For those looking for the perfect countryside escape, combining a stay at the luxurious Gravetye Manor with a visit to Sussex’s renowned vineyards offers an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of Sussex, Gravetye Manor is a historic country house hotel known for its stunning gardens, exquisite dining, and warm hospitality. Pairing this with the region’s exceptional wineries makes for an ideal getaway for wine and nature lovers alike. 

Gravetye Manor: A Haven of Luxury and Elegance 

Gravetye Manor exudes timelessness and tranquility, offering a stress-free retreat from the cares of everyday life and embracing a quiet luxury in the setting’s history and natural beauty. Originally built in 1598, this charming manor house is set within more than 1,000 acres of English countryside just 30 miles from central London. Whether you’re wandering through beautifully maintained gardens designed by famed horticulturist William Robinson, enjoying a drink on the terrace, or unwinding in the cozy yet refined interiors, Gravetye Manor offers a truly enchanting experience. 

Wining & Dining in Sussex

Particularly suited for connoisseurs of fine food and wine, Gravetye Manor welcomes guests to its Michelin-starred restaurant, where the menu is crafted using fresh ingredients from the estate’s kitchen gardens. The chef embraces the farm-to-table philosophy, letting the region’s finest produce sing, while the sommelier pairs each meal with a Sussex wine pulled from the manor’s extensive selection. 

Dorset crab or Trenchmore Farm beef tartare serves as a delightful precursor to local Fallow venison or Sladesdown Farm duck, with a finishing cheese course, Earl Grey ice cream, or forced rhubarb tart. Each season is splendidly and proudly represented on the plate. Vegetarian and vegan diners are presented with their own carefully considered menus. Glasses are filled and refilled with Sussex wines, from an Ashdown Bacchus or Rosé from Bluebell Vineyard Estate to a Pinot Gris from Stopham Estate. The curated wine list goes beyond Sussex, as one might expect, to include vintages from France, Italy, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond. 

Exploring Sussex’s Award-Winning Vineyards

Set against the picturesque English countryside, Sussex has become one of the UK’s premier wine regions. Its rolling hills, mild climate, and chalky soil—akin to France’s famed Champagne region—provide the perfect conditions for crafting exceptional wines, particularly sparkling varieties. Guests at Gravetye Manor can make a day, or several days, of enjoying wine tours and tastings, wandering amidst the vines, and sampling the inspired cuisine found at wine country restaurants. 

Many Sussex wines have won international accolades, from top-quality sparkling to still wines. Oenophiles have the chance to taste and buy world-class wines directly from the source, from crisp Chardonnays to elegant Pinot Noirs. Sustainability is at the heart of many Sussex vineyards, with many of the wineries focusing on organic and biodynamic farming practices and minimizing their environmental footprint while maximizing the quality of their wines. And for those interested in viticulture, many vineyards offer guided tours to show off their winemaking process, from grape cultivation to fermentation and bottling. Learn about Sussex’s unique climate and soil and how these factors contribute to the wines’ distinctive flavors. 

Can’t-Miss Sussex Wineries 

While the lovely staff at Gravetye Manor can regale guests with a long list of winery options in the “neighborhood,” here are a few favorites to start. 

Ridgeview Wine Estate 

A trailblazer in English sparkling wine, Ridgeview Wine Estate has been at the forefront of Sussex’s winemaking renaissance. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour to discover the art of crafting world-class sparkling wines, followed by a tasting of their award-winning selections. Enjoy a glass while soaking in the panoramic views of the stunning South Downs. 

Bolney Wine Estate 

As one of Sussex’s most historic vineyards, Bolney Wine Estate is celebrated for its rich reds and elegant sparkling wines. Their immersive guided tours offer a deep dive into the winemaking process, culminating in a curated tasting experience that pairs their finest wines with locally sourced artisan cheeses—an absolute treat for the senses. 

Rathfinny Wine Estate 

Nestled in the rolling South Downs hills of Sussex, Rathfinny Wine Estate is renowned for its refined, sustainably produced sparkling wines. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque vineyards on guided tours, sample the estate’s exceptional vintages, and indulge in seasonal dishes at the on-site restaurant, all while enjoying breathtaking countryside views. 

A Perfect Countryside Escape

After a day of vineyard visits, returning to the serene surroundings of Gravetye Manor is the ultimate way to unwind. As one sips a glass of one’s favorite vintage by the fireplace or takes in the beauty of the gardens, it’s easy to dream up what tomorrow’s wine adventure may be. Perhaps it will mean glasses of Ortega or Pinot Meunier or diving deep into new styles of winemaking and terroir secrets at a family-owned winery. With countless tastings, tours, and cellar doors available to the most avid wine enthusiasts—coupled with sweeping landscapes, castles, farmlands, and ancient forests—the Sussex winelands are a must.