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Vineyards In East Sussex

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If you’re looking for vineyards in East Sussex, you’ll find an impressive choice of wine estates, family-run vineyards and organic wineries across the county.

East Sussex has become one of England’s best-known wine-producing regions. From the countryside around Hastings and Rye to the South Downs, vineyards produce both still and sparkling English wines.

Many estates now offer vineyard tours, wine tastings, cellar-door experiences, walks and seasonal events. Some are particularly close to Hastings, making them ideal for a day out while staying in the area.

Here are some of the best vineyards in East Sussex to visit.

Vineyards In East Sussex

🍇 1. Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard

⭐ 4.7 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Located close to Battle and Hastings, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard is one of the best-known organic vineyards in East Sussex.

The vineyard has a long history of organic and biodynamic winemaking and offers visitors the chance to explore the estate while learning more about sustainable wine production.

Guided tours include a tutored wine tasting with five wines. Visitors can also choose experiences that combine the tour and tasting with lunch or a cream tea.

Its location makes Sedlescombe particularly convenient if you are staying in Hastings and want to combine a vineyard visit with other attractions in 1066 Country.

Good for: Organic wine, vineyard tours, couples and visitors staying near Hastings.

🍇 2. Charles Palmer Vineyards

⭐ 5.0 / 5 (Google Reviews)

For visitors staying around Hastings, Rye or Winchelsea, Charles Palmer Vineyards is one of the most convenient vineyards to visit.

This family-run vineyard sits near the historic town of Winchelsea and offers tours, tastings and wine sales by the bottle or glass.

The vineyard also hosts seasonal events, including live music evenings and food experiences. It is also one of the vineyards involved in the Rother Wine Triangle, which links several wine estates across the Rother Valley.

The combination of wine, countryside and nearby historic Winchelsea makes this a good choice for a relaxed day out.

Good for: Wine tasting, couples, Winchelsea and visitors exploring the Rye area.

🍇 3. Oastbrook Estate Vineyard

⭐ 4.7 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Set near Bodiam and Robertsbridge, Oastbrook Estate Vineyard offers a more intimate vineyard experience in the East Sussex countryside.

Visitors can book vineyard tours and wine tastings while learning about the estate and how its wines are produced. The vineyard is surrounded by attractive countryside, making the journey part of the experience.

Oastbrook is also close to other popular attractions in 1066 Country, including Bodiam Castle, making it easy to include as part of a wider day out.

Good for: Vineyard tours, wine tasting, countryside and exploring 1066 Country.

🍇 4. Beacon Down Vineyard

⭐ 5.0 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Near Heathfield, Beacon Down Vineyard is a family-run vineyard offering a more personal wine experience.

Tours are led by the owners and include a tasting of the current wines. Visitors can then spend time walking through the vines or relaxing with a glass of wine while enjoying the countryside views.

Picnic experiences are also available, with locally produced food served alongside the vineyard’s wines. The main visitor season runs through spring and summer.

Good for: Families, couples, picnics and a relaxed vineyard afternoon.

🍇 5. Rathfinny Estate

⭐ 4.6 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Located near Alfriston on the edge of the South Downs, Rathfinny Estate is one of East Sussex’s best-known wine estates.

The estate specialises in Sussex sparkling wine and offers a range of vineyard tours and tasting experiences. Visitors can learn about the vines and winemaking process before sampling wines from the Rathfinny portfolio.

Rathfinny also has a self-guided walking trail through the estate, making it possible to explore the vineyard at your own pace. The trail covers around 5km and takes in views across the surrounding countryside.

Good for: Sussex sparkling wine, vineyard tours, wine tasting, countryside walks and visitors exploring the South Downs.

🍇 6. Hidden Spring Vineyard

⭐ 5.0 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Located near Horam and Heathfield, Hidden Spring Vineyard is a family-run East Sussex vineyard producing both still and sparkling English wines.

Its visitor experiences take guests through the vineyard and winery before finishing with a guided wine tasting. Tours typically last around 90 minutes to two hours and run during the summer season.

Cheese-pairing experiences are also available, making Hidden Spring a good option for visitors looking for a relaxed afternoon rather than simply a quick tasting.

Good for: Wine tasting, couples, food and a relaxed countryside visit.

🍇 7. Court Garden Vineyard

⭐ 5.0 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Located near Ditchling in East Sussex, Court Garden Vineyard is a family-run estate producing English sparkling and still wines.

Visitors can choose from guided vineyard tours and tastings, including the Vineyard and Sparkling Wine Tour and a Wines & Cheese Tour. There are also self-guided options for those who prefer to explore the vineyard at their own pace.

Court Garden also offers picnic experiences, making it a good option for combining wine with a relaxed afternoon in the Sussex countryside.

