Sussex
“Would you like a glass of Champagne, or a delicious glass of Sussex?”
Mark Driver, Co-Founder Rathfinny Estate
English Sparkling Wine has cemented itself as a high-quality drink, and Sussex is leading the way in redefining what English wine can be.
In 2022, Sussex officially achieved PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. That means strict rules on grape varieties (e.g. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier), production methods (traditional method sparkling only), and quality standards. It’s essentially a seal of approval, and it places Sussex alongside the world’s most respected wine regions.
A day trip to Sussex’s vineyards is an absolute joy. Expect rolling views, award-winning wine, and a gentle countryside escape that still gets you back in time for dinner in the city.
Here's the best part: On this day trip to Sussex you will also enjoy the breathtaking tranquility of the South Downs.
One day itinerary
Tour 1: bolney > everflyht > ridgeview
Start your journey around 8.00am from London Blackfriars or London Victoria to Haywards Heath (~50 minutes). From here take a 15 minute taxi to your first stop, Bolney Wine Estate. There will likely be taxis at the rank, but it would be prudent to pre-book given the early start.
Of course, you can also easily drive yourself between the three stops as there is plenty of parking at each.
Stop 1: have breakfast at bolney wine estate (9.30 am)
Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Ln, Bolney, Haywards Heath RH17 5NB
Arrive around 9:30am and start the day right with breakfast at Bolney Wine Estate, one of England’s most established vineyards.
If you enjoy a cooked breakfast you can prebook a table at The Eighteen Acre (their lovely restaurant overlooking the vines) where you can devour a full Bolney fry-up, or for something a little lighter try their Nordic open sandwiches. For a more casual start without a reservation, their new downstairs café offers a relaxed setting with pastries, cakes, and coffee.
Wherever you sit you can order one of their wine flights or build your own. My tip? Don’t leave without tasting the Bolney Cuvée Noir NV. It’s a sparkling red wine, and if that sounds unusual… it is! I wasn’t planning to try it on my first visit (I detest Lambrusco..), but the team gently insisted and I’m glad they did. Deep, juicy, and unexpected, it’s a brilliant curveball.
Feeling well-fed, it’s time to move on around 11.30am. Ask the team at Bolney to call a taxi if needed (or pre-book), and travel just 15 minutes by car to your next stop...
Stop 2: discover a rising star at Everflyht Vineyard (12 pm)
Everflyht Vineyard, Beacon Rd, Ditchling, Hassocks BN6 8XB
Arriving around 12pm to one of the exciting new stars on the English wine map, Everyflyht. They are focused on low-intervention, estate-grown sparkling wines and it’s a sleek and modern contrast to the traditional feel of other wineries in the area. Everything here is grown, made and aged on site to give a real sense of place.
After a tasting, its time for lunch. Take a taxi to your next stop
Stop 3: drink like a king at ridgeview (3 pm)
Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common, Fragbarrow Lane BN6 8TP
According to the Wine GB website, Ridgeview is regularly served at Buckingham Palace banquets and is the official sparkling wine at No. 10 Downing Street receptions, so we are already off to a great start! Ridgeview was also the first English vineyard I visited where the food was just as good as the wine. Whilst the venue has grown since my first visit, the quality on offer has remained the same and I recommend having a wine-inspired dinner here at The Rows and Vine restaurant (make a reservation for dinner).
To work up an appetite, or sober yourself up before heading home, you can take a free 45 minute audio tour through their vines and woodland to truly appreciate the terroir and ambience of this fine winery.
home time (6 pm)
To return home, take a taxi to Burgess Hill station where you will head back to London Blackfriars or Victoria, feeling fancy after your day in the Sussex countryside.