(written exclusively for Absolutely Sussex and published in their September 2024 edition)
The future is orange
Orange wine is the latest darling of the world of vino… and it’s not made from oranges! Produced from white grapes fermented with their skins, this quirky wine delivers a deliciously unexpected punch. For a sip that is both local and legendary, grab a bottle of Qvervi Orange from Tillingham in East Sussex. It’s like sunshine in a glass with notes of citrus rind, stone fruit, and a touch of sea spray. Perfect for your next soirée!
Underdogs of the wine world
For wine lovers with a taste for adventure, there is a hidden gem in South London called Diogenes the Dog. Opened in 2018, this award-winning wine bar is on a mission to question what we know about wine, discard common trends, and bring to the table the undiscovered wines from around the globe, including from Poland, Taiwan, and Texas! Pop over for an unforgettable wine tasting experience… and thank me later!
Organic bliss
Organic wines are having a moment, and it’s not just because they’re good for the planet! Made without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, and other nasties, they let Mother Nature do the talking. A standout in this field is Oxney Organic Estate in East Sussex whose dedication to organic winemaking is as impressive as it is romantic. The result is a wine bursting with pure flavours and a pronounced sense of place. Look out for their label next time you’re wine shopping!
Bluebell Vineyard: Award-winning wines from Sussex!
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy a glass of bubbly, Bluebell Vineyard Estates is your go-to destination for a fabulous wine experience. Established in 2005 on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in the heart of Sussex, Bluebell is an award-winning vineyard with a portfolio of still and sparkling wines that are nothing short of sheer delight! Since their first plantings, the estate has more than doubled in size and it is now home to over 100,000 vines spanning nearly 100 acres across East and West Sussex. All fruit is carefully nurtured and hand harvested to produce wines that win awards left right and centre, including from London Wine Competition, WineGB, and Decanter Awards, and International Wine Challenge.
The estate is open to visitors all year round for vineyard tours and generous wine and cheese tastings, guided by the most friendly staff. I highly recommend you pop over for a visit to learn the art and science behind winemaking, followed by a tutored tasting of Bluebells’ award-winning wines, including their Hindleap Sparkling Rosé 2018, winner of a Silver Medal from WineGB Awards, and Ashdown Chasselas 2020, made from 100% Chasselas (a new grape on the UK wine scene!). Guests are also welcome to take one of three self-guided strolls through the woodland trail to enjoy the spectacular views of vines, woodlands, and ponds. And in the spring, you can wander through the fields of bluebells from which the estate derives its name!
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