Welcome to The Wealden Wine Trail

The Wealden Wine Trail brings together 16 vineyards across the heart of Sussex Winelands, from award-winning estates to off-grid hidden gems, offering something for everyone. Stretching from the ancient forests of the High Weald to the rolling chalk slopes of the South Downs, the trail showcases a diverse collection of vineyards, each with its own character, stories and approach to winemaking. Together, they are helping to establish Sussex as one of the UK's most exciting wine tourism destinations.

 

The distinctive terroir of this part of Sussex is what makes these wines so special. Iron-rich marl, sandstone and Wealden clay soils, combined with sheltered valleys and favourable microclimates, create ideal conditions for cool-climate varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Across the southern parts of the trail, a strong coastal influence and cooling sea breezes add freshness, crisp salinity and character to the wines. From grape to glass, each vineyard balances tradition with innovation, producing award-winning still and sparkling wines that embrace regenerative and low-intervention farming practices, working in harmony with nature.

 

Explore the trail and you'll discover vineyard picnics, guided tastings, long lunches, wild swimming, open-air performances and unique places to stay. No two vineyards are quite the same, making every stop a new experience and every visit a chance to uncover something unexpected.