Rathfinny Wine Estate
Rathfinny Estate is a new venture for Mark and Sarah Driver which aims to make sparkling wine in England of comparable quality and finesse to the great sparkling wines of the Champagne region.
The estate is set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, a location which has the sunshine, rainfall, temperatures and free draining chalky soil, which provide perfect conditions to grow grapes.
Since 2012 some 64 hectares (160 acres) of vines have been planted with a further 8 hectares (20 acres) due to be planted this year. As well as planting the vines there has also been a huge amount of development work needed to provide the required facilities, including a new winery building, hostel accommodation (used for both walkers on the Downs and seasonal labour on the estate), manager's house, office and the fit-out of a shop unit in the local village of Alfriston.