English Wine Week 2025
English Wine Week 2025 takes place from 21 to 29 June, offering a nationwide celebration of England’s flourishing wine industry. Organised by WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry, the week is designed to raise awareness of English wines and encourage more people to discover and enjoy them. It’s a chance for vineyards, retailers, restaurants and wine lovers to come together and showcase the quality, diversity and innovation of wines produced across the country. From sparkling to still, rosé to red, English Wine Week highlights the growing reputation of homegrown wines both in the UK and internationally. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the week is packed with opportunities to taste, learn and celebrate and there’s no better place to do so than in Sussex, the heart of English wine country.
Sussex: England’s Premier Wine Region
Sussex is not only home to some of the UK’s finest vineyards, but it also holds the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status — the same legal recognition given to Champagne in France. This means that wines labelled “Sussex” must be produced within East or West Sussex and meet strict quality standards, including independent tasting and, for sparkling wines, a minimum of 15 months’ bottle ageing. This PDO status confirms what many already know: Sussex is a world-class wine region.
Four fantastic facts about English Wine
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Ancient Roots: Wine has been made in England since Roman times, but the modern English wine industry began to flourish in the 20th century, especially from the 1970s onwards.
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Award-Winning Sparkling Wines: English sparkling wines, particularly those from Sussex and Kent, have won numerous international awards and are often compared favourably to Champagne due to similar soil and climate conditions.
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Cool Climate Advantage: England’s cooler climate is ideal for growing grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are perfect for high-quality sparkling wines.
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Rapid Growth: The number of vineyards and wineries in England has grown rapidly in recent years, with over 900 vineyards and more than 200 wineries now operating across the country.
What’s Happening During English Wine Week?
Throughout the week, vineyards across Sussex will host a variety of events, including:
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Guided vineyard tours
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Wine tastings and food pairings
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Meet-the-winemaker sessions
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Live music and picnics among the vines
- Exclusive discounts on bottles and cases
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just curious to try something new, English Wine Week is a fantastic opportunity to explore the region’s wine culture. Many events are family-friendly and set in stunning countryside locations, making them perfect for a summer day out. We've pulled all the information together for what's happening in Sussex for English Wine Week, take a look!
Vineyards to Visit in Sussex
Here are a few standout vineyards who'll be participating:
- Rathfinny Wine Estate – Near Alfriston, known for its elegant sparkling wines and scenic walking trails.
- Bolney Wine Estate – A pioneer in English wine, offering a full visitor experience including a restaurant and shop.
- Tinwood Estate – Near Chichester, offering luxury vineyard lodges and daily tastings.
- Bluebell Vineyard Estates – Nestled in the Ashdown Forest, known for its award-winning sparkling wines.
Explore more vineyards & learn more by reading our Sussex Wine pages.
How to Take Part
To find events near you, visit the official English Wine Week 2025 page. Many vineyards require advance booking, especially for tours and tastings, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Make a Weekend of It
Why not turn your vineyard visit into a weekend getaway? Sussex offers a wealth of charming B&Bs, boutique hotels and countryside retreats. Explore our Sussex Luxury Hotel Ideas for the perfect wine-themed escape.
