Rathfinny wins approval to expand Sussex wine tourism offering
Rathfinny Wine Estate has secured planning approval to expand its accommodation offering, adding new luxury stays and refurbishing existing facilities as demand for English wine tourism continues to grow.
Rathfinny Wine Estate has received unanimous planning approval from the South Downs National Park Authority to expand its guest accommodation as it looks to meet growing demand for wine tourism in Sussex.
The English sparkling wine producer, which is set within a 600-acre vineyard in the South Downs, said the development forms the next stage of its ambition to establish the region as a leading wine tourism destination for both UK and international visitors.
The estate has welcomed overnight guests for more than a decade, offering vineyard accommodation alongside winery tours, tastings, dining experiences and its Cellar Door shop. The latest expansion will increase capacity and introduce new accommodation options overlooking the vineyards.
New accommodation and refurbishment plans
Under the approved plans, Rathfinny will add six luxury ‘Grape Pickers’ Huts’ in the estate’s former quarry, overlooking the vineyard. A new Stable Block will also be built, providing four guest bedrooms with private terraces offering views across the South Downs.
The estate will also refurbish its existing Flint Barns accommodation, enlarging guest rooms to create more spacious accommodation. A new dining room and vineyard-facing terrace will also be added.
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During the planning process, councillors praised both the quality of the architectural designs and Rathfinny’s sustainable approach to development. The producer, which achieved B Corp certification in 2023, said the investment reflects its long-term commitment to responsible growth.
The expansion comes as Sussex continues to strengthen its reputation as a cool-climate wine region, with the Sussex Winelands attracting increasing numbers of visitors, particularly from Scandinavia and North America. Rathfinny noted that accommodation within the South Downs National Park remains limited despite growing international interest in the region.
Investment to create hospitality jobs
Alongside increasing visitor capacity, the project is expected to create new jobs within Rathfinny’s hospitality business. Recruitment has already begun for several positions, including a Flint Barns Manager and additional Food & Beverage supervisors.
Mark Driver, co-owner and co-founder of Rathfinny, said: “When we planted our first vines, we always dreamed of creating far more than a vineyard. We wanted Rathfinny to be a place where people could stay, dine, tour and discover the remarkable quality of Sussex Sparkling wine.”
He added: “This investment allows us to welcome more guests than ever before to the estate and to share everything that makes Sussex such a special place to visit. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the South Downs National Park Authority and excited to bring these exceptional new accommodation spaces to life.”
Driver continued: “English wine tourism is entering a new era. Visitors from around the world are discovering Sussex as one of the most exciting wine destinations anywhere, and we’re proud to be helping shape that future while creating new opportunities for hospitality careers in the region.”
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