WINEMAKERS have been showing the best of Sussex at the world's largest wine expo in Germany.

With the growth in international demand for English wine, export activity continues to expand.

The English Wine Producers marketing body returned to ProWein in Düsseldorf last weekend with Bolney Wine Estate, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Hattingley Valley, Hush Heath, Hambledon and Ridgeview.

The English Wine Producers' canapé reception, prepared by Kieron James of Brighton's Beach BBQ, was presented with the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, featuring venison and cured pigeon from Taste of Game, Sussex Slipcote cheese and English truffle honey from La Cave à Fromage, Sussex beef with Yorkshire pudding, roasted ivy and nettle pesto, and caviar on fresh blinis.

"It's been a truly international effort with amazing produce from Sussex supplemented with Scottish salmon, herbs from Guernsey, breads from Holland and, of course, our Brighton's very own Australian chef Kieron", said festival director Nick Mosley.

"It's been an absolute pleasure working alongside EWP and our friends at Ridgeview and Bolney Wine Estates to showcase their acclaimed wines - particularly the sparkling wines such as Ridgeview's Cavendish -alongside matched food."

Around 25 wine producers from Sussex and the south of England will be joining the food festival on Hove Lawns on 29-30 May for the English Wine Week Festival. For more information visit www.brightonfoodfestival.com