At Historic Sussex Hotels, we've been championing local wine producers for over three decades, with more than 64 English wines currently listed across our properties. Every six months we carefully select a different Sussex sparkling wine to pour by the glass to showcase the very best of our local winelands.
Our hotels sit, quite literally, at the heart of the Sussex winelands, giving our guests the perfect base to explore some of the finest vineyards in the county. Here are six of our favourites.
1. Nyetimber: West Chiltington, West Sussex
Nyetimber is located in the hamlet of West Chiltington, nestled in the middle of Sussex, equidistant from our three hotels, and is known for producing world-class sparkling wines.
Crowned Champion Sparkling Wine at the International Wine Challenge in 2025. The estate dates back to 1086, with open day tours running across the warmer months, guiding guests through the historic vineyards on a two-and-a-half-hour experience that includes a guided tasting of the celebrated cuvées, Classic Cuvee, Rosé, Cuvee Chérie and Blanc de Blancs, all poured in an extraordinary 15th-century barn.
From April, Nyetimber is our chosen Sussex wine by the glass across our hotels, spas and restaurants. There's simply no better way to begin an evening than with a glass of the world's finest English sparkling wine.
2. Rathfinny Wine Estate: Alfriston, East Sussex
Set in the South Downs just three miles from the English Channel, Rathfinny is one of Sussex's most ambitious estates.
Founded by Mark and Sarah Driver in 2010, the 93-hectare vineyard specialises in vintage-only Sussex sparkling wines: Blanc de Noirs, Blanc de Blancs, Rosé and Classic Cuvée, all made using traditional methods from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
The setting is spectacular, the views over the Cuckmere Valley even more so.
3. Bolney Wine Estate: Bolney, West Sussex
Bolney has been cultivating vines since 1972. Set in the small village of Bolney in the heart of rural West Sussex with glorious views of the South Downs, it produces an impressive range of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
The estate runs vineyard tours and events throughout the year, and the on-site Eighteen Acre Café serves locally sourced food alongside their wines.
Our guests can enjoy a guided Nordic walk from Ockenden Manor through the Sussex countryside to arrive amidst the vines for a tour and tasting.
4. Ridgeview Wine Estate: Ditchling, East Sussex
Ridgeview has been at the forefront of English sparkling wine since 1995.
Cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier across the chalky hills of the South Downs near Ditchling, it has claimed multiple World's Best Bottle awards for its Blanc de Blancs and has been recognised internationally.
Tours run through the beautiful vineyard landscape before finishing with a tasting. For guests staying at Ockenden Manor, Ridgeview is a particularly easy half-day excursion.
5. Artelium Wine Estate: Streat, East Sussex
Artelium is a boutique estate in the heart of East Sussex creating exceptional English still and sparkling wines. The estate farms two vineyard sites across 65 acres, growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris.
The estate features a sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions. Guided vineyard tours and tastings run over an hour and a half, taking in the vines, the story of modern English wine, and a tasting of both still and sparkling wines.
Well-behaved dogs are very welcome, making it a wonderful outing for four-legged members of the family too.
6. Tinwood Estate: Chichester, West Sussex
Tucked into the West Sussex countryside near Chichester, Tinwood started in 2007 and has quietly built a reputation for some of the highest quality English sparkling wines in the county, with a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The vineyard's location close to Chichester also makes it a natural companion to a stay at Bailiffscourt in nearby Climping.
Tinwood is dog-friendly and you may even find yourself greeted by their own resident Labrador vineyard dogs roaming the estate.
Taste Sussex from Our Table
This April, we're excited to pour Nyetimber as our featured Sussex winery, available by the glass across Bailiffscourt, Ockenden Manor and The Spread Eagle. It's the perfect way to begin a dinner, celebrate a moment, or simply raise a glass.
Whether you're planning a vineyard tour or looking to explore Sussex wine from the comfort of our restaurants and bars, we'd love to help make it a memorable experience.