Good for: Wine tasting, vineyard tours, English sparkling wine, picnics and visitors exploring Ditchling and the South Downs.

🍇 8. Oxney Organic Estate

⭐ 4.9 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Just north of Rye, Oxney Organic Estate is another excellent choice for anyone interested in organic English wine.

The estate combines organic farming with wine production and offers vineyard tours and tastings. Visitors can learn about the vines and winemaking before sampling the wines produced on the estate. Current visitor events include scheduled vineyard tours and tastings during the summer.

Oxney’s location also makes it easy to combine a vineyard visit with Rye, Winchelsea or the surrounding countryside.

Good for: Organic wine, wine tasting, countryside and visitors exploring Rye.

🍇 9. Ridgeview Wine Estate

⭐ 4.7 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Near Ditchling Common, Ridgeview Wine Estate is one of Sussex’s best-known producers of English sparkling wine.

The family-run estate has been producing English sparkling wine since 1995 and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the vineyard and winemaking process through tours and tastings.

The estate also has a wine bar and shop, while seasonal experiences provide another reason to visit.

Ridgeview is further west than the vineyards around Hastings and Rye, but it is worth including for anyone searching for the best vineyards across East Sussex rather than only those closest to the coast.

Good for: English sparkling wine, vineyard tours and serious wine lovers.

🍇 10. Tillingham

⭐ 4.3 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Near Rye and Peasmarsh, Tillingham offers something a little different from a traditional vineyard visit.

The estate combines a vineyard and winery with food and hospitality. Its wine tours take visitors around the vineyard and winery before a tasting of four wines with members of the team.

Tours last around 90 minutes and run at selected times throughout the day. Advance booking is essential, and public wine tours are for adults.

Tillingham is a particularly good option if you want to make wine tasting part of a longer food and countryside day around Rye.

Good for: Wine lovers, foodies, couples and a more immersive vineyard experience.

🍇 11. Mountfield Winery

⭐ 5.0 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Mountfield Winery is a family-run vineyard near Robertsbridge producing English sparkling wine.

The south-facing vineyard was planted in 2012, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier among the varieties grown there. Visitors can walk through the vineyard and winery before enjoying a tasting in the estate’s restored tasting room.

The winery runs vineyard tours, tastings, estate walks and seasonal experiences throughout the year. Some experiences also include picnics or lunch.

Mountfield is particularly appealing if you want a smaller-scale vineyard experience away from the larger wine estates.

Good for: English sparkling wine, couples, vineyard walks and smaller groups.

🍇 12. Wildwood Vineyard

⭐ 4.9 / 5 (Google Reviews)

Just outside Tunbridge Wells, Wildwood Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard producing premium still and sparkling English wines from Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Regent grapes.

Visitors can book a vineyard tour and guided tasting, enjoy a Sussex cheese platter with the wines and explore the woodland surrounding the vines. There is also a children’s nature trail, making Wildwood a good choice for families as well as wine lovers.

Wildwood is also close to Eridge Station, making it possible to combine a vineyard visit with a journey on the Spa Valley Railway.

Good for: Families, wine tasting, countryside, woodland walks and visitors exploring Tunbridge Wells.

🥂The Rother Wine Triangle

If you want to visit several vineyards rather than choosing just one, look out for the Rother Wine Triangle.

The trail brings together six vineyards in the Rother Valley: Oastbrook, Oxney Organic Estate, Tillingham, Charles Palmer Vineyards, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard and Mountfield Winery.

There are also organised bus tours linking vineyards in the area, which can be useful if you would rather not drive between tastings.

🍷 Tips for Visiting Vineyards in East Sussex

  • 📅 Book tours in advance — most vineyards require pre-booking for tastings and tours.

  • 🍾 Check opening times — seasonal schedules can vary, especially outside summer months.

  • 🚗 Plan transport — many of these vineyards in East Sussex are best reached by car.

  • 📸 Pair with local attractions — combine vineyard visits with historic sites like Bodiam Castle or the 1066 countryside for a full day out.

📍 East Sussex Vineyard Map

Experience East Sussex Wine Country

From historic organic vineyards to award-winning sparkling wine estates, East Sussex offers some of England’s finest wine experiences. Whether you’re interested in guided vineyard tours, cellar door tastings or simply enjoying the county’s beautiful countryside, there’s a vineyard to suit every taste. With estates spread across the High Weald, Rother Valley and South Downs, exploring vineyards in East Sussex makes for a memorable day out or weekend break. From organic family vineyards to internationally recognised sparkling wine producers, the county offers one of the best wine experiences in England.

Choose Apollo Guest House For Accommodation

At the Apollo Guest House, you’ll have easy access to all the best that Hastings has to offer, thanks to its prime location. So if you’re looking for comfortable accommodation in the heart of this beautiful coastal town, look no further than the Apollo Guest House.

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