Nyetimber

Nyetimber was originally named in the Domesday Book in 1086, as Nitimbreha. The planting of the first vines in 1988, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes was the next milestone. Spread across several separate sites, our vines are perfectly suited to the greensand and chalk soils of Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Gentle south-facing slopes allow for the best possible exposure to the sun ensuring optimum level of ripeness before harvest. Nyetimber wines have achieved global acclaim, winning international awards and blind-tasting competitions.

Bolney Wine Estate

In 1972 owners and early pioneers of English Wine, Janet and Rodney Pratt planted three acres of vines to create what was then only the sixth commercial vineyard in England. The vines were re-planted in 2002-2005, being replaced when they reach 35-40 years of age.The first grape variety to be planted in, was Müller-Thurgau, a white grape varietal originating from Germany. Over the last 40 years, 9 different varieties of red and white grapes have been grown on the Estate which was reduced in 6 key varietals: Pinot Noir, Rondo, Dornfelder, Chardonnay, Bacchus, and Pinot Gris. The Estate specialises in producing premium red, white, rose and sparkling English wines. They have won numerous awards, in 2012, Bolney Wine Estate won UK Wine Producer of the Year in the International Wine and Spirit Competition. and Winery of the Year in 2017 at the UK Wine Awards.

Ridgeview

Ridgeview Winery is nestled in the beautiful, chalky soil of the South Downs. In 1995, Mike and Chris Roberts had a dream to create world class sparkling wine. 20 years later and a production of a quarter of a million bottles, Ridgeview has celebrated some amazing accomplishments culminating in the trophy for ‘Best Sparkling Wine in the World, Decanter 2010’. Ridgeview wines are served at Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.

Grapes

In the 20th century the cooler climate restricted the varieties of grape that could grow in Sussex to a range of Germanic varieties. The region has a warm climate and soil types similar to the Champagne district, which lies on the 49th parallel north, while the Sussex Weald lies on the 51st parallel north. Sussex has many south-facing slopes, which are suitable for growing the grape varieties found in Champagne, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Terroir

Climate change has also impacted the climate of Sussex. 14 out of the 15 warmest summers on record have been in the 21st century. The cooler evenings and cool evening sea breezes in Sussex allow the grapes to develop high levels of natural acidity when fully ripe and allows for a longer growing season and harvest in October. Sussex's maritime climate is recognised as one of the sunniest and warmest areas in England. Sussex vines grow on a diverse range of soil types, including the iconic chalk of the South Downs providing ideal free draining soils for viticulture. The combination of soil, climate creates ideal conditions to produce quality sparkling wine.

History

Wine has been produced in Sussex for around 2000 years either by the late Iron Age tribes or by the Romans. Vineyards in England produced significant amounts of wine in the 12th and early 13th centuries. However this came to an end in the 13th and 14th centuries as the Medieval Warm Period began to end, the Black Death reduced the workforce, and cheap wine was increasingly imported from Gascony. By 1275 the vineyard at Battle Abbey had ceased wine production. It was not until the early 1970s when commercial winegrowing re-emerged and Peter Hall planted his vineyard at Breaky Bottom on the South Downs near Lewes. At that time there were only a dozen or so growers in England.

Sussex Wine Adventures

When considering an overnight tour in Sussex the key consideration is to visit Brighton Pavilion and possibly walk through the Lanes if you love antiques. We can pick you up in London, meet you at the station or a hotel in Brighton where you can walk along the famous Piers and whistle “Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside”.

Multi Region Journeys

Cultural Options

Pashley Manor Gardens The original house at Pashley was on the moated island and was probably a hunting lodge. This house was owned at the outset of the Wars of the Roses by Sir Geoffrey Boleyn, Lord Mayor of London in 1457 and great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn. Today the 1550 house retains its Tudor front and has a Georgian addition at the back, which acts as a backdrop to the gardens and is covered with a magnificent wisteria.

Brighton Pavilion The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is a Grade I listed former royal residence located in Brighton, England. Beginning in 1787, it was built in three stages as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811, and King George IV in 1820.