Sussex vineyards celebrate English Wine Week 2026
- Nick Mosley
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
With English Wine Week starting on Friday 19 June, Nick Mosley talks to Sussex vineyards about what’s in store for wine lovers.
It’s hard to believe the exponential growth of the English – and Welsh – wine industry in the past 20 years or so. In our small corner of England, there are now over 140 commercial vineyards growing grapes across Sussex, and around 40 wineries where those sweet, juicy grapes are turned into both sparkling and still wines.
Although the south of England is still regarded as a cool-climate growing region – and our production is tiny compared to our neighbours in France – the combination of soil substrates, south facing slopes and microclimate make it perfect for growing not only the classic sparkling grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier but also Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and Seyval Blanc.
Not long ago, English wine was regarded as quirky and approached by consumers, hospitality and retailers with intrigue and trepidation. That’s definitely changed with home grown wines now on the shelves of every supermarket and the wine lists of most restaurant multiples, not just independents. Internationally, our wines are garnering serious global recognition at major awards and also export markets, notably Scandinavia and the US.
To shine a spotlight on UK wines, WineGB – the trade association for the industry – co-ordinates the annual English Wine Week every June, with the aim to engage consumers, drive sales and generally celebrate local wines. Vineyards throw open their doors for events and tastings, and collaborate with the hospitality sector for paired dinners.
Danny Edwards champions wine tourism in Sussex through his Great British Wine Tours, delivering consumers directly to local vineyards each week on a vintage Routemaster bus.
“English Wine Week celebrates the UK’s fastest growing agricultural industry”, said Danny. “Sussex has the highest number of vineyards in the UK and is second only to Kent for land under vine. That is something truly worth celebrating”.
One of the vineyards that Danny visits regularly is Bolney Wine Estate that was established in 1972 and has since grown to become of the country’s largest and most recognised producers.
"English Wine Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate not only the wines we produce here in Sussex, but the people, produce and experiences that make this region so special," said Bolney's winemaker Miguel Symington. "We're looking forward to welcoming guests to the estate and sharing the passion, craftsmanship and innovation that go into every bottle.”
Simon Woodhead, founder and winemaker at Stopham Vineyard near Pulborough, agrees.
“The week is all about creating new traditions. Stopham Vineyard is proud to be part of English Wine Week, joining other producers in showcasing the amazing wines we produce here in Sussex. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to visit, taste and learn more about English wine and support the community.”
Here are some of the highlights of English Wine Week – running Friday 19 to Sunday 28 June – on our doorstep in Sussex.
Stopham Vineyard wine dinner at Lost in the Lanes, Brighton
Friday 19 June, 6.30pm
Stopham are partnering with their friends at Lost in the Lanes for a special evening in both English Wine Week and the Bite Brighton Oyster Festival. Expect exquisite flavours and beautifully curated plates from the talented culinary team at Lost perfectly paired with fruity, aromatic Stopham wines.
£75pp including a flight of four wines • www.lostinthelanes.com
Music in the Vines at Roebuck Estates, Tillington
Saturday 27 June, 2-6pm
Roebuck Estates are hosting a relaxed afternoon of live music and award-winning sparkling wine among the vines. Singer-songwriter Alice Milburn brings her signature blend of soul, pop, jazz and blues to Roebuck's tipi. Tickets include a glass of Classic Cuvée, a guided vineyard tour and artisan grazing boards.
£50pp • www.roebuckestates.co.uk
An Indian Feast at Bauji, Worthing, with Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston
Wednesday 24 June, with tables available from 5-10.30pm
Join the team from Rathfinny Wine Estate for an evening of Indian food and Sussex sparkling wine at Worthing’s new dining spot Bauji. Experience four of Rathfinny’s award-winning wines alongside a generous spread of modern Indian dishes from acclaimed chef Dayashankar Sharma.
£58pp for six dishes, four sides and four glasses of Rathfinny sparkling wine • www.bauji.co.uk
Great British Wine Tours
Great British Wine Tours and Gatwick Airport are hosting a five day English Wine Week showcase with Bolney Wine Estate and Everflyht Vineyards. Airport passengers can sample at two tasting stands, pick up a Sussex wine passport and hop on a Routemaster shuttle bus to Bolney Wine Estate to promote wine tourism to national and international travellers, particularly highlighting the accessibility of the Sussex wine region. Wine lovers can also join their regular vintage bus wine tour every Saturday from Brighton.
Chef’s Dining and Blending Experience at Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney
Various tastes throughout English Wine Week
The celebrations begin on Friday 19 June with a six-course Chef's Dining Experience (£120pp), where guests can enjoy seasonal Sussex produce expertly paired with Bolney wines. The following evening, visitors can soak up vineyard views during a Summer Sunset Evening (£15pp including a welcome drink) featuring live acoustic music, seasonal small plates and sparkling wine served as the sun sets over the vines. Wine enthusiasts can also step behind the scenes on Saturday 27 June for a hands-on Blending Experience masterclass where participants create their own Chardonnay and Pinot Gris blend alongside Bolney's winemaking team (£60pp).
Summer Festival at Kinsbrook Vineyard, Thakeham
Saturday 27 June, 1-9pm and Sunday 28 June, 11am-7pm
Kinsbrook’s Summer Festival returns on the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June. Expect live musicians, DJs, great food – including Happy Go Souvlaki, The Filled Churros and Manjula Vegan – plus family-friendly activities and plenty of wine in the Sussex sunshine.
£30.50pp • www.kinsbrookvineyard.com
Summer Celebration in the Vines at Wiston Estate, Washington
Saturday 27 June, 12 noon-11pm
Spend a full day in the vineyard enjoying great food, Wiston wines, live music and a relaxed summer atmosphere among the vines. Enjoy musical performances throughout the day and food from a selection of carefully picked vendors. Alongside Wiston sparkling wine, there will also be a fully stocked bar throughout the event.
£45pp including a glass of Wiston sparkling wine on arrival • www.wistonestate.com
Live Music at Charles Palmer Vineyards, Winchelsea
Saturday 27 June, 4-6pm
Great wine, food, company and outstanding live music are promised at Charles Palmer Vineyards during English Wine Week. From foot-stomping folk to heartfelt ballads to historical commentary and storytelling, singer and musician Nick Lawrence draws from the well of traditional and contemporary folk to compose his songs. Tonio’s food truck will be serving up authentic Napoletana pizza and, of course, you can swing by the vineyard’s cellar door to try and buy their still and sparkling wines.
Find out more about English Wine Week and WineGB at https://winegb.co.uk
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