Where to enjoy English wine in Brighton, Hove and Sussex
We’re blessed to be surrounded by some of the best vineyards in the UK, and English Wine Week (21 to 29 June) is the perfect time to celebrate the vast achievements of our local makers. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Making New Traditions’ – so let’s raise a glass to that. Cheers!
Let’s Celebrate Wine the English Way
No longer niche, you’ll find English wine on the menus of many top Brighton, Hove and Sussex restaurants. While Sussex sparkling remains the go-to, English still wines are growing rapidly in popularity. We spoke to The Secret Vineyard’s Helen Soudain about the rise of English still rosé. Next time you’re out, order something you haven’t tried before – it might just surprise you.
Local Restaurant Highlights
Fourth and Church
This fabulous Hove restaurant and bottle shop always has a curated selection of English wines on offer. During English Wine Week, enjoy a daily changing special and an English-themed flight with their tasting menu.
On Thursday 26 June, a special Barstool Session will showcase the South Downs wines of Roebuck – a Fourth and Church favourite. Wines will be paired with seasonal snacks and lively chat from Roebuck’s Danny and the F&C team. Booking recommended.
Curio x Westwell
Spend a sunny evening at Curio with the makers from Westwell on Monday, 23 June. This small, family-run estate produces some of the UK’s best low-intervention wines. The Westwell takeover will feature a flight of five wines – from a rosé Pet-Nat to a one-of-a-kind skin-contact Ortega. Booking recommended.
Lost In The Lanes x Albourne
On Friday 27 June, Lost In The Lanes will host a special evening with Albourne Estate featuring a seven-dish seasonal menu by Head Chef Jes James and a selection of wines from this fantastic local maker.
Expect magnums of Albourne’s Blanc de Blancs 2015, Bacchus, Pinot Noir Rosé, Sandstone Ridge Chardonnay, and a unique vermouth. Alison Nightingale of Albourne Estate and Natalie Demetriou of Lost In The Lanes will be pouring and mingling. Booking recommended.
Furna
With one of the finest cellars in the city, Furna is celebrating English Wine Week with a complimentary (and outstanding) bread course when you order any English sparkling wine. A perfect excuse to book a table – as if you needed one!
Mange Tout
When a classy French restaurant starts serving English wines, you know something’s in the water. Mange Tout will be pouring a crisp Chardonnay from Ham Street Wines in Kent and the elegant Classic Sparkling from Black Chalk in Hampshire.
Pearly Cow
Celebrate English winemaking with a glass of Chapel Down on the beautiful terrace at Pearly Cow. (Don’t mind if I do!)
etch.
Long-time champions of local wine, the house sparkling at Steven Edwards’ etch. is the excellent Nyetimber. Award-winning sommelier Sam Wetherill is on hand with enthusiasm and advice.
Dilsk
Wine expert Maddy Riches at Dilsk always has a brilliantly curated selection of local wines on her menu. She’s passionate about the stories behind the wine and loves to share her insider knowledge.
English’s of Brighton
The city’s most iconic restaurant has a long-standing relationship with Rathfinny Estate. Enjoy a glass of Sussex sparkling at the historic oyster bar.
Need more inspo? Check out the BRAVO Wine List Top 20 Checklist.
Vineyard Tours and Tastings
There are more vineyards near Brighton and Hove than you might think. Visit one during English Wine Week to explore the terroir, taste some wine, and dine at one of their fabulous vineyard restaurants.
The Secret Vineyard
Book a wellness and wine retreat or stay at the luxurious ÖÖD House, complete with a private lake.
Sugrue South Downs Bee Tree Vineyard
Take part in an Apiary Bee Experience Day and learn all about beekeeping before enjoying a glass of English sparkling.
Local Vineyards With Fabulous Restaurants
Enjoy Sussex wine and top dining at these standout vineyard destinations.
Ridgeview – The Rows & Vine
Modern British dishes and award-winning sparkling wine, served with vineyard views.
Artelium – The View
Relaxed small plates, local produce, and panoramic vineyard dining.
Rathfinny – Tasting Room & Flint Barns
Fine dining and rustic charm with estate-grown sparkling wines.
Plan a Trail
Discover Sussex vineyards on this scenic self-guided route.
Wealden Wine Trail – A curated journey through boutique vineyards, countryside views and top tasting stops in East Sussex. Find the interactive map here.
Rother Wine Trail – look out for this new wine trail launching in the Rother Valley region of East Sussex next week!
Finally… Hats off to Alice Griffiths, who is aiming to set a Guinness World Record by visiting the most vineyards in one week during English Wine Week!
Let’s celebrate English Wine Week with a glass (or two) of something lovely…
