Wine trail launch puts Wealden vineyards on the map

The exciting initiative aims to raise awareness of Wealden’s vineyards, invites visitors to embark on a journey through the new Explore Wealden Wine Trail by visiting award-winning Sussex vineyards, offering wine tastings and picnics, vineyard tours, nature trails and special events.

Residents are encouraged to explore the vibrant viticulture scene, which has attracted significant attention in recent years with its production of premium-quality still and sparkling wines – gaining praise both domestically and internationally.

From the larger wine estates to smaller hidden gems, the trail has something for everyone. It celebrates the people, places and passion behind every bottle. The project aims to improve pride in place, invest in communities and support local businesses.

Each vineyard offers the opportunity to explore the art and science of winemaking while visitors can enjoy informal guided walks through the vines and wineries – often meeting the wine-makers and vineyard owners en route.

The Wealden vineyards taking part have consistently won awards for their wines from international competitions.

Vineyards taking part include Tickerage Winery in Blackboys near Uckfield, which offers intimate tours; Hidden Spring Vineyard in Horam, which runs bookable tutored tastings in its purpose-built Tasting Room; and Beacon Down Vineyard near Heathfield, which provides five-star rated tours and picnics with breathtaking views to the south coast.

Also taking part are the historic Mousehall Estate – between Wadhurst and Mayfield – which boasts one of the first distilleries in a winery in the UK and welcomes visitors for pre-booked wine and gin tastings and wheelchair-friendly distillery tours.  For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, some vineyards offer self-guided walks such as Bluebell Vineyard Estate, which offers three self-guided trails allowing visitors to enjoy views of the vines, woodlands, and ponds.

All the vineyards on the trail offer food choices, enabling visitors to indulge in a delectable spread of local Sussex charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and homemade cakes while soaking in panoramic views of the countryside.  And many welcome dogs too.

Downsview Vineyard on the edge of the Ashdown Forest is also on the trail and offers Friday night drinks and pizzas from 6-9pm and on Saturdays from noon until 6pm.  Tours and tastings can be pre- booked and visitors can have a cocktail made from English Vermouth by In the Loop Drinks while there.

Throughout the summer Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston is hosting a series of gourmet ‘Dine in the Vines’ experiences, a pop-up seafood kitchen and summer Sunday lunches in partnership with the Big Green Egg.

For a more rustic experience, Wildwood Vineyard near Eridge is off-grid, offering tours and tastings and summer events where visitors can even arrive in style on a heritage steam train via the Spa Valley Railway.

Cyclists using the Cuckoo Trail can take a pitstop at Off The Line vineyard, which is open on selected weekends from May until September.  Close to the Pevensey Marshes, Henners Vineyard enjoys spectacular views to the sea.

The Secret Vineyard in Herstmonceux also offers its visitors the opportunity to be immersed in restorative nature.  Its ‘Wellbeing in the Wild’ initiative, is an opportunity to enjoy yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, wild lake-swimming or meditation in a beautiful setting, all combined with a stay in the mirrored cabin on the lake.

For those seeking a short break, Coes Farm near Rotherfield offers romantic glamping in shepherd huts, an orangery or a thatched granary.

A council spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with our local vineyards to launch the new Explore Wealden Wine Trail. We hope that this initiative will help to highlight our great wines as well as the potential of wine tourism. Visiting a vineyard is a wonderful way to discover the natural landscape on our doorstep, supporting local businesses that contribute significantly to our rural economy whilst revisiting or perhaps discovering some great English wines.”

Advance booking for tastings and tours is recommended to fully enjoy the trail. All the vineyards sell their wines at licensed Cellar Doors on site or online via their websites.  Additionally, gift vouchers are available, making ideal gift for wine enthusiasts or simply friends and family who enjoy a great day out.

For more information, visit https://www.explorewealden.co.uk/wine-trail