Support local arts and try a wine “tour” of Sussex
A special celebratory wine collection that gives people a unique taste of England’s own “Champagne” region has been launched.
To mark English Wine Week and Sussex Day this June, Sussex Modern has put together three bespoke wine cases that showcase some of the best and most beautifully-crafted wines in the world, delivered to your door. All profits from sales of the wine cases will go towards supporting the 13 arts partners that make up Sussex Modern which, like so many other local businesses and organisations, have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and are making steps towards recovery.
Sussex Modern is a collaboration of 36 destinations across East and West Sussex that celebrate the county’s contribution to modern culture and showcase its incredible landscape.
The launch of the wine collection celebrates the fact that sunny Sussex is the UK’s premier wine-making region, with over 50 vineyards and more wine production than any other county. The chalk of the South Downs National Park is the same chalky seam as the Champagne region – giving the English sparkling wines world-class quality – while the sandier soils of the Sussex Weald produce wines of remarkable fruitiness.
Mark Driver, co-owner of Rathfinny Wine Estate, said: “It’s been a challenging time for venues across the county, but we still wanted to do something to mark Sussex Day. We have several award-winning wineries in the Sussex Modern partnership and we thought a celebration of the amazing wines of Sussex seemed very fitting. Each case is a unique experience – evocative of the rolling South Downs, of fresh air, sunshine and picnics, and of good times with family and friends. This is a great way to go on a wine-tasting tour of Sussex without having to leave the comfort of your own dinner table! It will also be supporting local businesses that really need a helping hand at this time.”
Kat Beer, who leads sustainable tourism for the South Downs National Park, which is one of the supporting partners of Sussex Modern, added: “The pandemic has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the tourism, hospitality and cultural sector and many venues are now making the first tentative steps towards a long and uncertain recovery. One of the real trends to come out of this pandemic is more people shopping locally and seeing what’s available on their doorstep. Sussex has really made a name for itself for the quality of its wines in recent years and I would encourage wine-lovers to make the most of the wonderful variety of wines being grown here.”
Three different wine cases – sparkling, still and mixed – are available and will be delivered to your door. Each case contains six bottles. For more details see www.sussexmodern.org.uk/sussex-modern-wine-case-tasting-notes/