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S U S S E X S PA RK L I N G

As we reach the crown of the hill, a green and pleasant Sussex landscape is revealed: a sun-soaked, slanting bowl of 600 acres, protected from the prevailing winds by an escarpment of National Trust land. In the distance, blue and magnificent, is the English Channel. This is the Rathfinny Estate, which … under Mark Driver’s stewardship, will soon be England’s largest vineyard.” – Sunday Telegraph

TH E R ATH F I N N Y V I S I O N

0 4 — 07

A Y E A R I N TH E V I N E YA RD

0 8 —17

V I S IT I N G R ATH F I N N Y

18 —24

H OSTI N G A N E V E NT

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G E T TI N G I N TOUC H

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TH E R ATH F I N N Y

V I S I O N

T H E R AT H F I N N Y V I S I O N . We established the Rathfinny Wine Estate in 2010 near Alfriston in the South Downs of Sussex, one of England’s exceptional natural landscapes, with the express intention of producing some of the world’s best sparkling wine.

Rathfinny occupies a perfect south facing slope, just three miles from the sea, and its climate, chalk soils and aspect make it probably the most perfect place to produce wine in a region that is already producing some of the best, award winning English sparkling wines.

The Rathfinny Wine Estate Vineyard will develop to become one of the largest single vineyards in England and one of the largest in Europe. Our RIBA nominated, state-of-the-art Winery is capable of producing over one million bottles of Sussex Sparkling wine annually. We aim to achieve quality levels that will see our Sussex Sparkling wine winning international awards and being enjoyed all over the world.

Our vision is about a great deal more than the production of outstanding sparkling wine. We want Rathfinny to contribute something special to the unique spirit of place in this beautiful part of the South Downs, which has been farmed since medieval times. We think of the Estate’s vines and trellises as being stitched into the past, and growing out of the chalky soil into the future. The land, the existing buildings on the Estate and the local communities around Rathfinny are as important to us as the wine we produce.

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Whether it is by tasting our wines or by visiting our Estate, we want you to really experience Rathfinny and our commitment to creating exceptional Sussex Sparkling wine from this beautiful and iconic part of southern England. We hope that you find the information in this booklet a great starting point for the range of experiences that await you here at Rathfinny.

Mark & Sarah Driver, Owners, Rathfinny Wine Estate

T H E V I N E YA R D. Rathfinny’s first 50 acres of vines were planted in April 2012 and we eventually expect to have up to 400 acres of the 600 acre Estate under vines. We have planted the three principal grape varieties used for the world’s very finest sparkling wines – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. We may also use small quantities of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

Rathfinny’s vines are set out on a viticulturally ideal south-facing slope just three miles from the English Channel. The micro-climate and the free-draining chalky soils create superb grape-growing conditions in a part of the country which is already producing some of the very finest English sparkling wines. Indeed, English wine producers have, in recent years, won more major international awards for sparkling wine than any other wine-producing region in the world.

Climate change has been a key factor in generating increasingly favourable weather conditions for viticulture in southern England. Meanwhile, the wine-related courses offered at the University of Brighton’s Plumpton College have helped to raise skill levels in the English wine industry significantly.

“The Rathfinny project is not just about making wine: we are committed to supporting the wider ambitions of the English wine industry, and that means nurturing the skills required to fulfil its potential.” – Mark Driver

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S U S S E X S PA R K L I N G . Our first vintage of Sussex Sparkling wine, made in the traditional bottle fermented method, will be available to purchase in late 2017. This wine will be produced in Rathfinny’s new state-of-the-art Winery, which sits at the heart of the Estate, with panoramic views across the vineyards and the South Downs. Rathfinny aims to sell up to half of its Sussex Sparkling production to high-end overseas markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

I N V E S T M E N T I N T H E W I N E I N D U S T RY. Rathfinny is developing a local skilled workforce that will support the expansion of the Vineyard and the Winery, and we have also sponsored the construction of the new Rathfinny Research Winery, part of the Plumpton College Wine Research Centre, which will further strengthen the industry’s knowledge and skills base.

C A R I N G F O R O U R E N V I RO N M E N T. All Rathfinny’s new buildings are constructed with locally sourced materials, using sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic cells and wastewater recycling where appropriate. We have worked with Natural England, the National Trust and the South Downs National Park to implement a programme of improvements to enhance local wildlife habitats, while also reviving and reclaiming areas of natural chalk grassland and creating wildlife corridors to improve biodiversity.

A Y E A R I N TH E V I N E YA RD

CO LD M O RN I N G S . S H O RT DAYS . PRU N I N G .

W H Y W E C A N E PRU N E .

1. To maintain the shape and structure of the vine allowing efficient operation

2. To regulate the number of shoots and crop size

3. Improve fruit quality and balance between vegetative and fruit growth

4. Improve bud fruitfulness by bud selection and placement

N U RTU RI N G OU R YOU N G V I N E S .

