Rathfinny Wine Estate

Rathfinny Wine Estate represents one of the most ambitious projects in English wine history. Established in 2010 by husband and wife team Mark and Sarah Driver on a working arable farm, the estate was created with the express intention of producing some of the world's finest quality English sparkling wines, and their Sussex Sparkling has achieved exactly that.

Rathfinny Wine Estate: Site and Grape Varieties

The estate's location is extraordinary. Did you know the Romans claimed that the best position to plant a vineyard was three miles from the sea? Rathfinny sits precisely there, on a breathtaking south-facing slope in the South Downs National Park of Sussex. The chalk soils here connect to the same geological band that forms the Paris Basin, running from Northern France into Southern England. This exceptional combination of climate, chalk, soil, and aspect creates perfect conditions for producing world-class sparkling wine.

Rathfinny made history by becoming the first grower-producer of sparkling wine in the world to achieve B Corp certification, the gold standard for ethical and sustainable business practices. This commitment to environmental stewardship runs deep. New buildings use locally-sourced materials and sustainable technologies including photovoltaic cells and wastewater recycling. The estate has worked with Natural England, the National Trust, and the South Downs National Park to enhance wildlife habitats, revive chalk grassland, and create wildlife corridors.

Visiting and Staying at Rathfinny Wine Estate

But Rathfinny's vision extends beyond wine production. The estate aims to contribute something special to the unique spirit of place in this beautiful landscape that has been farmed since medieval times. Visitors can experience this vision through tours that explore the vineyard and winery, dining at the acclaimed restaurant with views across the vines, or staying in luxurious on-site accommodation.

Every aspect of Rathfinny reflects thoughtful design and uncompromising quality, from the architecture to the wine in your glass. It's a place where sustainability, excellence, and natural beauty combine to create something truly exceptional in English wine.