(written exclusively for Absolutely Sussex and published in their February 2025 edition)
Cupid’s Favourite Tipple
If romance had a flavour, it would taste like Bottega Spa’s Pink Gold Prosecco. This delicate blush beauty, crafted from the finest Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, is all rose petals, white peach, and jasmine, with just enough zing to keep things interesting. Whether you’re toasting to love or treating yourself (self-love counts!), this wine is your Valentine in a bottle.

Love on the Menu
Looking to impress this Valentine’s Day ? Baccalá, tucked away in the heart of Bermondsey, London, is your answer. With candlelit tables, an intimate vibe, and a menu that reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Think handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and an impressive wine list that showcases the best of Italy. Bellissimo!

Romance, Delivered
Not feeling like battling crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day? Grape Nights has you covered. With their Rosé All Day pack curated specifically for the season of love, complete with pairing tips and mood-setting playlists, you can create the ultimate romantic evening without ever stepping out. It’s the perfect excuse to pour a glass, light some candles, and let the love (and wine!) flow.

Fall in Love with Breaky Bottom: A Sparkling Tale in the South Downs
Tucked away in a secluded fold of the Sussex Downs, Breaky Bottom feels like the setting of a romantic novel — sweeping views, chalky soils, and an air of timeless serenity. It’s the kind of place where you might expect to stumble across a secret love letter, but instead, you’ll find something even better: exceptional wine.
Established in 1974 by Peter Hall, Breaky Bottom is a love story in its own right — a tale of passion, perseverance, and the occasional bit of moonlit pruning. Inspired by his French heritage and a deep appreciation for fine wine, Hall turned this hidden corner of the South Downs into one of England’s most celebrated vineyards. Today, his sparkling wines are as rich in character as the man himself and brimming with elegance.

But these aren’t just any sparkling wines; every cuvée comes with a story. There’s the 'Millennium Cuvée Maman Mercier,' honoring Hall’s mother; the 'Cuvée Koizumi Yakumo,' a nod to the Japanese writer Lafcadio Hearn; and the 'Cuvée Gerard Hoffnung,' celebrating the cartoonist and humorist. Each bottle is a tribute to resilience, creativity, and connection.
Hall’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. With multiple Gold and Silver Medals to his name and the recent prestigious FICB Diploma of Honour recognising his lifelong contribution to winemaking, he’s cemented his place as a trailblazer in English viticulture.
Whether you’re toasting a new romance or a lifelong partnership this Valentine’s Day, I hope you will let the charm and character of Breaky Bottom be part of your story.
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