Celebration Of English Wine Week Set For Lewes

Lewes is set to raise a glass to English Wine Week with Winelands, an exciting festival of pop-up wine events taking place from 22–29 June 2025.

Winelands is generously sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter, a regional law firm deeply rooted in Sussex, and Rupert Coles Ltd, property acquisition consultants.

Designed to showcase the world-class quality of Sussex and Southeast England’s wines, Winelands will bring together wine lovers, local producers, and industry experts for a week-long celebration of the region’s finest wines.

Organised by a dedicated group of wine professionals, enthusiasts and local businesses, Winelands will feature a series of tastings, film screening, supper clubs, and vineyard tours, all highlighting the exceptional talent and craftsmaking that is behind English wine.

Event Highlights Wednesday 25 June at Lewes Depot A special screening of The Story of Champagne coupled with a comparative blind tasting of English and French sparkling wines.

Hosted by Master of Wine Mike Best, the event - dubbed Battle of the Bubbles - promises an evening of discovery and spirited debate.

Tickets £40pp Saturday 28 June at Charleston Lewes - 1 - 5pm A drop-in tasting event will showcase wines from leading local vineyards: Artelium, Beacon Down, Bewl Water, Breaky Bottom, Everflyht, Gusbourne, Henners, Oastbrook, Oxney, Plumpton College, Rathfinny, Stopham, Tislmore, Wiston and Westwell. Cheese Please will be offering cheese plates to complement the tastings. FREE to register on Eventbrite.

Saturday 28 June at Charleston Lewes - 7pm In the evening, a Pop-Up Supper - Wine critic / comic Olly Smith will welcome guests for a long-table feast by Field Food expertly paired with English wines.

The ticketed event (£65 per person, 50 places only) includes welcome cocktail and several free drinks.

Tastings of the following local English Wines to pair with the mea: Breaky Bottom Cuvée Marianne Pooks Seyval Blanc 2016, Beacon Down Blanc de Noir 2018, Gusbourne Pinot Noir 2020, Oastbrook Rosé 2018, Stopham Estate Pinot Gris 2023, Sugrue South Downs The Trouble With Dreams 2020 Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

Sunday 29 June – Guided Vineyard Tour by Bus or Bicycle Wine lovers will have the opportunity to explore some of the region’s finest vineyards on a curated vineyard tour hosted by author and presenter Tom Surgey.

Guests can choose to travel by tour bus or join a scenic cycling route coordinated with Cycle Lewes. Stops at Artelium, Everflyht, and Ridgeview.

Additional Events Throughout the Week Independent Venues & Partners: Collaborations with local hotspots each hosting unique wine-focused experiences, including • Dill: Wine paring dinner with Artelium • Squisito: Expanded selection of English wines by the glass, plus Meet the Winemaker tasting sessions on Friday evenings • Abyss Brewery • Cellar Vie • Cheese Please • Harvey’s • Maggie’s Wine Shop • Seasons • Symposium Winelands is a unique opportunity to celebrate English wine, connect with producers, and enjoy the best of Sussex’s food and drink culture.

Tickets for key events will be available from May 2025.

All profits made will be donated to Lewes District Council’s Exceptional Hardship Fund.

For tickets and more information, see www.winelands.co.uk