Winelands Festival of English Wine in Lewes

Lewes is set to raise a glass in celebration of English wine during ‘Winelands’, a local festival which takes place in June, just before the larger, nationwide celebration of English Wine Week.

For the second year running, Winelands, a not-for-profit organisation set up by a group of wine professionals, enthusiasts, and local businesses, will showcase the world-class quality of Sussex sparkling and still wines, bringing together wine lovers, producers, and industry experts at various venues in Lewes.

The Winelands festival includes a Grand Tasting of Sussex Wines at All Saints Centre in Lewes on Saturday 13 June, where those lucky enough to have a ticket will meet producers and taste wines from SIXTEEN vineyards from across Sussex, from Oxney Organic in the east to Tinwood Estate in the west. A wonderful opportunity to meet local wine producers and taste their wines, all under one roof! Tickets are just £5 per person (over 18s over) for a 90-minute drop-in tasting session. Entry by pre-purchased ticket only, available from the Winelands website.

On Thursday 11 June, there is a special screening at Depot of ‘Sour Grapes’, a film about a notorious wine fraudster, presented by director Jerry Rothwell, with a post-film blind wine tasting to spot the ‘fake wine’ led by Lewes Master of Wine, Mike Best. Perfect for lovers of wine, true crime, and film!

Other Lewes venues, including Caccia & Tails, Squisito, and Maggie's of Lewes, will be promoting local wines during Winelands week, with drop-in tastings, pairing menus, and events highlighting the exceptional talent and craftsmanship behind English winemaking.

Winelands is generously sponsored by local businesses Mayo Wynne Baxter, Knight Frank LLP, and Carpenter Box.