ITS sunny climes make it the envy of the English wine industry and it has thrown down the gauntlet as a firm rival of cheesemakers across the country.

Yes, Sussex is oozing with so much delicious local produce there is something for everyone.

Not only are the wineries making waves with still and sparkling wines, but dairies are producing all sorts of blue, soft and hard cheese to suit any palate.

The Argus:

Nick Mosley, the director of the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, is one of many who are more than happy to wax lyrical about the county's bounty.

"Sussex is at the fore of quality food production and a world-class food and drink destination. Every day throws up a new Sussex producer with passion and adventure," he said.

"The reception we’ve had internationally really goes to prove that. It's great to see our produce selling out at farmers' markets but also to see it on the shelves of the supermarkets and being exported internationally."

He said the county is "without a doubt" the heart of the English wine industry.

"Particularly with our traditional method sparkling wines created from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

"With the South Downs terroir mirroring that of the Champagne region of France, we are perfectly placed to produce sparkling wines that are the envy of the world.

"Vineyards and wineries are expanding rapidly across the county and we’ll be seeing more and more of our agricultural land being taken over by grape production over the coming years.

"We should also note that our still wines are becoming more and more sophisticated."

Mr Mosley has plenty of time for the traditional and contemporary cheeses too as well as the talented cheesemongers who display them. Sussex Charmer, Mayfield and Brighton Blue are particularly popular.

Historically beers and ciders are equally important in Sussex's rich tapestry of produce.

"Lewes is, of course, renowned for Harveys who’ve been producing beer in the county for more than 200 years. Recent years have also seen an explosion of craft beer producers across the county," Mr Mosley said.

He is equally as excited by the work of Beer Collective, the re-emergence of the cider industry from Hastings to Bolney, and developments with a carbonated Sussex cider.

While a lot of this is widely celebrated Mr Mosley said seafood does not get the recognition it deserves.

He said: "Sussex has one of the largest whelk beds in the world not far from Shoreham, most of which gets harvested and sent to South Korea, abundant crab from Selsey, flat fish, bream, mackerel, bass and cuttlefish. There’s also a lot of squid to be had off the south coast, and there are some great locations across the county for freshwater fish."

And there is chocolate, honey, oils and more. We have it all.

The county's historic breeds like the 200-year-old Southdown Sheep, chickens renowned for their eggs and meat, cattle and game should not be forgotten.