Vineyard culture in Sussex is a thing. A really sublime thing. And there are some big names leading the charge when it comes to creating vineyard experiences that both match and surpass those you might enjoy in amongst the vines of France. And the Rows & Vine restaurant and bar at the Ridgeview Estate is one of those at the head of that charge.
If you don’t know it, Ridgeview is a family-run vineyard just north of Ditchling. They first planted vines here in 1995 and have been producing world-class English sparkling wine ever since. Their focus is on quality and sustainability and they offer a number of different vineyard and tasting experiences, to which you can now add Rows & Vine.
Rows & Vine
Ridgeview describes the vision behind the new bar and restaurant, which opened in 2022, as,
“We wanted to create somewhere that totally transports you. Not simply a restaurant or a bar, but a unique English wine experience. It’s all about the beauty of an alfresco space where you are outside amongst it all, sharing the magic of winemaking at Ridgeview.”
With the vines and the South Downs in front of you, the winery to your left and a small, wooded copse to your right, you do feel seamlessly integrated into the surroundings. The bar and restaurant have a very stylish vibe with an open bar area with a flint stone wall, outdoor seating under covered pavilions and a rooftop terrace.
All the trimmings are on hand too including blankets and heated seats and as you sip on a glass of something special, like Ridgeview’s award-winning Blanc de Blanc, the beauty and peace and quiet of your surroundings quite literally soothes your soul. And breathe.
The menu
Expect seasonal, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients and small plates designed for sharing and pairing with Ridgeview’s sparkling wines.
Does anything feel more delightfully decadent and inherently good than fresh Newhaven oysters and a glass of Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury NV? Or what about a board (or two) of Sussex charcuterie and cheese accompanied perhaps by bruschetta and Sussex “halloumi” style, fennel, pak choi, and apple? These are little pocket-sized moments to savour and remember. Sussex life is good and Ridgeview has just made it better.
You can find out more and book here: Ridgeview
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