The very first Sussex Winelands ‘Fizztival’ took place on Friday (28th November) in West Chiltington. The South Downs MP Andrew Griffith was delighted to give his support to the local vineyards who were presenting their wines to the public.
‘Bubbles at the Barn’ was the inaugural event for Arun and Adur Valley winemakers set it in the magnificent venue of Southlands Barn attended by around 200 guests. This Christmas wine fair brought together nine Sussex vineyards who provided tastings accompanied by charcuterie from the Knepp Estate.
Abingworth Vineyards, Ambriel Sparkling, Coolhurst Vineyards, Leonardslee Family Vineyards, Moralee Wines, Nutbourne Vineyards, Smock Alley Wines, Stopham Vineyard and the Wiston Estate all delighted with their samples and sales of award-winning wines.
Andrew Griffith spent time speaking to the local wine producers to hear more about their production and UK viticulture. The MP is a keen advocate for British produced wines, especially those from Sussex, and is the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Wines of Great Britain.
The Arundel and South Downs constituency is understood to have the most acreage under vine compared to any other constituency, and the region is producing wines that have earned awards and recognition on the world stage. West Sussex accounts for 15% of the UK’s total planted vineyard area with the largest concentration of vineyards in the country.
The ‘Fizztival’ was a celebration of local wine and generated excitement and interest as well as sales. There was a lot of buzz about the 2025 harvest being a bumper year for quality and volume, though wine lovers will have to wait a little while longer to taste the efforts of this year’s production.
Marie Davies of Stopham Wines, who was one of the main organisers of the event, said:
“Our first Sussex Winelands event was a resounding success! Thank you to everyone who came along to try and buy these delicious wines, and special thanks to Andrew Griffith MP for opening proceedings in the most festive of Christmas jumpers. We are hugely grateful for his support to our industry.”
Andrew Griffith said:
“Congratulations to all the Sussex Winelands vineyards for a fantastic ‘Fizztival’ and to Southlands Barn for hosting. West Sussex has long been making its mark as one of the finest places to grow grapes and make excellent wine, and it was good to see so many winemakers brought together under one roof to share their wines and their stories. From Sussex Sparkling to still whites, roses and red, these local wines deserve a place at the Christmas table.”
