A sparkling adventure

Discover the Sussex Winelands on a leisurely five day tour of dynamic estates set in stunning landscapes. with guide Amy Wislocki.editor of Decanter magazine

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English sparkling wines are starting to command the attention they deserve, with the message that these homegrown vintages are to be taken just as seriously as Champagne. While opening a bottle is one way of experiencing the excitement, even better is a tour of the vineyards and producers that are putting our wine country on the map.

Sussex is an ideal destination. Two years ago, East and West Sussex combined became the first area in England to gain appellation status as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It accounts for more than a quarter of England's vineyards and is home to wineries large and small, new and long-established. Many are located in or close to the South Downs National Park and the south coast is nearby.

It's possible to visit for just a day or two, but this five-day itinerary, which starts in West Sussex and ends on the Sussex/Kent border in the east, gives an exciting taster of the region. Even so, it omits several names that are equally visit worthy, but that's all the more reason to take a delicious detour or return for more discoveries at a later date.

Day 1

Start the adventure at Ashling Park (ashlingpark.co.uk), a 10-minute drive from the historic market town of Chichester. Owner Gail Gardner's family has lived on the estate for 30 years. Today's slick operation, modelled on the wineries of California's Napa Valley, takes both wine tourism and its wines seriously.

Sample the estate's wines and spirits on one of the tours and tastings don't miss the cherry-and marzipan-scented rosé and the limey, toasty blanc de blancs. The glass, steel and wood-fronted main building houses a restaurant with terrace and vineyard views, as well as a shop, tasting room and gin school. If you arrive the night before, there are five one- and two-bedroom luxury lodges on site.