Sussex Sparkling Wines to Try This Summer

English Wine Week has just wrapped up for 2026, running from 20 to 28 June, but the celebration of Sussex's incredible vineyards continues all summer long. Since gaining its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2022, Sussex has firmly established itself as a world-class wine region. With 138 vineyards nestled across the chalky soils and rolling hills of the South Downs, the local climate provides the perfect conditions for producing exceptional traditional-method sparkling wines. If you are looking to explore the local wine scene, several key estates offer fantastic tasting rooms and tours just a short drive from Brighton.

In Ditchling, Ridgeview Wine Estate has been producing sparkling wine since 1995. Located under the South Downs Ridge, they offer a Classic Tour & Wine Tasting for £35 per person, which includes a guided tour of the vines and winery followed by a tasting. Alternatively, you can opt for 'A Taste of Ridgeview', a 30 to 45-minute tasting of six wines for £20 per person. The estate features The Rows & Vine restaurant, an outdoor terrace, and a wine shop, opening from Wednesday to Sunday starting at 10:30. Further east near Alfriston, Rathfinny Wine Estate is a family-owned, B Corp certified vineyard established in 2010. They host vineyard tours from March to September, and their Tasting Room Restaurant serves seasonal menus with panoramic views.

Another great option is Albourne Estate, a boutique family venture established in 2010 by Alison Nightingale. Located in Albourne, they are known for their still and sparkling wines as well as English vermouth. They offer a vineyard tour with a wine and Sussex cheese tasting on Saturdays and Sundays for £32 per person, alongside a self-guided vineyard trail and a picnic area. Meanwhile, Artelium Wine Estate in Streat offers a contemporary experience combining wine with a sculpture garden. Their tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday, providing a relaxed space to enjoy their latest releases.

If you prefer to stay closer to the coast, several Brighton establishments have been showcasing these local producers. English's of Brighton has been pairing fresh oysters with Rathfinny sparkling wine, while terre à terre has featured dedicated Sussex wine pairings. Over at Rockwater, you can grab fish and chips paired with Wiston’s Blanc de Blancs until 5 July 2026. Whether you decide to head out into the South Downs for a cellar-door tasting or pull up a chair at a seafront venue, there are plenty of ways to sample the best sparkling wines Sussex has to offer this season.