Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Sussex Vineyards
Our top picks
Sussex Vineyards - Tours, Tastings and Award-Winning Wines
Sussex vineyards are having a truly exciting moment. Once a hidden gem, the region is now home to world-recognised estates and award-winning winemakers producing wines that rival the very best globally. Sparkling wines from Sussex are celebrated on the international stage, with Nyetimber crowned the best sparkling wine in the world in 2025, while a new wave of smaller vineyards like The Secret Vineyard bring creativity, character, and passion to every bottle. From elegant still wines to Champagne-challenging sparklings, Sussex has firmly established itself as one of the most dynamic wine regions today.
Discover the charm of Leonardslee Family Vineyards, a captivating Sussex estate renowned for its immersive wine experiences. Sample their exceptional wines and delve into the art of winemaking against a backdrop of scenic vineyards. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Leonardslee hosts diverse wine events. Enjoy picnics amidst the vineyards or join their exclusive wine club for year-round access. With a commitment to elegant, expressive wines that showcase Sussex’s unique terroir, Leonardslee invites you to indulge in delightful tastings and immerse yourself in the essence of this prestigious vineyard.
Discover the charm of The Secret Vineyard, a new Sussex vineyard that offers an enchanting escape. Immerse yourself in their wine-focused events, from vineyard tours to retreats, where you can savour their exceptional wines.
Extend your experience and stay in their elegant accommodations, surrounded by the vineyard’s beauty, take your pick from the stylish ÖÖD House on the lake, the cosy country cottage or the eco shepherd’s hut on ancient woodland.
Gusbourne | Kent Vineyard
Gusbourne Wine, renowned for their exceptional English sparkling wines, presents an exquisite selection that captures the essence of the Kent countryside. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Gusbourne produces wines of unparalleled elegance and complexity. From their flagship Brut Reserve to their vibrant Rosé, each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and terroir. Immerse yourself in their world by embarking on one of their enlightening vineyard tours, where you can witness the winemaking process firsthand and discover the secrets behind their acclaimed wines. Delight in the sparkling beauty of Gusbourne and experience the artistry of English winemaking.
Albourne Wine Estate, a captivating winery positioned in the scenic Sussex countryside just 8 miles from Brighton. Explore their vineyards and cellar during their engaging wine tours, picnics or supper clubs, where you can learn about their sustainable winemaking practices and taste their exceptional wines. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Albourne Estate prioritises organic and biodynamic methods to create Sussex wines that are a true reflection of the terroir. Join their wine club to savour their latest releases and exclusive offerings, becoming a part of their passionate community of wine enthusiasts. Discover the beauty of Albourne Wine Estate and indulge in their remarkable wines. The Albourne Tasting Room is open every Friday (4pm – 9pm) Saturday (11am – 6pm) & Sunday (11am – 5pm)
Nyetimber | West Sussex Vineyards
Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine, crafted in the scenic Sussex vineyards, epitomises excellence in English winemaking. With a passion for producing world-class sparkling wines, Nyetimber has established itself as a leader in the industry. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality result in exquisite bottles that rival the finest Champagnes. From their classic cuvées to their limited-edition releases, Nyetimber offers a taste of luxury in every sip. Embark on a journey through the vineyards of Sussex with Nyetimber, where tradition, expertise, and a passion for exceptional sparkling wines converge. Read about the Nyetimber experiences.
Stopham, Pulborough Vineyard
Experience the rustic charm of Stopham Vineyard in Pulborough. With their passion for winemaking, Stopham produces exceptional wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
Embark on a captivating vineyard tour, where you can stroll through the vine rows, learn about their sustainable practices, and witness the winemaking process.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the vineyard, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. To enhance your visit, make sure to book a tour in advance through their website or check out their portfolio of wines online.
Wiston Estate Winery
Located at Washington in West Sussex, Wiston Estate Winery is a captivating destination that combines exceptional wines, exquisite dining, and a rich heritage. Explore their story, rooted in family tradition and a deep connection to the land. Embark on their enlightening wine tours, where you can discover the winemaking process and taste their award-winning sparkling wines. Indulge in a culinary journey at The Chalk restaurant, showcasing the finest local ingredients paired with Wiston’s exceptional wines. From vine to glass, Wiston Estate Winery offers a complete experience that celebrates the artistry of winemaking and the beauty of the Sussex countryside.
One of our stand-out Sussex vineyards on the South Downs, Rathfinny Wine Estate is a family owned Sussex wine estate and is perfectly positioned on south facing slopes. With their exceptional Sussex wines (and gin and vermouth) produced from their own vineyards, visitors can indulge in wine tastings that showcase the estate’s craftsmanship and learn more about their B Corp status, low-intervention techniques and their terroir. For those seeking a complete getaway, Rathfinny Flint Barns provide a luxurious overnight stay amidst the stunning vineyards in Cradle Valley, offering a tranquil retreat. To complement the wine experience, their on-site Michelin featured Sussex restaurant ‘The Tasting Room’ serves delectable dishes from head chef Chris Bailey paired with their wines, creating a seamless gastronomic journey.
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Sussex vineyards have earned global recognition thanks to their unique terroir. The region’s chalky soils, rolling hills, and mild climate closely mirror those of Champagne, creating ideal conditions for world-class sparkling wines. This combination has helped Sussex become a leading UK wine region.
Nyetimber is the jewel of Sussex wine, producing award-winning sparkling wines that consistently rival Champagne. In 2025, Nyetimber was crowned Best Sparkling Wine in the World at the International Wine Challenge (IWC). Their head winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, has also been named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. Nyetimber wines are enjoyed by royalty and served at prestigious events around the globe, cementing Sussex’s place on the international wine stage.
Sussex is home to a wide variety of vineyards, each with their own style and character. Here are some of the most celebrated:
Nyetimber – Globally award-winning sparkling, elegant and refined.
Rathfinny Wine Estate – One of the largest single estates, with premium sparkling and panoramic views.
Albourne Estate – Known for innovation, producing both still and sparkling wines with food-friendly finesse.
The Secret Vineyard – A hidden gem offering intimate tours and tastings.
Bolney Wine Estate – One of the oldest in Sussex, producing bold reds alongside sparkling.
Wiston Estate – Family-run, producing award-winning sparkling wines with a strong sense of heritage.
Tinwood Estate – Crisp sparkling wines, stylish tasting room, and on-site lodges.
Bluebell Vineyard – Famous for its fresh sparkling wines and scenic walking trails.
Breaky Bottom – A boutique vineyard producing small-batch sparkling wines with character.
Oxney Organic Estate – The UK’s largest organic vineyard, producing natural, sustainable wines.
While sparkling wine is the standout, thanks to the chalk and clay terroir, Sussex also produces excellent still wines, including crisp whites and fruity rosés. Some estates also make lighter reds, increasingly gaining attention for their quality.
The terroir in Sussex is unique: chalky soils in the South Downs reflect sunlight and drain well, while clay soils in other areas create rounder, fruitier wines. Combined with the relatively cool climate, these conditions give Sussex wines their distinct freshness, elegance, and complexity.
Yes. Most vineyards welcome visitors for Sussex wine tastings, tours, and even full dining experiences. Many estates also host special events, pairing local produce with their wines. Visiting Sussex vineyards is not just about wine—it’s about discovering the countryside, hospitality, and stories behind the bottles.
Sussex sparkling wines are now recognised as serious contenders to Champagne. The region’s terroir is almost identical, and international competitions have consistently placed Sussex wines among the best in the world.
