Rathfinny Wine Estate

What's the vibe?

Rathfinny Wine Estate is a large, purpose-built wine estate set within the South Downs of East Sussex. It offers a polished visitor experience combining vineyard landscapes, modern facilities, and a range of wine-led hospitality options.

Cellar Door & Shop: The Cellar Door Shop is open daily (Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 10am–4pm) for in-store wine purchases, complimentary drop-in tastings, click & collect orders and self-guided walking trail maps. Advance booking is not required for the shop or self-guided walks.

Restaurants & Dining: Rathfinny’s on-site dining focuses on The Flint Barns Dining Room and The Hut. The Flint Barns Dining Room offers seasonal modern British dishes with evening service Wednesday–Saturday and traditional Sunday lunches; reservations are recommended. The Hut is an al fresco wine bar open seven days a week for drinks, light bites, coffee and cakes, with walk-in service only. The Tasting Room Restaurant has ceased regular service and seasonal opening should be checked in advance on the estate’s website.

Tours & Tastings: Guided tours and hosted tasting experiences are available throughout the year and are best booked online in advance. These experiences include a guided walk through the vineyard and winery, concluding with a tutored tasting. Self-guided walks and drop-in tastings at the Cellar Door do not require pre-booking.

Accommodation: On-site accommodation is available at Flint Barns B&B, offering en-suite bed and breakfast rooms, and at Rathfinny Cottage for self-catering stays. These are bookable year-round with varying check-in/check-out arrangements.

Events: The estate hosts a programme of seasonal experiences and events including guided walks, al fresco dining events and wine-focused activities.

Dogs & Children: Dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas and on estate walking routes; The Hut welcomes dogs on the lead. Well-behaved children are welcome in public areas, and the walking trails are suitable for children, though tours and some tastings are designed primarily for adults.

Rathfinny Wine Estate produces traditional-method English sparkling wines, including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Rosé and Classic Cuvée styles, and also a smaller range of still wines under the Cradle Valley label. All wines are made exclusively from estate-grown fruit.

The estate operates a fully integrated winery on site, overseeing the entire process from grape growing through to bottling and ageing. Long-term land stewardship and environmental responsibility form part of the estate’s approach to vineyard management and operations.

By Car: Rathfinny Wine Estate is located near Alfriston in East Sussex. On-site parking is available at the Cellar Door; detailed directions are provided on the estate’s website.

By Public Transport: The nearest train stations are Polegate, Lewes and Berwick; onward travel to the estate is typically by taxi.

• Restaurants:
  • The Star at Alfriston – Historic inn with dining.
  • The Ram Inn, Firle – Village pub serving food.
• Hotels:
  • The Star at Alfriston – Rooms in a restored coaching inn.
  • Deans Place Hotel – Country house hotel with gardens.
• Attractions:
  • Seven Sisters Country Park – Coastal walking and chalk cliffs.
  • Charleston – Former Bloomsbury Group home with exhibitions and gardens.