half a mile away on Church Street.

If you’d prefer an organised tour with transfers you might like to explore these tours for rates and availability.

Kinsbrook Vineyard

Joe Beckett and Rebecca Dancer are two of the youngest vineyard owners in the UK. They manage Kinsbrook Vineyard with a progressive attitude that embraces sustainability and inclusion.

You’ll find the vineyard near Thakeham, around 11 miles north of Worthing in West Sussex. The winery produces classic bottle-fermented white and rosé sparkling wines along with a bold Beaujolais nouveau-style red wine.

Kinsbrook Vineyard boasts a ‘from the ground up’ grocery store that supplies locally sourced groceries, homewares, and gifts. This ethos also extends to Kinsbrook’s restaurant which serves breakfasts and lunches featuring the best sustainable and local produce.

Tours of Kinsbrook Vineyard are available Friday to Sunday between May and October and on Saturday and Sunday between November and April. This 90-minute experience costs £27.50 and includes a guided tour of the estate and a tasting of three wines.

Kinsbrook Vineyard Kinsbrook Farmhouse, Kinsbrook, W Chiltington Rd, West Chiltington, Pulborough RH20 2RZ. What 3 words: widely.reacting.cubed

Getting there:

If you’re travelling to Kinsbrook Vineyard by public transport, the nearest train station is Christ’s Hospital. From there, you can take the bus to Picketty Cottages, just five minutes from the vineyard.

Instead of entering the postcode, make sure you enter ‘Kinsbrook Farmhouse’ or ‘Kinsbrook Vineyard’ into Google Maps / Waze to ensure you are directed to the correct location

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine Estate is one of the pioneers of English wine. It was established in 1972 by Janet and Rodney Pratt, making it one of England’s oldest vineyards. Over the last 50 years, they’ve transformed a run-down smallholding into the successful estate you see today.

The estate is located around 15 miles north of Brighton and enjoys the perfect English winemaking combination of free-draining soil and a mild climate. The team produces an award-winning range of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Bolney Bubbly and classic sparkling Blanc de Blancs. They also craft spirits including gin, sloe gin, vermouth and a premixed Negroni.

Cellar Door wine tastings start from £25 for a 30-minute curated tasting of five Bolney wines led by one of the estate’s wine experts. The estate also offers a three-hour tour with a tutored tasting of wines, seasonal mezze and tempting petits fours for £60.

In the summer, the ‘Summer Sunsets’ events combine live acoustic music with Bolney wines and local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Tickets to this special event cost just £35 and are a wonderful way to savour a Sussex summer evening.

You can also enjoy delicious cakes, pastries and sandwiches with a glass of wine in the Eighteen Acre Café.

Bolney Wine Estate Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath RH17 5NB

Getting there:

Hayward’s Heath is the closest train station to Bolney Wine Estate, and from there, you can take a bus to Bolney. The nearest bus stop is half a mile away at the War Memorial.

If you’d prefer an organised tour with transfers you might like to explore these tours for rates and availability.

Albourne Estate

Just a short drive from Brighton, Albourne Estate is surrounded by rolling hills, ancient woodland, and lush meadows, it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time strolling between the vines and soaking up the tranquillity of rural East Sussex.

Founded by the passionate winemaking team at Albourne, the estate specialises in producing high-quality English sparkling wines using traditional methods. The vineyard grows classic Champagne grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which love the Sussex chalky soils.

Albourne’s approach combines careful, hands-on vineyard management with sustainable practices. Small quantities of award-winning premium sparkling and still English wine is produced. Elegant, crisp, and full of character using only their own grapes.

Visitors to Albourne Estate are in for a treat. The estate offers guided tours of the vineyard and production facilities, giving a fascinating insight into how English sparkling wine is made from vine to bottle.

Tastings are a highlight, often paired with delicious seasonal food, including locally sourced charcuterie and cheeses, to complement the wines. The Vineyard Tour with Sussex Wine & Cheese pairing Tasting is £28 and a Sussex wine tasting is £18.

The estate’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect afternoon out.

Albourne Estate Albourne Farm, Shaves Wood Ln, Albourne, Hassocks BN6 9DX. what3words: affair.blogs.gossiping

Getting there:

The nearest train station is Hassocks which has frequent trains from London and Brighton.  From the station it’s a short taxi ride. (Around £12).

Alternatively, take an e-bike tour onto the South Downs and Devils Dyke before heading to Albourne Estate for a guided wine tasting of four wines (a sparkling, two still and Albourne’s Vermouth) paired with tastings of local Sussex cheeses. Check rates and availability.

Nutbourne Vineyards

Nutbourne single estate vineyard near Pulborough in West Sussex, has been owned by the Gladwin family since 1991. The winery produces a range of award winning still and sparkling wines from eight varietals grown over 24-acres.

On the sparkling side, there’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, while the still whites include aromatic varieties such as Bacchus, Huxelrebe, and Reichensteiner, used in their popular Sussex Reserve blend.

The vineyard prides itself on sustainable farming with sheep and alpacas graze during winter, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity enhancements, and careful soil and spray management are all part of their ethos. At Nutbourne they believe that great wine is grown in the vineyard and all their wines are produced from their own grapes.

We got a very warm welcome when we visited. We took a self-guided scenic tour around the vineyard before visiting the Cellar Door tasting room which is an old converted windmill.

Nutbourne Vineyards Gay Street, Nr. Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2HH. what3words: grabs.coasted.yield

Getting there:

Access by car is via Gay Street only, there is no access by vehicle from Nutbourne Village.

Nearest train stations are in Pulborough and Billingshurst. If you need a taxi from there it’s advisable to book in advance, especially at weekends. 

Tinwood Estate

When Art Tukker inherited Tinwood, a lettuce farm near Chichester, he explored turning it into a vineyard. Partnering with Ridgeview Wine Estate in 2006, the first vines went in a year later, with the first harvest in 2009.

Today, 65 acres hold 110,000 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines. Grapes are vinified at Ridgeview, then aged at Tinwood. As Jody Tukker explained, Sussex wines thrive in chalky, well-drained soil, with flint that traps heat.

Tinwood now produces four sparkling wines: Blanc de Blancs, Estate Brut, Rosé and a Limited Edition Blanc de Noir. Tours with tastings cost £21, and dining spans Vineyard Kitchen pairings, tapas, lunches or picnics in the vines.

Guests can stay on Tinwood Estate in three luxury wooden lodges overlooking the vines, each with a deck, king bed, jacuzzi and access to a wine-barrel sauna.

Tinwood Estate: Tinwood Ln, Chichester PO18 0NE

Getting there:

Tinwood Estate is about a two hour’s drive from London, just off the A285 between Petworth and Chichester, on Tinwood Lane in the hamlet of Halnaker.

The nearest train station is at Chichester, an hour and a half from London’s Victoria Station. From here it is a 20-minute taxi or bus ride away.

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of my favourite vineyards in Sussex. Which one is on your list to visit first and do you have a favourite Sussex Vineyard you’d recommend? Let me know and I’ll pay a visit!