Just under two hours from West London, Rathfinny Wine Estate has unveiled its 2026 Summer of Sparkling programme – a season of vineyard picnics, al fresco dining, wine tastings and weekend escapes in the South Downs.
Set among rolling vineyards near the Seven Sisters coastline, the award-winning Sussex wine estate is inviting visitors to swap the city for sparkling wine and long summer afternoons in the countryside.
This summer also sees Rathfinny continue its partnership with The Alfriston, with the estate sponsoring the hotel’s Garden Terrace – a relaxed spot for guests to unwind with a glass of Sussex sparkling in the heart of the English countryside. The collaboration reflects both brands’ shared focus on celebrating local produce and experiences, with guests staying at the hotel also able to enjoy transfers to and from the vineyard in the hotel’s onsite Teslas.
The partnership dovetails with the launch of The Alfriston’s new seasonal menu, curated by newly appointed Culinary Director Richard Robinson. Previously Group Executive Chef at Company of Cooks, part of the CH&CO group, Robinson has overseen culinary operations at venues including the Royal Opera House, Kew Gardens, RHS Garden Wisley and the Royal Academy of Arts.
Other summer highlights include:
- Vineyard Picnics (June–August): pre-booked hampers and blankets enjoyed among the vines.
- Summer Sunday Lunches: outdoor feasts cooked on Big Green Eggs with live music in the Flint Barns courtyard.
- Twilight Tours & Tastings: evening vineyard walks and guided tastings as the sun sets across the South Downs.
- Wine & Fish and Chips Pairings during English Wine Week in June.
- Wine in the Vines: long-table tastings and Sussex Ploughman’s lunches hosted in the vineyard.
- Sussex Producers Market on Saturday 6th June, featuring local food, drink and crafts.
Visitors can also enjoy guided winery tours, drop-in tastings at the Cellar Door, and drinks at The Hut – Rathfinny’s relaxed outdoor wine bar overlooking the vines.
For those looking to extend the trip, overnight stays are available at the estate’s Flint Barns accommodation, with packages including dinner, wine tastings and breakfast.
Founded in 2010, Rathfinny has become one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers, known for its single-site Sussex wines and sustainable approach to winemaking.
