Tasting wonderful West Sussex wine

I’ve lived in West Sussex for most of my life and everything you could possibly want is on your doorstep: coastline, countryside, stunning food and drink, all within easy reach of London. It’s easy to get here by train or car and there are so many amazing attractions for visitors to discover.

In my opinion, the vineyards in the region are some of the best kept secrets in West Sussex. They produce amazing wine (particularly sparkling!) to rival any other you’re likely to taste elsewhere in the UK, possibly Europe. Tinwood is a stand-out independent business that is really starting to make a name for itself and I’d urge anyone to visit. There’s something very special about drinking wine that has been produced in such a unique and unspoilt region. I guarantee that once you’ve tasted West Sussex wine, you’ll be hooked. Book into one of the tours, that include a vineyard tour, talk about the history of the estate and how they make the wine, cheese tasting platter and wine tasting. You can also stay in one of the stunning luxury vineyard lodges that are out of this world. I haven’t stayed in one myself yet but it’s on the list.

To relax, I love Sidlesham Quay, Pagham Harbour and the surrounding area as they are also totally unique and unspoilt. Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is a real hidden gem that houses an incredible collection of modern British art. There’s a stunning courtyard garden attached to the gallery that’s the perfect lunch spot in the summer months. St Martin’s Tea Rooms is also a very quirky, very English café. Everything is freshly made and there are great cakes, vegetarian options, leaf tea and organic coffee.