Sussex vineyards optimistic for a good 2026 vintage

Rathfinny Wine Estate - credit Rosie Powell

Like the rest of the UK, Sussex has had a summer of exceptional heat, sunshine and prolonged drought, following a relatively unsettled start in June, writes Nick Mosley.

So far, July and August have been the defining months, bringing record-breaking dryness across southern England and severe pressure on the county's water resources, with seemingly no respite on the horizon.

The National Farmers Union has warned that drought and extreme weather are making food production more costly and putting pressure on the UK's food security, raising the prospect of higher prices and shortages if poor harvests reduce domestic supplies.

Sussex farmers irrigate commercial crops using a mixture of licensed water abstracted from rivers and underground aquifers, supplemented by water stored in farm reservoirs during wetter months. With no significant rainfall for months, crop yields are considerably down meaning less grain, fruit and vegetables not just for the human supply chain but also for animal feed for the winter.

However one agricultural sector in Sussex – vineyards – report that so far this summer they are weathering the drought. The county's chalky soils and relatively dry climate are advantageous for grapes. Grapevines thrive on sunshine and moderate water stress, which can produce smaller, more concentrated grapes while dry conditions suppress fungal disease.

“Being so close to the sea, Rathfinny benefits from a moderating coastal influence, while our chalk soils are helping the vines cope remarkably well with the dry conditions”, said David Andrews, vineyard manager at Rathfinny Estate in Afriston, East Sussex.

“On the higher slopes, vine roots are reaching deep into the chalk beneath the surface. Chalk acts as a natural reservoir, storing water and releasing it gradually, which has helped sustain the vines through a prolonged dry spell”.

“Sunny days and warm, steady temperatures have also created favourable growing conditions. As a result, the vines have continued to develop well, producing healthy fruit while maintaining good balance."

Marcus Rayner-Ward winemaker at Wiston Estate

Over in West Sussex, Marcus Rayner-Ward – head winemaker at Wiston Estate near Washington – is quietly confident that 2026 will provide a good vintage.

“If this warm weather continues, it means that we can achieve some exceptional ripeness”, said Marcus.

“This will provide us with superb grapes to make our award winning sparkling wines from. It also means that we can produce more of our increasingly popular still wines. All this sun means increased sugar levels and flavour compounds”.

Despite the ongoing sunshine and dry conditions, some Sussex vineyards did experience a challenging start to the year with late frosts in April and May.

Oxney Estate champion organic wines

“We had a bit of a curveball this spring as we were hit by the frost”, said Kristin Syltevik from Oxney Organic Estate near Rye.

“The vines recovered and reshooted but there’s not been the same level of fruit as usual. However our vines are loving this weather. We are on silt top soil and clay sub soil and they are getting through to the water”.

If conditions remain similar in the run up to harvest, Kristin says it points to a low-yield but superb quality 2026.

Although for some vineyards an earlier harvest appears likely, the picture is mixed depending on localised microclimates, soil substrate and the age and root-depth of the vines.

“Current forecasts suggest we'll begin picking our earliest varieties around 6-7 September, with the main harvest expected between 19 and 25 September”, said David at Rathfinny Estate.

“This harvest is looking like it will be the same time as last, despite the hot and dry weather, as we have a larger crop”.

“Over the coming weeks, our focus is on achieving the right balance of ripeness, freshness and flavour. Sugar levels are developing well, but it's still too early to know exactly how the dry conditions will influence berry size. That picture will become clearer as harvest approaches”.

Roebuck Estates bar at the Royal Pavilion

This month provides the perfect opportunity to explore Sussex’s vineyards with many offering daily cellar door sales and tastings, alongside special events.

Bolney Wine Estate’s tour and tasting – including paired local cheeses – starts at £30 per person. Oxney Organic Estate is co-ordinating the Rother Wine Triangle vineyard tour every Sunday with visits to three of their neighbours and lunch for £130 per person.

Both Wiston Estate and Rathfinny Estate are open daily with an extensive choice of winery and vineyard tours, alongside on-site restaurants and accommodation.

Roebuck Estates near Petworth in East Sussex have tours and tastings every weekend at their Tillington vineyard and also have a pop-up Roebuck wine bar alongside the Royal Pavilion shop in central Brighton with collaborations planned with English’s of Brighton restaurant.