Exploring the stories, soil and sparkle behind Sussex wine and vines.
As English Wine Week unfolds (better known here as Sussex Wine Week), there’s no better place to raise a glass than right here in Sussex. With the gentle south facing slopes of the South Downs, coastal breezes and chalk-rich soil, in recent years, Sussex has become a leading light in English viticulture, so much so, the Sussex wine scene has been dubbed Sussex Winelands and has gained an international reputation for excellence.
But the story of our Sussex success is about more than just terroir – it’s about people, passion and a history of wine production that dates back well over a thousand years. So here is to sipping your way through Sussex wine, one day at a time.
Monday: What makes Sussex sparkle?
It starts with the soil. Sussex shares the same chalk seam as Champagne, creating the perfect conditions for traditional method sparkling wines. The South Downs also offer a unique microclimate that shields vineyards from frost while allowing grapes to ripen slowly and retain crisp acidity, never more so than in the last decade or two during which the Sussex climate has gradually become warmer. Think back 15 years and there were very few Sussex vineyards.
Now, however, Sussex is home to over 135 vineyards, many of which are award-winning, and there is also now an increasing demand for vineyards from a number of renowned French wine makers looking to cash in on the fantastic Sussex conditions. Sussex wine even has its own PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, like Champagne, meaning that the PDO wines must be produced exclusively from grapes grown in Sussex and the winemaking process, including the traditional method, must occur within the county.
Jonica and Gerard Fox of Fox & Fox Vineyard were some of the early pioneers of Sussex wine, focussing on producing best in class sparkling wine at a time when Sussex wine was still vey much in its infancy.
For the full interview with Jonica:
Tuesday: Meet the makers
Behind every bottle is a story. From family-run estates like Oastbrook Estate Vineyard to the grandeur of Rathfinny or the innovation at Kinsbrook, Sussex is full of people who are reshaping the English wine landscape. Many are pioneers, some are second-generation growers and others have made the leap from entirely different careers, drawn by the promise of the vine.
The Oastbrook Estate Vineyard story
Oastbrook Wine Estate near Bodiam in East Sussex has been voted one of the best wineries in Europe and is recommended as one of the best vineyard tours in England. It’s owned and run by Nick and America Brewer with America at the helm.
From the start, they made a bold decision: to focus more on still wines than sparkling. They chose Burgundian clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Alsatian clones of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. One of the standout additions of the vineyard? A charming, round-doored lodge once known fondly as “The Hobbit House.”
For the full interview with Nick:
Wednesday: Sussex wine with food
Sussex wine shines with food. Try a local goat’s cheese (think Golden Cross or Nut Knowle) with a crisp Nutbourne Bacchus or serve Sussex sparkling alongside classic fish and chips. Better yet, build a picnic hamper with local charcuterie, sourdough and a Sussex still wine like an Albourne rosé. Many local vineyards also now partner with restaurants and pop-up chefs to showcase regional pairings.
Serving suggestions for two Plumpton wines
Plumpton College Wine Division could fairly be described as the central hub of nearly all things Sussex wine. Many of the current Sussex producers learnt or honed their craft at Plumpton and the college produces some outstanding wines in their own right.
Plumpton Estate Bacchus Reserve: has an uplifting acidity with its intriguing flavour profile and long, lingering finish. The unique flavour profile of dried apricots, honeysuckle and snowball melon bring beautiful complexity combined with a soft, creamy palette. With its remarkable depth of flavour, Plumpton Estate Bacchus Reserve is an expressive English white wine which can confidently be enjoyed alone thanks to its nuanced flavour. This fresh, fragrant wine also complements summer dishes such as grilled chicken, poached cod or a Mediterranean style salad.
The award-winning Plumpton Estate Brut Rosé: has a superb marriage of freshness and finesse with its dry, crisp acidity and persistent mouse. This irresistible sparkling rose has light, fruity notes of white peach and strawberry combined with a creamy brioche roundness. Is delicious as an aperitif. This dry sparkling rosé is particularly delectable paired with seafood (crab and oysters), smoked salmon and chocolate desserts with forest fruits or raspberries.
Thursday: Sustainability in the vines
Many Sussex vineyards are also leading the charge in sustainable winemaking. From solar-powered wineries to regenerative agriculture and bee-friendly planting, the focus is on working with nature, not against it. Places like Oxney Organic Estate and Roebuck are setting a high bar for environmental stewardship. It’s not just about going green. It’s about creating wines with a true sense of place.
The Roebuck story
Located close to the pretty market town of Petworth in West Sussex, Roebuck Estates was established in 2013 by two friends who shared a passion for great wine and had a clear vision: “to craft exceptional vintage sparkling wines every single year using estate-grown fruit from the finest vineyard sites”. To achieve their goal, they knew they would have to grow the very best grapes from the finest vineyard sites in England. So, in 2013 they purchased their first parcel of land in West Sussex and Roebuck Estates was born.
The name: They share their name with wild deer often seen roaming in their beautiful surroundings. Like the roe deer itself, they aim to leave only the lightest footprint on the environment.
Friday: A Sussex wine itinerary or two
Ready to explore? Why not try one of our wine itineraries:
Saturday: A few things you might not know
- The Romans planted vines in Sussex and there may have been vines in Sussex even earlier than that. Certainly by the time of the Norman conquest, a number of vineyards were recorded in the Domesday book.
- Our wine from Sussex has been served at royal banquets (Ridgeview and Stopham).
- The smallest vineyard in Sussex was recorded as having just two grape vines.
Wine might feel new to the region, but it’s woven into Sussex’s past, present and increasingly, its future.
Sunday: The future is sparkling
Whether you’re a connoisseur or curious first-timer, English Wine Week is the perfect time to explore the stories and bottles that make Sussex wine so special. So here’s our challenge to you, treat yourself to a bottle of Sussex wine: one that you have never tried before. Then sniff, slurp, sip and savour something uniquely Sussex. Cheers to Sussex Wine Week.
So this week, sip slow, explore widely, and toast to something homegrown.
