English wine used to be the punchline. These days, it’s winning international awards, appearing on Michelin-starred wine lists and giving Champagne a serious run for its money.
Here in Sussex, we’re lucky enough to sit right in the middle of the action. Our terroir and climate closely mirror those of the Champagne region of decades past, and Sussex has even enjoyed its own PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status since 2022.
The cellars of our best restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and wine merchants are bursting with exciting pours to pair with delicious local produce. We are quite literally spoiled for choice.
Ladies and gentlemen of the drinking establishment, it would be remiss of us – and churlish of you – not to sit up and pay attention to all the fabulous goings-on coming your way this English Wine Week.
What You’ll Love
- Sussex sparkling wines from some of the country’s finest producers
- Vineyard tours, tastings and special events
- Exclusive wine dinners with top local chefs
- Perfect summer terraces and sea views
- Plenty of opportunities to drink local all week long
English’s of Brighton
Pull up a stool at the bar and let Jonathan the Oyster Man regale you with salty stories while he shucks a dozen of the best, served on ice alongside a glass of Rathfinny. It’s simply wonderful. Have you visited Rathfinny Vineyard? It’s stunning.
Artelium Vineyard
An atmospheric evening under the stars in the heart of the South Downs. Every Friday and Saturday this summer, Artelium is serving two courses of flame-cooked meats and vegetables from the kitchen garden alongside crackling fire pits right there in the vines. Join a vineyard tour and tasting beforehand for the full experience.
Staying in the city? You’ll also find Artelium’s award-winning wines at terre à terre, etch., Curio and Carne.
terre à terre
terre à terre were championing English wine long before it became fashionable. Throughout English Wine Week they’ll be offering a dedicated Sussex wine pairing experience, matching three courses from their award-winning menu with three exceptional English wines, all grown and produced in Sussex. If anyone knows how to celebrate local produce, it’s them. Book a table.
Rockwater
Right now, you’ll find a classic seaside pairing elevated in exactly the right way: Fish & Chips, but make it sparkling!
Available until 5 July in Rockwater’s Bar & Kitchen, the sparkling in question is Wiston’s elegant Blanc de Blancs. There’ll be a DJ on the roof, pizzas from the shack and plenty of sea views. Something for the whole family to enjoy.
Dilsk and Stem
With wine expert Maddy Riches at the helm, there was never any chance these two excellent restaurants would miss the opportunity to showcase the very best local wines.
Expect exceptional Sussex bottles from the likes of Roebuck, Bee Tree, Highweald, Bolney, Albourne and Nutbourne alongside their excellent – but very different – menus.
There’s really only one solution: you’re going to have to book both.
Stopham Wine x Lost in the Lanes – Friday 19 June
Lost in the Lanes is hosting a very special five-course dinner paired with wines from Stopham Vineyard.
Founded by former Formula One engineer Simon Woodhead on the banks of the River Arun in 2007, Stopham has earned a reputation for crafting distinctive, award-winning wines that express the unique character of the South Downs. Stopham’s Marie Davies will be on hand throughout the evening to introduce the wines and guide guests through the pairings.
Nyetimber x Steven Edwards – Wednesday 24 June
A four-course seasonal feast at etch., paired with some of England’s finest sparkling wines from Nyetimber. Chef Steven Edwards will introduce the dishes, while Nyetimber Brand Ambassador Sophie Robertson guides guests through the pairings. A very special evening to savour.
Chapel Down x Furna – Thursday 25 June
Canapés on the terrace followed by four delicious courses celebrating the best seafood from around the British Isles, created by chef Dave Mothersill and paired with elegant wines from Chapel Down.
The menu features some of Furna’s signature dishes, including whipped cod’s roe served with Dave’s celebrated Japanese milk bread-brioche, alongside new creations to showcase hand-dived Orkney scallops and native lobster. Sounds like a very good Thursday night out to us.
Cecconi’s
For the ultimate high-low English Wine Week treat, book a table on Cecconi’s stunning terrace and order a perfectly chilled flute of Ridgeview Bloomsbury Brut NV.
One of Sussex’s best producers served alongside a crisp-based pizza topped with your favourite flavour combination. Now that’s pairing paradise. Tiramisu and a cheeky second glass anyone?
Paris Wine Bar
Sacré bleu! This may well be the only Paris Wine Bar in the world serving English wine.
This English Wine Week we’re raising a glass of Silver Reign English Sparkling or Chapel Down’s famous Bacchus while murmuring “ooh là là, c’est bon!”
RB Loves…
Drinking English wine all year round at Wild Flor, Plateau, Curio and plenty of other excellent local restaurants. English Wine Week simply gives us an excuse to do it a little more enthusiastically.
We’re constantly pruning our RB resources to make sure they’re plump and ripe before you harvest. Here are a few to get you started:
- The BRAVOS Best Wine List Checklist
- Discover the Best Sussex Wine and Sussex Vineyards
- Brighton & Hove Wine Bars
- Alfresco Dining & Roof Gardens
- Wealden Wine Trail
The truth is, you don’t need a special occasion to drink English wine anymore. But English Wine Week is as good an excuse as any to discover a new vineyard, book a showstopping dinner or simply swap your usual tipple for something grown a few miles down the road.
Bottoms up, Brighton!
