Katy Bourne OBE raises a glass to Sussex wine producers and booming sector
OPINION: This National English Wine Week, let's raise a glass to one of Sussex's greatest success stories.
National English Wine week is 20th - 28th June 2026
With another spell of glorious sunshine across the UK, many of us will be enjoying a picnic, barbecue or relaxing in the garden this weekend. So why not make it a glass of Sussex sparkling wine?
As English Wine Week celebrates Britain's thriving wine industry, there has never been a better time to champion one of Sussex's greatest success stories.
Our county has quickly become one of the world's finest wine producing regions. That's something we should all be proud of.
Having spent years championing Sussex and supporting our communities, I've seen first-hand the innovation, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that define our county. If I have the honour of becoming Sussex's first elected Mayor, I'll be a strong champion for the industries that create jobs, attract investment and showcase the very best of Sussex. Our wine industry does exactly that.
Today, Sussex is home to more vineyards than any other county in England and has earned Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, placing "Sussex" alongside some of Europe's most prestigious wine regions. Our sparkling wines consistently win international awards and outperform some of the world's finest Champagnes in blind tastings.
That's no accident.
The same chalk that lies beneath France's Champagne region runs through the South Downs. Combined with free draining soils, south facing slopes and increasingly favourable growing conditions, Sussex offers an exceptional terroir for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the three classic sparkling wine grapes.
Yet our relationship with wine stretches back much further than many people realise. The Romans first introduced viticulture to Sussex almost 2,000 years ago, with medieval monasteries continuing the tradition for centuries. Villages such as Wineham still hint at that rich heritage. Today's vineyards are building on an ancient legacy while embracing modern innovation.
The world has noticed. Prestigious Champagne houses, including Taittinger and Pommery, have invested in English vineyards, recognising both the outstanding quality of our wines and the long-term potential of southern England. That is a remarkable vote of confidence in Sussex.
But this is about much more than producing exceptional sparkling wine.
It is a major success story for our local economy.
Our vineyards support skilled jobs in farming, tourism, hospitality, retail and logistics. They help diversify agriculture, strengthen rural communities and create opportunities for local businesses. Visitors don't just come to taste award winning wines. They stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our towns and explore everything Sussex has to offer.
With more vineyards than any other county, Sussex's wine industry already supports thousands of jobs and contributes many millions of pounds to our rural economy, attracting visitors from across the UK and overseas.
Wine tourism is becoming one of the defining strengths of our visitor economy. The Wealden Wine Trail, Sussex Winelands and the Sussex Modern partnership are attracting more visitors to discover our vineyards, countryside and local food producers, bringing valuable income into communities across the county.
Education is helping drive that success too. Plumpton College, in Lewes, has become one of Europe's leading centres for viticulture and wine education, training the next generation of growers and winemakers right here in Sussex.
The English wine industry continues to grow at pace, attracting international investment, expanding vineyard plantings and winning global recognition. Consumer demand has never been stronger as more people discover the quality of wines produced here at home.
If I am fortunate enough to become Sussex's first Mayor, I want to champion industries like this that reflect the very best of our county. Our vineyards demonstrate innovation, sustainability, skilled craftsmanship and rural enterprise. They strengthen our economy, create jobs and reinforce Sussex's reputation around the world.
So this summer, why not visit one of our outstanding vineyards? Walk through the vines, meet the passionate people behind every bottle, enjoy a vineyard tour or cellar door tasting, and explore the Wealden Wine Trail.
And if you're planning to enjoy a glass of fizz this weekend and beyond, make it a Sussex one.
It's world class. Made in Sussex. Made in Britain.
And it deserves to be celebrated.
Katy Bourne OBE
Conservative Mayoral Candidate for Sussex
