The Rathfinny Vineyard Trail
Our Cellar Door is open for shopping and drop-in tastings everyday from 10am – 5pm. From here you can collect a copy of our Vineyard Trail Map which details walking routes around the Estate.
Free parking on the Estate is available at the Cellar Door and the Flint Barns, from where you can access the trail. Note that the trail is closed during Harvest.
Winter
Discover the serenity of a South Downs winter at the Estate. Treat yourself to lunch in the Tasting Room before heading into the Vineyard and see the pruning teams moving from vine to vine. Even in winter, all tasks are done by hand.
Spring
Budburst signals the arrival of Spring, with green shoots erupting from the vines as the growing season begins. Keep an eye out for skylarks performing aerial displays to attract their mates.
Summer
On the vines, the bunches of fruit begin to form and slowly ripen as the thick green canopies reach towards the sun. On the chalk-grassland banks, spot the electric Adonis Blue, the iconic butterfly species of the South Downs.
Autumn
A crucial time of year on the Estate: as the leaves turn, the fruit ripens in time for harvest. October is a busy month and can be unsafe to walk the trail during this time, but drop by for a Sunday lunch in the Flint Barns and enjoy the stunning colours of Autumn from The Hut and Tasting Room.
Food & Drink on the Estate
Walkers often enjoy stopping off at The Hut for a coffee, cake or glass of Sussex Sparkling. The Hut is located next to the Cellar Door, and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm but is closed for winter, from December to March.
For those looking for lunch and dinner, our Michelin-recommended Tasting Room restaurant is located in the Winery, and the Flint Barns Dining Room offers Sunday lunches and classic modern British cuisine in the heart of the Vineyard.
Exploring the South Downs
Rathfinny Estate is nestled in the Cradle Valley, less than three miles from the English Channel. From our Estate, you can explore the surrounding area easily on foot.
Heading east, there is a footpath leading to the historic village of Alfriston, a half-hour walk away, where you can rejoin the South Downs Way heading towards Eastbourne. There are also routes down into the beautiful Cuckmere Valley and towards Birling Gap, famed for its views of the Seven Sisters cliffs.
Walkers can head south towards the Higher & Over car park, or west to Bo Peep car park where you catch up with the South Downs Way heading towards Lewes.
Safety Information
We welcome walkers to the Estate but please be aware of your safety and remember that we are a working Vineyard, with heavy machinery in use. It is important that you:
- Keep to the path
- Follow the signs at all times
- Keep dogs on leads and clear up their mess
- Take care when crossing roads
- Follow the Countryside Code
