As the country emerges from the pandemic, Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex, will be offering an array of ‘wine-filled’ experiences for customers to dine, stay, tour & taste, on this picturesque Vineyard.
The reopening also coincides with the release of their new sparkling wines – 2017 Classic Cuvée and 2017 Blanc de Blancs –which means this summer will be the perfect time to plan a food and wine getaway.
Dine – Al Fresco
Back by popular demand and sold out last summer, Rathfinny has launched their al fresco Vineyard Picnic Hampers which are available to enjoy on a grassy bank overlooking the Vineyard. Estate Head Chef, Chris Bailey, has created picnic menus that embrace his love of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Picnic Hampers include a three-course snacking menu at £25 per head with the option to order chilled Rathfinny Sussex wines whilst soaking up the English summer sunshine.
Picnics will be available, 12noon – 3.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Dine – Michelin Plate Tasting Room
For customers looking for a fine dining Vineyard experience, Rathfinny Estate are reopening their Michelin Plate Tasting Room restaurant located within their Sussex Heritage, award-winning Winery with breath-taking views overlooking the Vineyard and South Downs. Head Chef, Chris Bailey, and his team serve a new take on contemporary, ingredient-focused British cuisine, using the finest seasonal produce available from the land, sea and garden of the British Isles. 2 or 3 course lunches are available from £32 a head and tasting menu dinners on Fridays and Saturday evenings from £55 with an option to add a Sussex wine flight.
Sample dishes include Hasselback Jersey Royals with caviar, Turbot roasted on the bone with monk’s beard, young vegetables, brown butter and mussel sauce followed by Tumaco extra dark single-origin chocolate cremeaux with cocoa crisp and olive oil sorbet.
Dine – Al Fresco Walk Ins
Just three miles from the sea, where the coast meets the countryside, Rathfinny is passionate about pairing their wines with the finest food and working with local suppliers. Visitors making an impromptu visit can dine al fresco on the Tasting Room balcony for nibbles paired with Rathfinny Sussex wines or relax on the Flint Barns grassy bank enjoying an antipasti lunch menu.
Stay – Weekend & Short Breaks
For those who are looking to extend their visit, Rathfinny is now taking bookings at their award-winning Flint Barns bed and breakfast from the 19th May so customers can enjoy the entire Estate offer and wake up in the heart of an English vineyard. A ‘Tour and Tasting package’ from £229.50 for two guests which includes an overnight stay, summer tour and tasting, Vineyard picnic lunch, bottle of Rathfinny Classic Cuvée sparkling wine and a seasonal breakfast. The Estate is also offering a ‘Dine and Unwind package’ from £200 for two guests, which includes bed and breakfast, tea and homemade cake on arrival with a glass of Classic Cuvée and a three-course dinner at the Flint Barns Dining Room restaurant.
Reservations can be transferred or cancelled if the Flint Barns is forced to close due to Covid-19.
Tour & Taste
Visiting a Vineyard would not be the same without sampling Rathfinny’s famous Sussex Sparkling wines. Summer tours and tastings will commence from 21st May where customers will be able to tour the Estate and learn how Rathfinny turns grapes into world-class sparkling wines. All tours conclude with a tasting of Rathfinny Sussex Wines. Tours are priced at £25 a person.
Complimentary, drop-in tastings will also commence from the Cellar Door shop.
WineTasting
The Wine Estate Cellar Door shop, is also open daily between 10am-3pm. Customers can now place orders in advance using the ‘click and collect’ service on their new online shop: www.shop.rathfinnyestate.com
or drive to the Estate to shop, carrying out social distancing measures.
For more information or to book any of the above, visit www.rathfinneyestate.com