Tillingham – Natural Wine with a View

Just a short drive from Rye, Tillingham Winery sits on a 70-acre hilltop estate with sweeping views over the Sussex Weald. It’s a working biodynamic vineyard and farmstead, blending rustic charm with clean, modern design.

Guests can enjoy natural wines made on-site, explore the cellar, or settle in for a long lunch in the restaurant – where everything is rooted in sustainability and flavour. There’s also a relaxed bar, pizza in the courtyard, and rooms if you feel like staying longer.

📍 Dew Farm, Dew Lane, Peasmarsh, TN31 6XD. 🌐 Visit Website

Charles Palmer Vineyards

A family-run vineyard producing award-winning English sparkling and still wines, Charles Palmer Vineyards is set in the rolling countryside near Winchelsea. Enjoy guided tours through the vines, learn about their traditional winemaking methods, and sample a selection of their wines in the tasting room. It’s a delightful spot for wine enthusiasts and those looking to experience the charm of English viticulture.

📍 Wickham Manor Farm, Winchelsea, East Sussex, TN36 4AG

🕓 Tours and tastings by appointment; check website for seasonal events

📞 +44 1797 226 490.   🌐 charlespalmer-vineyards.co.uk

Oxney Organic Estate – Award-Winning & Close to Rye

Just a few minutes’ drive from Rye in Beckley, Oxney is the UK’s largest single-estate organic vineyard. They produce still and sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Seyval Blanc, all grown with a focus on sustainability and low intervention.

You can book a 90-minute guided tour with tastings, or simply try a wine flight in the rustic tasting room. There are also shepherd’s huts, converted barns, and oast-house cottages on the estate if you fancy staying the night.

📍 Hobbs Lane, Beckley, TN31 6TU 🌐 oxneyestate.com

🕗 Tours and tastings: selected days, booking essential

Chapel Down – Big Name & Easy Day Out

About 20 minutes from Rye, Chapel Down is one of England’s best-known wineries, producing sparkling and still wines that often make the news. The estate is open year-round, with guided tours, tastings, and even cheese-and-wine pairings.

Food is a big part of the experience too — there’s a 2 AA Rosette restaurant on site, with a menu that champions seasonal Kentish produce.

📍 Small Hythe, Tenterden, TN30 7NG.   🌐 chapeldown.com

🕗 Tours and restaurant: check website for times, booking advised

Rathfinny Wine Estate – A Scenic Day Trip

Further afield, about an hour’s drive from Rye, Rathfinny is one of Sussex’s most famous vineyards, and a driving force behind the “Sussex PDO” sparkling wine designation. The scale here is impressive — rows of vines rolling across the South Downs, paired with a slick visitor experience.

You’ll find tours and tastings, a tasting room restaurant, and stylish accommodation in the restored Flint Barns. It’s more of a day trip than a quick stop, but absolutely worth it if you love English fizz.

📍 Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TU  🌐 rathfinnyestate.com

🕗 Tours, restaurant & accommodation: booking recommended