Wealden wine trail joins Sussex Winelands as tourism expands to 16 vineyards

The milestone is being celebrated with a new film campaign showcasing Wealden’s distinctive vineyards and visitor experiences, timed to coincide with English Wine Week, and strengthening Sussex’s position as one of England’s leading wine tourism destinations.

Produced by filmmaker Chris Wigner and presented by wine expert Tom Surgey, the series shines a spotlight on people, landscapes and experiences behind the trail’s vineyards.  The films highlight the diversity of experiences available across Wealden and encourages visitors to explore the region throughout the year.

Launched in 2024 with 12 vineyards, Sussex’s first official wine tourism trail now connects visitors with 16 vineyards offering tastings, tours, picnics, cellar-door experiences and seasonal events. The trail’s integration into Sussex Winelands creates stronger links with vineyard destinations across the county, helping visitors discover the breadth and quality of Sussex wine tourism.

The expansion of the trail also marks the final stage of Wealden District Council’s investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which has supported a dedicated content campaign to promote the participating vineyards.

The films are being released through the Wealden Wine Trail Instagram channel as part of a wider digital campaign promoting vineyard experiences and encouraging visitors to explore the trail throughout the year.

The trail’s integration into the Sussex Winelands partnership marks an important new chapter for the regional brand, building on the successful launch of the Rother Wine Triangle pilot and strengthening Sussex’s collective wine tourism offer.

Wealden’s central location within the county, combined with its distinctive terroir of iron-rich marl, sandstone and Wealden clay, makes it a key part of that story.

Together with the chalk-rich vineyards of the South Downs and the acclaimed producers of the Rother Valley, Wealden highlights the rich diversity of landscapes, wine styles and visitor experiences that shape modern Sussex wine, all supported by the county’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

As further vineyard clusters from across Sussex join the initiative, Sussex Winelands has the potential to become one of England’s premier wine tourism destinations. The partnership provides an overarching brand for Sussex wine tourism while celebrating the distinctive identities that sit within it. By showcasing the county’s different vineyard landscapes, terroirs and wine tourism experiences, Sussex Winelands aims to encourage longer stays, attract new audiences and strengthen Sussex’s reputation as a world-class wine destination.

Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and deputy leader of the council, said, “Wealden is home to a remarkable concentration of vineyards and some of the most distinctive wine tourism experiences in the country. Since launching Sussex’s first official wine tourism trail in 2024, we have worked closely with local producers to create a visitor offer that celebrates the quality, diversity and ambition of our wine sector.

“Expanding the trail to 16 vineyards and bringing those vineyards into the Sussex Winelands partnership is an important next step. It will help raise the profile of our local businesses, attract new visitors to the district and support the continued growth of our rural economy.”

Watch Tom Surgey discuss the Wealden Wine Trail here.

Notes to Editors:

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UKSPF.  

For more information, please follow the Wealden Wine Trail  via Instagram or Explore Wealden website.

Photo credit: Chris Wigner