Tucked away in the charming historic town of Arundel, West Sussex, Digby Fine English is an absolute must-visit for sparkling wine lovers. Not only does it produce some of England’s finest bubbles, but it also boasts the only high street tasting room in the country—making it a truly unique spot for wine tasting!
I popped in last summer and was completely blown away. The relaxed yet stylish space, the warm welcome, and, of course, the exceptional award-winning English sparkling wines made it a visit to remember. If you love a good glass of bubbly and a touch of history, Digby Fine English is your place!
A bit of history – Who was Digby?
Did you know that Sir Kenelm Digby, the brand’s namesake, is the reason we can even enjoy sparkling wine today? He actually invented the modern sparkling wine bottle—so without him, those celebratory bubbles might not be the same!
Founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs Trevor Clough and Jason Humphries, Digby Fine English operates as a négociant-style winery. Instead of owning vineyards, they source the best grapes from select growers across Southern England. This means they can focus on blending the finest fruit to create exceptional quality sparkling wines that showcase the best of English terroir.
A tasting room like no other
Location: 55-57 High Street, Arundel, BN18 9AJ
Opening Times:
- Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Top tip: Always check their website or give them a quick call before visiting, just in case there are any changes.
Unlike most wineries, Digby’s Tasting Room is right in the heart of Arundel, making it super accessible as part of a day out exploring the town. Whether you’re strolling through Arundel Castle, browsing the cute independent shops, or enjoying the South Downs countryside, popping into Digby for a glass of bubbly is a must!
- Getting There: Arundel train station is just a 15-minute walk away.
- Driving? There are plenty of local car parks nearby.
While the tasting room is in an old historic building and has a few steps at the entrance, they set up outdoor seating in the summer, making it more wheelchair-friendly when the weather is good!
Which wines should you try?
Every glass at Digby tells a story, but if you’re wondering where to start, here are my top picks:
- 2014 Vintage Reserve Brut – A beautifully balanced wine, rich yet fresh, from an outstanding English vintage. Perfect for special occasions!
- 2013 Blanc de Blancs Brut – A 100% Chardonnay sparkler with elegant citrus and brioche notes. Classic and refined.
- 2018 Vintage Rosé – A vibrant rosé packed with English summer fruit flavours. Ideal for celebrating life’s little (or big!) moments.
- Leander Pink NV Brut – A consistently delicious non-vintage rosé, plus every bottle sold supports young athletes at the Leander Rowing Club. Tastes great AND does good!
Why you should visit
If you love English sparkling wine, Digby offers a fun and welcoming way to explore it. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious to learn more, their Tasting Room provides the perfect setting. So, if you find yourself in Arundel, make sure to stop by, sip, and soak up the history—after all, sparkling wine tastes even better when you know the story behind it!
Emma Hodges is an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant and named #59 Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks in 2024. You can find out more about her at EmmasWineTime.
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