TUC K I N G I N A N D TR I M M I N G OU R V I N E S .

H A N D H A RV E STI N G OU R C A RE F U LLY

S E LEC TE D G R A PE S .

V I N E S RE STI N G . STO RI N G E N E RGY FO R

N E X T Y E A R’ S H A RV E ST.

A SOUTH FAC I N G S LO PE RE DUC E S F ROST R I S K .

V I S IT I N G R ATH F I N N Y

V I S I T I N G R AT H F I N N Y. You are very welcome to visit us! To help preserve the landscape, and get a true feel of the Estate, we encourage guests to visit us on foot whenever possible.

Our Estate Tour takes you to our outstanding new Winery, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Vineyard and the South Downs as you sample our Winemaker’s Lunch, or Afternoon Tea, in our gorgeous Tasting Room.

You can walk the Rathfinny Trail, or stay in our carefully renovated Flint Barns, a real “home away from home”.

You can also visit the historic, beautifully restored Gun Room shop, our Cellar Door, situated on The Tye in the picturesque village of Alfriston, where you can taste our wines.

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E S TAT E TO U R S . A guided walk through the Vineyard, learning about winemaking in the Winery, followed by a Winemaker’s Lunch or Afternoon Tea, with a stunning view from the Tasting Room.

R AT H F I N N Y T R A I L . Walk across the Estate, learning as you go about the Vineyard, the landscape and the wildlife, taking time to visit the Flint Barns Café.

F L I N T B A R N S . Stay at our “home away from home” and enjoy locally sourced, home-cooked food.

F L I N T B A R N S C A F É . Sample our simple Vineyard Lunch or enjoy a Tipsy Tea with delicious, locally sourced products.

T H E G U N RO O M . Our shop and Cellar Door where you can taste our wine and where we offer an exclusive range of art and gifts with a local flavour. Visit the Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Heritage Centre upstairs.

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W I N E M A K E R ’ S LU N C H TO U R . Enjoy a light meal prepared with seasonal flair, using fresh locally sourced ingredients, and complemented with a glass of English sparkling wine.

A F T E R N O O N T E A TO U R . Enjoy a delicious array of freshly made sandwiches, cakes and tea or coffee as you take in the view of the vines.

All tours start and finish at The Gun Room, situated on The Tye in the historic village of Alfriston. You can also purchase Tour Gift Certificates and private bespoke tours can be arranged, subject to availability.

T I M E S . 11.00am and 2.30pm respectivelyDAT E S . Selected Fridays & Saturdays from April to October D U R AT I O N . 3 hours in totalAVA I L A B I L I T Y. 16 places per tour

B O O K I N G S . Our tours are very popular so please book on our website or by contacting The Gun Room:

01323 870 022 / gunroom@rathfinnyestate.com

T E R M S A N D C O N D I T I O N S . Tours will continue to run in the event of inclement weather, unless it is deemed unsafe by Rathfinny Wine Estate, in which case you will be offered a credit note. Rathfinny reserves the right to postpone tours as required. We recommend that suitable outdoor activity clothing and footwear is worn. Payment for Tours is due at the time of booking. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

E XC LU S I V E E S TAT E TO U R S . Join us on a tour of the Estate, during which you will see how we turn our grapes into Sussex Sparkling wine. Walking through the vines in a small group with our experienced guide, exploring the Vineyard and the history and wildlife of the Estate, allows you to fully appreciate Rathfinny’s place in this classic landscape.

During this enjoyable tour, you will learn how a typical year of growing vines and wine production progresses. Among the highlights are a visit to our RIBA nominated Winery and its beautifully designed Tasting Room. Here, with glorious views of the Vineyard, you will be able to enjoy your delicious Winemaker’s Lunch or Afternoon Tea.

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R AT H F I N N Y T R A I L . We encourage walkers to visit the Vineyard, and we have worked with the National Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority to open the ‘Rathfinny Trail’ along the Cradle Valley. The Trail is approximately 2km and can be combined with many lovely, longer walks in the area.

Start at The Gun Room, you can collect a map which highlights starting-points and car parks, and then head out on to the South Downs. Along the way, you will find information points that explain why this landscape is so ideal for growing the grapes needed for a world class Sussex Sparkling wine. You will learn about the physical uniqueness of the area, and its great variety of wildlife, as you explore the mosaic of habitats that thrive here on the Estate. Come and explore! Whatever the time of day, or year, there’s always something new to encounter.

F L I N T B A R N S C A F É . Once you’ve worked up an appetite (and you will!) you can visit the Flint Barns Café and tuck in to our homemade Vineyard Lunches and Tipsy Teas, all made using fresh local ingredients. Please check our website for opening times.

