7 VINEYARDS NEAR RYE, SUSSEX TO VISIT THIS SUMMER.
Rye, in Sussex, is one of my go to places to visit for a day out. In fact, I’ve spent many weekends there rifling through the antique stores and wandering the cobbled streets. Close to Rye you can also find the glorious beach of Camber Sands – sand dunes and miles of beach to explore.
Whether you are visiting Rye for the weekend, or you’re lucky enough to live there, visiting a vineyard nearby is an awesome way to spend a day.
Here are 7 of the best vineyards to visit near Rye, Sussex.
Tillingham Vineyard: The pioneering one
Distance from Rye: 11 minutes drive
Located within easy reach of Rye, Tillingham represents a new frontier in sustainable winemaking and natural wine production. This innovative vineyard embraces organic and biodynamic principles, crafting unique wines that reflect the character of the land.
Visitors can embark on guided tours of the vineyard and winery, followed by tastings that showcase Tillingham’s distinctive range of natural wines, fermented with wild yeasts and minimal intervention.
If you’re looking to make a night of it, Tillingham vineyard also has fantastic overnight accommodation. Find out more about Tillingham Vineyard and book your wine tasting here.
Gusbourne Vineyard: The fancy one
Distance from Rye: 16 minute drive
Venture northwest of Rye, approximately 25 miles away, and you’ll discover the prestigious Gusbourne Estate, renowned for its exquisite sparkling wines. Set amidst the idyllic Kent countryside, Gusbourne Estate beckons guests to explore its vineyards and state-of-the-art winery through guided tours and tastings. Sample the estate’s acclaimed Blanc de Blancs and Rosé sparkling wines while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Tours and tastings range from £30 (sparkling tasting) to £155 (exclusive tasting including lunch). Find out more and book to visit Gusbourne Estate here.
Chapel Down: The famous one
Distance from Rye: 18 minute drive
Chapel Down is one of the most prominent and award-winning wineries in England, renowned for producing high-quality wines, especially sparkling wines. For visitors, Chapel Down has a huge amount to offer. There are many tours and tasting options, including a cheese and wine tasting, or a tour with a three course lunch. Chapel Down also hosts events throughout the year.
You can enjoy a wine tasting and tour (£30) or enjoy lunch at the 2AA Rosette restaurant, The Swan (bookings recommended). Find out more about Chapel Down here.
Sedlescombe: The one with the cute cafe
Distance from Rye: 20 minutes drive
For a taste of organic viticulture, look no further than Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, located just 10 miles northeast of Rye. This family-run estate prides itself on sustainable farming practices and biodynamic winemaking techniques. Embark on a guided tour of the vineyard, followed by a tasting of Sedlescombe’s diverse range of organic wines, from crisp whites to robust reds, all while supporting environmentally conscious wine production.
Visit between 10:00 and 17:00 to enjoy the Seddlescombe’s cafe bar and kitchen. Find out more about Sedlescombe here.
Oxney Wine Estate: The organic one
Distance from Rye: 15 minute drive
Close to Rye, Oxney Organic Estate is a shining example of sustainable viticulture in Sussex. This certified organic vineyard and winery produces a range of still and sparkling wines, all crafted with a commitment to environmental stewardship. Visitors can explore the vineyard’s pristine surroundings on guided tours and enjoy tastings of Oxney’s acclaimed wines, which capture the essence of Sussex’s terroir while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Oxney vineyard is also one of the best 20 vineyards in the UK with accommodation, so you can make a weekend of it. Find out more about Oxney Wine Estate, and book tours/ tastings here.
Carr Taylor: The one to visit if you forgot to book
Distance from Rye: 22 minute drive
A short drive northeast from Rye brings you to Carr Taylor Vineyard, a family-owned estate with over four decades of winemaking heritage. Join a guided tour of the vineyard to learn about its history and winemaking process before indulging in tastings that showcase Carr Taylor’s premium still and sparkling wines.
From elegant whites to sophisticated cuvées, Carr Taylor promises a tasting experience that captures the essence of Sussex’s terroir. Although you do need to book for formal tours and tastings, you can turn up and do a self guided tour without booking, and for only £5 including a short tasting. Find out more about Carr Taylor vineyard here.
Charles Palmer: The nearest one
Distance from Rye: 10 minutes drive
Just a stone’s throw away from Rye in the beautiful village of Winchelsea, Charles Palmer Vineyard offers a taste of Sussex’s viticultural prowess. Situated in the picturesque countryside, this boutique vineyard specializes in producing premium English wines, including their acclaimed sparkling cuvées and elegant still wines.
With guided tours and tastings available, visitors can explore the vineyard’s scenic surroundings while savoring the fruits of Sussex’s terroir. Find out more and book tours and tastings here.
Wine tours in Sussex
If you’re interested in visiting a few vineyards in one day, why not consider booking vineyard tour?
You can find my guide to the best wine tasting tours in Sussex here.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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