Sussex vineyards uncork summer of retreats, festivals and stargazing

A food and drink retreat, flower crown workshop and several festivals will be hosted across Sussex vineyards this summer, giving visitors new ways to experience the region's celebrated wine scene.

A seasonal events programme begins this month and runs through to September, including during English Wine Week (20 June - 28 June), celebrating Sussex vineyards and their growing role within the UK wine industry.

Jo Williams from Experience Sussex said: "Sussex is the proud home of 25% of England's vineyards and there's no better time to enjoy them than when the sun is shining.

"From yoga in the vines to music festivals, 2026 marks an extraordinary year for vineyard events in the region.

"For visitors it's also a chance to enjoy a drink and learn more about Sussex's role in the wine industry, including how we produce our distinctive sparkling wine and discover the secret success behind it."

Rest and relaxation in the vines

At the Tinwood Estate in Chichester visitors will be able to practice the art of mindfulness amongst the vintage vines with their in-house yoga instructor. Yoga in the Vines with Jade will run on Tuesday evenings, between 7pm and 8pm, from May to September.

Henners Vineyard in Herstmonceux will host a Pilates in the Vineyard event on 31 May with a glass of sparkling wine after the event.

Launching for the first time in 2026, Kinsbrook in West Chiltington is offering overnight camping in the vineyard on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August, featuring a tour and tasting, dinner and breakfast.

Feasts among the greenery

The Rathfinny Wine Estate, located in Alfriston, will be hosting vineyard picnics where people can collect a blanket and a hamper, full of everyone's favourite snacks, to be enjoyed in and amongst the Sussex sunshine. The picnics can also be booked along with a Summer Tour and Tasting session.

Nutbourne Vineyard, which can be found in Pulborough, will celebrate the summer solstice with a Farm Feast on 19 and 20 June. Guests will be welcomed in the vineyard with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes, before a four-course meal in the vines and plenty of wines to try from the estate.

Creativity and constellations

A 20th anniversary Summer Celebration in the Vines will take place at The Wiston Estate in Washington on 27 June from 12 noon until 11pm, with performances from Sistie Moose and more, as well as food from Safari Pizza, Nordic Smokery and Chunka Munka, with a DJ to round off the evening in style.

Sussex artist Charlie Doodle is running a creative workshop a month from May to September at Everflyht in Ditchling, where visitors can design their own bespoke flower crown.

The Everflyht team have also organised a stargazing experience in September and October, with a twilight tasting session and a guided talk with a professional astronomer who will talk through the constellations above the South Downs.

Other vineyard events across Sussex this summer include:

• Stopham Estate in Pulborough is collaborating with Lost in the Lanes in Brighton on Friday 19 June, with Marie Davies of Stopham Estate presenting four wines alongside a five-course seafood menu curated by the head chef.
• WINELANDS in Lewes will celebrate English Wine Week (8-13 June 2026) with a wine festival showcasing Sussex and the South East's best offerings.
• Oastbrook in Bodiam is holding a Summer Party on 2 June with a carnival theme.
• Leonardslee Vineyard near Horsham will host an Evening Amongst the Vines in July, August and September.
• The Rother Wine Triangle is a collaboration of six vineyards in the Rother Valley in East Sussex and will be offering a full day bus tour around three selected vineyards each week, launching 7 June.

Williams added: "With vineyards steeped in history and serving up exceptional wine, Sussex offers an outstanding day out or an overnight night stay this year."

For further information please visit: https://www.experiencesussex.com/

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Editors notes

Experience Sussex is a destination marketing and storytelling platform dedicated to showcasing the very best of Sussex, from its vibrant towns and cultural hotspots to its coastline, countryside and independent businesses. Through curated guides, features and local insights, Experience Sussex connects visitors and residents alike with authentic experiences across the region. Working with local partners, hospitality venues and attractions, the platform champions Sussex as a year-round destination, celebrating its food and drink scene, events, heritage and creative communities. Experience Sussex aims to support local economies by driving discovery, encouraging exploration and highlighting the unique character that makes Sussex one of the UK’s most compelling places to visit and experience. For further information please visit: https://www.experiencesussex.com/