A wine trail is raising a glass to new growth and a bigger audience.
The Explore Wealden Wine Trail, launched in 2024, now features 16 partner vineyards and has joined the wider Sussex Winelands partnership, further establishing Sussex as a wine tourism destination.
The expanded trail and new partnership are being celebrated during English Wine Week with a dedicated film campaign that highlights the area’s distinctive vineyards and visitor experiences.
Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and deputy leader of the council, said: "Wealden is home to a remarkable concentration of vineyards and some of the most distinctive wine tourism experiences in the country.
"Since launching Sussex's first official wine tourism trail in 2024, we have worked closely with local producers to create a visitor offer that celebrates the quality, diversity and ambition of our wine sector.
"Expanding the trail to 16 vineyards and bringing those vineyards into the Sussex Winelands partnership is an important next step.
"It will help raise the profile of our local businesses, attract new visitors to the district and support the continued growth of our rural economy."
Produced by filmmaker Chris Wigner and presented by wine expert Tom Surgey, the campaign showcases the people, landscapes and stories behind each vineyard.
The Explore Wealden Wine Trail initially launched with 12 partner vineyards and has since expanded to include 16 locations offering tastings, tours, picnics, cellar-door experiences and seasonal events.
Its integration into Sussex Winelands links the trail with vineyard destinations across the county and helps to promote the full range of Sussex’s wine tourism offering.
This expansion also marks the final stage of Wealden District Council’s investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which has supported a dedicated content campaign to promote the participating vineyards.
As further vineyard clusters from across Sussex join the initiative, Sussex Winelands has the potential to become one of England's premier wine tourism destinations.
It aims to encourage longer stays, attract new audiences and strengthen Sussex's reputation as a world-class wine destination.
