Rathfinny Wine Estate

The first 50cl bottle of Sussex Sparking is now available! What a journey we have been on. Visit our website to continue learning more: https://bit.ly/4drD4Ub #rathfinny #englishwine #wineinnovation #sussexsparkling #50cl #bcorp #sussexpdo #rathfinnymini

The Vineyard team will soon begin to pick our 285,000 vines. But when they do, it will not just be row by row, but clone by clone. Our South Down chalk provides the perfect home for the classic sparkling varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. But within these varieties, we have 27 different clones across our 203-acre Vineyard. Each clonal type is separately hand-picked and delivered to the presses in the Winery. Each clone is unique; some ripen early or late, and others have a certain flavour profile or prefer different growing conditions. Choosing the order to pick the clones, is a decision for those leading the pick. It will then be down to the Winery team to work their magic.

Last month, it was a pleasure to pour our Sussex Sparkling wines at The Wallace Collection to celebrate the unveiling of new work by world-renowned contemporary artist Flora Yukhnovich. Golborne gave the 18th-century gallery a contemporary feel, with Rathfinny sparkling wines served in the Marie Antoinette room. It was an amazing evening, with our team going outside to pop corks in the courtyard to protect Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s priceless Rococo masterpiece, ‘The Swing’, which hung above the bar. Thanks to The Wallace Collection for having us, and Pinstripes & Peonies Ltd for their incredible floral displays.

Only a hop, skip and a jump from London, 60 million people a year are now visiting Sussex. As Theresa Dunthorne from Country & Town House discovered over 36 hours, the iconic Seven Sisters, Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class art galleries mean the county has plenty to surprise and delight. Thank you, Theresa, for stopping by the Estate and discovering that the chalk soils, warm summers and sea breeze also help produce some exceptional wines. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/4dTyKNt

It has been a busy summer season on the Estate. The sun shone - most of the time - as we strolled out into the Vineyard on tours, poured sparkling during Sundowners at The Hut and raised a toast or two to newlyweds. Highlights for the team included making our Sunday Lunches al-fresco with Big Green Egg UK, our ever-popular Dine in the Vine meals and a pop-up with the amazing Social Pantry in the Flint Barns Courtyard. You can still enjoy the last of the summer wine on a Vineyard Tour & Tasting or by dropping by for a glass of something delicious at The Hut, all before the pinnacle of the year in the Vineyard: harvest. There are so many reasons to experience the Estate during this busy time of year. See what's on over harvest: https://bit.ly/3XDXGCI

Sparkling rosé with roast beef? With September underway, thoughts turn to those heartier Sunday Lunches. Sparkling wines match with a remarkable array of foods and, as Jancis Robinson for the FT suggests, it might be time to park the big reds and pick up a sparkling Rosé to pair with your roast beef. From September 8th, our popular Sunday Lunches in the Flint Barns Dining Room will be recommencing. We’re looking forward to our diners exploring Sussex Sparkling food pairings. Discover more: https://bit.ly/47ePex9

We had a fantastic day out at WineGB’s Trade & Press Tasting in London. So many talented UK producers are going from strength to strength and the standard of wines on show was consistently excellent. We remain as optimistic and excited as ever about what the future holds for the industry. We really enjoyed showcasing our range of Sussex Sparkling, from our Classic Cuvée to Blanc de Blancs 2017 in magnum. If you would like more information on the wines, please get in touch with Andrew Gadd, Richard James DipWSET or Abigail Thomas from the sales team. Thanks again to Wine GB for making the event happen.

Acclaimed Spanish Chef Jose Manuel Pizarro Cerro has launched a new all-day dining concept restaurant on Bermondsey Street, Lolo. Just down the road from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust School London, it has a diverse wine list designed to fit around its brunch-to-dinner menu. So one for the wine students to go and explore! We are delighted to see the Rathfinny Classic Cuvée on the menu as well. Thanks to the team at Lolo for the addition. Read more: https://bit.ly/472tm85

Our community comes together each year at harvest to bring in the fruit from the Vineyard. This year will be even more special, as 2024 will be our 10th harvest at Rathfinny. The picking team has grown to over 200 strong, with new people discovering the joys of the grape harvest each year. You can join too. We have a few more spaces left on our team for this year. If you enjoy Sussex Sparkling Wines, being outdoors and meeting new people, it could be something for you. https://bit.ly/4ccerJD

Looking forward to the annual WineGB Trade & Press Tasting at Battersea Arts Centre on 4 September. Looking forward to sharing the latest vintages of our Sussex Sparkling among an excellent array of English and Welsh producers. Come and say hi if you plan on attending!