Wine fairs and en primeur weeks in Sussex worth planning a trip around, by month.

Festivals through the year

English Wine Week ★ 4.6

Juneannual, in June

WineGB's national campaign runs every June, and the Sussex estates build pairing tours, winemaker walks and free cellar door tastings around it.

Host: Wines of Great Britain (WineGB)

Featured producers: Rathfinny Wine Estate, Bolney Wine Estate, Wiston Estate, Stopham Vineyard, Tillingham, Tinwood Estate

Pours: Traditional method sparkling from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Sussex Bacchus

Tip: The week itself costs nothing, but the estate events inside it are ticketed and small. Book the Sussex ones in April.

Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival ★ 4.1

Septemberannual, in September on the Stade at Hastings

Fish landed on the Stade shingle, poured against English wine, with live music, cookery demonstrations and children's activities across the Hastings Old Town seafront.

Pours: English sparkling wine, Sussex still white with Hastings fish

Tip: Dates are published by the organisers each summer rather than fixed, so check the Visit Hastings listings before booking a room.

Tinwood Harvest Experience ★ 4.2

Septemberannual, late September at Tinwood Estate1 dayTicket needed

A harvest day among the 65 acres of vines at Halnaker, run on a single date in late September and followed at Tinwood by an autumn dinner series in the first days of October.

Host: Tinwood Estate

Pours: Tinwood Estate traditional method sparkling

Tip: It sells out well before the date is announced. Join the estate mailing list in spring rather than watching the calendar in September.

Bolney Revival ★ 4.0

Octoberone edition confirmed so far, Saturday 3 October 2026 at Bolney Wine Estate1 dayTicket needed

A vintage themed autumn day at Bolney with classic cars, period games and the estate wines, built around a sparkling afternoon tea at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and an evening barbecue.

Host: Bolney Wine Estate

Pours: Bolney Bubbly, Bolney Pinot Gris

Tip: Turn up in vintage dress and the estate pours you a glass of sparkling on arrival. The BBQ sitting runs 6.30pm to 9pm.

Wine Festivals in Sussex, FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sussex for wine?

Peak wine-travel season in Sussex is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.

Do I need an appointment to taste at Sussex estates?

classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.

What hours do Sussex cellars and tasting rooms keep?

most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.

How does tipping work at Sussex tastings?

tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.

What is the one wine to try in Sussex?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Sussex rewards trust.

← Back to Sussex wine guide