Wealden is celebrating English Wine Week by highlighting an array of wines and places to visit across the district.
A visit to one of the many beautiful Sussex vineyards will be high up the list for both connoisseurs and curious wine lovers alike with many vineyards welcoming visitors and offering tours and tastings.
The lime chalk soil, prevalent throughout Sussex, is the same soil type found in the Champagne region of France. The other soil is a medium loam over Wealden clay and is very well drained, and both contribute to Wealden’s ability to produce quality grapes for sparkling wines.
A cooler climate than France helps preserve the acidity in the grapes that is needed to make the top tier of sparkling wines. The classic Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier thrive in the Wealden terroir.
Other grape varieties, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Rondo and Regent; are being cultivated for the production of still wines. These are mostly aromatic whites but some rosé and red wines are also being made as the area becomes one of the most significant wine growing regions in the country.
Wealden Councillor Paul Coleshill, portfolio holder for Economic Development, said, “Wealden has seen a boom in wine growing in recent years and indeed the whole of Sussex has become one of the most significant producers of magnificent quality wines in England.
“With more than 20 vineyards in Sussex, this growing success (and success in growing!) is something that we should be proud of.”
Wealden District Council has been working with local vineyards to produce videos showcasing the local area, visit Vineyards – Wealden (explorewealden.co.uk) or https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6DQHViTlaQRCwPUptBse-Y0xEYIZ9sR
