Local MP Huw Merriman is encouraging people to visit the local area not only this English Wine Week, (18th – 25th June) but also throughout the summer, to try the fantastic Sussex Wines on offer at number of vineyards in the constituency and to help boost tourism and the local economy.
Many of the vineyards not only offer, tastings, tours and the option to buy wine on site, but also the opportunity to stay in onsite accommodation. It’s a great opportunity to make a weekend of a visit to the Sussex countryside and see what else the area has to offer.
Local vineyards in the Bexhill and Battle constituency include, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, Tillingham in Peasmarsh, Henners in Herstmonceux, Beacon View Heathfield, Oastbrook in Bodiam, Mountfield Wines and Oxney in Beckley, which is the UKs largest Organic Vineyard.
On Sussex Day last year Sussex Wine was added to the list of products given geographically protected status. This makes it similar to Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray pies and Cornish pasties. It is now easier to brand English Sparkling Wine under this banner and more attractive for farmers to diversify and make more from the land.
On Sussex Day this year (16 June), Huw, along with fellow Sussex MPs, launched the Sussex Wine Tourism Growth Plan. The Plan is being delivered in partnership with Sussex Modern, the wine tourism development agency for Sussex. This ambitious plan sets out the steps to develop the offer to secure Sussex’s place as the UK’s leading wine destination with a global reputation.
Huw said:
“English Wine Week is a fantastic opportunity to explore the local area, sample some of the fantastic wines on offer and help local businesses continue to thrive.
“It’s great to see so many award-winning vineyards cropping up, not just across Sussex but in the Bexhill and Battle constituency as well. The geographically protected status that was granted last year has definitely contributed to the success of the local vineyards and an increased interest in Sussex wine.
“If you are unable to get to any of our local vineyards do be sure to visit Sarah’s Wine Cellar on Battle High Street, where most of these wines are stocked and see why Sussex wine is so deserving of the success it is continuing to have.”
