Rathfinny – Tasting rooms and Flint Barns
Rathfinny Wine Estate was established in 2010 by entrepreneurial couple Sarah and Mark Driver. Eight years of work, and more than 200 acres of planting resulted in their first Sussex Sparkling wine being launched in June 2018.
Rathfinny winter program
From November 2019 and throughout the winter months, Rathfinny Tasting Room will be open seven days a week for lunches only, offering a carefully designed seasonal menu for guests to enjoy, applauding the modern British cuisine and Rathfinny’s Sparkling Sussex and Cradle Valley wines present to them. Book a table here.
The Flint Barns
A stones throw away from the Tasting Rooms is The Flint Barns, a historic building boasting several beautiful bedrooms and a large, welcoming dining room. From Friday 1st November hearty evening meals are served here during the winter on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as ever popular Sunday roasts. Think home-cooked locally sourced produce served to your table close by grand open fire places and a snug area for enjoying a night cap after your meal. Book a table at The Flint Barns now.
The chef
The menu at The Tasting Rooms has been created by celebrated Head Chef, Chris Bailey who earned a Michelin Star whilst at The Black Rat in Winchester, and has worked in top restaurants in London and Spain. Chris’ love of local and seasonal produce made his move to Sussex so much easier, since produce from the surrounding land and sea is so abundant.
The Wine
Just three miles from the sea, located on a south facing slope of the South Downs National Park, Rathfinny is perfectly situated for growing its mix of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. In addition to Sussex Sparkling, Rathfinny produce some still wines under their Cradle Valley label and gin and vermouth under their Seven Sisters label.
Wine tasting
If you are not looking to dine then luckily The Tasting Room is also just that, between 11am and 6pm Wednesday to Sunday visitors are invited to partake in ad hoc tasting sessions at the centrally positioned copper bar, where an expert from the Rathfinny estate is always on hand.
A lasting memory
To take your experience home with you, the Cellar Door gift shop adjoins the Tasting Room where wines and spirits from the Rathfinny Estate can be purchased. Or if you’d rather not go home at all, the Flint Barns is a beautifully restored 10 roomed guest house situated in the Vineyard. With its own dining room and dedicated Chef, the Flint Barns make for a beautiful getaway that is both family and dog friendly.
Christmas at Rathfinny
We can’t think of a more idyllic festive location that the grounds of Rathfinny. This year, they are running two choices of festive menu, one at The Tasting Rooms and one in The Flint Barns. The Tasting Room’s are offering a 7-course festive tasting menu while The Flint Barns are offering a more stripped back 3-course menu . Visit their website for more information.
What next?
