Slow down and savour summer among Sussex’s vineyards
If summer is your cue to slow down, savour the moment and spend more time outdoors, Sussex’s vineyards offer the perfect invitation. This season, the county’s wine estates are opening their gates to much more than tastings, with a rich calendar of experiences that celebrate food, wellbeing, creativity and the natural landscape.
From May through to September 2026, visitors can enjoy everything from yoga sessions among the vines and generous long-table feasts, to music-filled celebrations and evenings spent gazing at star-studded skies. It promises to be one of the most exciting summers yet in one of England’s most respected wine regions.
Why Sussex, and why this summer?
Sussex is a key player in England’s wine story, home to around a quarter of the country’s vineyards. Its chalk soils and favourable climate have helped build a growing reputation for outstanding sparkling wines, attracting international attention and acclaim.
With English Wine Week taking place from 20 to 28 June, summer is an especially rewarding time to visit. Vineyards are alive with activity, winemakers are keen to share their stories, and the countryside is at its most inviting. Yet the focus this year goes beyond what’s in the glass. The emphasis is on experience, atmosphere and a deeper connection with place.
Rest, reset and recharge among the vines
For those seeking a slower pace, Sussex vineyards are embracing wellness in beautiful, unspoilt settings. Several estates are offering sessions designed to help visitors unwind while surrounded by rolling hills and neat rows of vines.
Near Chichester, Tinwood Estate hosts evening yoga classes in the vineyard, allowing guests to stretch, breathe and relax as the light softens across the landscape. Henners Vineyard brings together Pilates and pleasure, ending each session with a well-earned glass of sparkling wine.
For a complete escape, Kinsbrook Vineyard is introducing overnight stays for the first time. Guests can camp within the vineyard itself and enjoy a full experience that includes tours, tastings, dinner and breakfast, all framed by open skies and birdsong.
Outdoor feasting and vineyard flavours
Food and wine are inseparable here, and summer dining in Sussex is a highlight in its own right. Many vineyards are inviting visitors to linger longer and enjoy meals outdoors, where local produce and estate wines take centre stage.
At Rathfinny Wine Estate, guests can pick up a thoughtfully prepared picnic hamper and blanket before finding a sunny spot among the vines. Adding a tour and tasting completes the day and offers a deeper insight into the estate.
Nutbourne Vineyard marks the summer solstice with a celebratory farm feast. This four-course outdoor meal pairs seasonal dishes with estate sparkling wines, all enjoyed against a backdrop of vineyard views as the longest day unfolds.
