insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 02 - April 2015 | Page 45

food+drink

VIVA LA VINO
The term ‘English wine’ used to be something that not many took seriously. Now,
however, English wine is award winning, renowned, and starting to take the world
by storm when it comes to wines, whether sparkling or still.
Sussex winemaking is playing its part in this revolution, converting the uninitiated
into realising that English wine is really something rather special. British wine
writer Oz Clarke has said that Sussex wine holds a particular place in his heart (or
perhaps taste buds). All this is due to the fantastic soil in the area, which is similar
to that in Champagne, France – and we all know what happened there!
There are over 140 vineyards in South East England, and although we’d love to list
them all, here’s a selection of our favourites in Sussex.

Nutbourne Vineyards
Gay Street, Nr Pulborough,
West Sussex RH20 2HH
www.nutbournevineyards.
com / 01798 815196
Nutbourne produces a
range of aromatic and fruity
white and rosé wines, and
a sparkling wine – Nutty
– made by the traditional
Champagne method.
Nutbourne Vineyards were
first planted in 1980 and
there are now 26 acres of
vines in production, growing
six different types of grape,
producing over 30,000
bottles per year.

Bluebell Vineyard Estate
Glenmore Farm, Sliders Lane, Furners Green, East Sussex TN22 3RU
www.bluebellvineyard.co.uk / 01825 791561
The exceptional handcrafted wines at Bluebell Vineyard are made using
the méthode traditionelle, which is also how the famous Champagne
region winemakers work. The results speak for themselves with a taste
to savour being created. Although not open to the general public, private
tours and wine tastings can be arranged.

© Jon Furniss

Bolney Wine Estate
Foxhole Lane, Bolney, West Sussex
RH17 5NB
www.bolneywineestate.com /
01444 881 575
From just three acres of vineyards back
in 1972 to 39 acres today, Bolney Wine
Estate has grown and been nurtured
by owners Janet and Rodney Pratt,
much like the vines themselves. The red,
white, and sparkling wines produced
here are of the highest quality, with the
red wine being a particular speciality of
this beautifully positioned vineyard.

Stopham Vineyard
Stopham, Pulborough,
West Sussex RH20 1EE
www.stophamvineyard.co.uk /
01796 865666
The Stopham Vineyard
is situated in an area of
outstanding natural beauty,
and is part of the South Downs
National Park, so you can be sure that any wine coming from Stopham
has to be something special – just look at where the vines are grown.
Stopham offers Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Rosé, and Brut Prestige, and you
can even join in on a vineyard and winery tour, and sample the wines.

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard
Hawkhurst Road, Cripps Corner, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5SA
www.englishorganicwine.co.uk / 01580 830715
In 2010, Sedlescombe became the first vineyard to release ‘Biodynamic’
English wine – a system of agriculture which is 100% organic, and also
incorporates lunar and cosmic rhythms into the timing of the processes
to benefit both the soil and plants. The extensive award-winning range
comprises whites, rosé, red and sparkling wines – all Soil Association
certified organic and registered with the Vegan Society. The vineyard
attracts some 5,000 visitors per year, and produces 30,000 bottles of
English wine annually.

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