N OT E . The Rathfinny Trail is officially classified as a “permissive footpath” running across the Rathfinny Wine Estate, and is subject to closure on certain days for Vineyard work. Please visit our website for details.

R ATH F I N N Y TR A I L

T H E F L I N T B A R N S . Whether you are looking for a weekend away as a family, a couple or walking the South Downs Way with a group of friends, our Flint Barns are the perfect place to stay. These historic buildings in the Cradle Valley lie at the western end of the Estate, and have been beautifully restored to the highest standard, forming a beautifully appointed “home away from home”.

A large, welcoming dining room, serving locally sourced home-cooked meals, is complemented by a separate lounge and meeting areas, which makes this the ideal venue to welcome special interest and school groups, or companies looking for an unusual place to hold gatherings or meetings. We believe this is a perfect and unique place to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the South Downs National Park and the rich history of the area.

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The Flint Barns are available for Bed and Breakfast, to hire on an exclusive basis and for functions throughout the year. If you choose to host a special event at the Estate, the perfect accommodation solution for guests is literally on the doorstep.

Sleeping up to 47 people in 10 ensuite bedrooms – double bedrooms, family rooms and bunk-bedded rooms that sleep 8. There’s room for everyone!

B O O K I N G S . You can book a stay at the Flint Barns by telephone or email:

01323 874 030 / flintbarns@rathfinnyestate.com

“An extraordinarily beautiful setting in the stunning South Downs…Eat well, sleep peacefully, feel at home” – Sawdays

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T H E G U N RO O M . Situated on The Tye in the historic and picturesque village of Alfriston, The Gun Room is said to have been the gun store for the Duke of Wellington. The Gun Room is Rathfinny’s Cellar Door, where you can taste our wine and where we offer carefully selected gifts and wine-related products, championing local goods and artists.

Whilst there, visit the Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley Heritage Centre and read about the fascinating history of Alfriston, dating back to the medieval period, and learn more about the Cuckmere Valley and the burgeoning English wine industry.

O PE N I N G T I M E S .

10.00am–4.00pm every day.

01323 870 022 / gunroom@rathfinnyestate.com

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H O S T I N G A N E V E N T. The Rathfinny Wine Estate is the perfect place to host your special event and will make it a unique and truly memorable experience. Whether you wish to host corporate delegate days with full meeting facilities, or a private party for a special occasion, we can help you create the perfect event.

Your event can be held in either our beautifully designed new Winery, with its elegant Tasting Room, set in the heart of the Estate with panoramic views across the Vineyard and the South Downs; or in our newly restored Flint Barns, an historic landmark in the Cradle Valley, whose wonderfully characterful courtyard and delightfully informal arrangement of rooms is very much a “home away from home”.

Both the Winery and Tasting Room, and the Flint Barns, are superbly equipped, the former with its formal boardroom facilities, and the latter with its long communal tables to work at as a team. Both venues offer breakout areas and can be set out to suit your individual needs. We offer a range of catering, from home-cooked meals to bespoke fine-dining menus. We can also organise transport, accommodation and a tour of the Winery and Vineyard if your timings allow. Exclusive use of the entire Estate is also available.

B O O K I N G S . Please contact us to arrange a visit and to discuss your specific requirements:

01323 871 031 / events@rathfinnyestate.com

H OSTI N G A N E V E NT

T H E G U N RO O M BY C A R . The Gun Room is a short walk from the two car parks in Alfriston. When you are on Alfriston High Street, walk in the direction of The George Pub, and then turn left down the narrow pathway called The Twitten following the brown tourism sign to the Alfriston Heritage Centre. You can see The Gun Room from the top of the pathway.

T H E G U N RO O M BY B U S . There are local buses to Alfriston village. Take the 126 bus, which runs from Eastbourne to Seaford, via Polegate and Alfriston. Alight at The Willows Car Park just at the entrance to Alfriston. From here, walk up North Street to the centre of the village and the High Street, and follow the directions outlined in the By Car paragraph above.

A L F R I S TO N BY T R A I N . The nearest stations to Alfriston are Seaford, Berwick and Polegate.

Rathfinny Wine Estate Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5TU

www.rathfinnyestate.comDesign. Aloof / Photography. Viv Blakey, Dudley Williams (pg. 25)

E S TAT E O F F I C E . 01323 871 031 / info@rathfinnyestate.com

F L I N T B A R N S .

01323 874 030 / flintbarns@rathfinnyestate.com

T H E G U N RO O M .

01323 870 022 / gunroom@rathfinnyestate.com

E V E N T S .

01323 871 031 / events@rathfinnyestate.com

R AT H F I N N Y W I N E E S TAT E

A L F R I S TO N , E A S T S U S S E X B N 2 6 5 T U