A decade ago, this would have been a slightly easier article to write. Sussex viticulture is blooming and there are now an estimated 140 or more vineyards. But the county’s history of wine-making actually goes back to the early 1970s, according to Sussex Modern. This was when the Bolney Wine Estate opened, and it remains a firm favourite with its wines stocked around the world. Two decades later, two other vineyards opened - Nyetimber and Ridgeview - and these have also achieved fame as pioneering and inventive makers.

But there are also new vineyards opening all of the time, many of which have teamed up with Sussex makers and restaurateurs to offer tastings with a twist. Here is The Grain Store’s selection of our top seven; but we would love to hear about your Sussex wine adventures.

Number One: Rathfinny Wine Estate

Geographically one of the closest vineyards to The Grain Store, Rathfinny Wine Estate is also one of the most dramatically positioned. It sits not far from the Long Man of Wilmington and above the Seven Sisters Country Park, with distant views over the sea.

Its English sparkling wines are award-winning and visitors can enjoy them in the Tasting Room - which is Michelin-recommended - or amongst the vines. The estate also has a stunning restaurant, The Flint Barns, which serves a spectacular Sunday roast and also hosts the Seafood Kitchen, which offers a veritable bounty of maritime fare.

Number Two: Oxney Organic Estate

Sitting near the beautiful town of Rye, towards Kent, is the Oxney Organic Estate. This place holds a spot in our hearts for its organic practices and its constant quest to be sustainable. The manure feeding the vines comes from animals reared on the estate, for example, and the team favours wild ferments.

Tours run throughout the year but from May to October, there are two tours every Saturday; and the option of adding a picnic lunch hamper. Try the Oxney Blanc de Blancs or the Rosé.

Number Three: Ridgeview

One of the original Sussex vineyards and one that has been growing in stature for thirty years is Ridgeview. The team here not only uses grapes hand-picked from their own heritage vines but also sources superior fruit from some of the greatest growers in the South of England.

Sample the vineyard’s sparkling wines, including the Blanc de Blancs, which was served at King Charles’ first State Banquet. The vineyard is also home to The Rows & Vine restaurant, where wine pairings take centre stage - as does the view.

Number Four: Artelium

A relative newcomer to the Sussex wine scene is Artelium but it has been garnering fans for both its still and sparkling varieties; but also for the art, craft and food events it has been offering. In fact, art plays a role in the creation of the vineyard’s Artefact collection of wines. For each Artefact wine released, an original artwork is commissioned, including the label designs.

The vineyard is a 30-minute walk across fields from Plumpton, which is also home to the celebrated Race Course.

Number Five: Bluebell Vineyard Estate

On the edge of the Ashdown Forest, the Bluebell Vineyard was founded in 2005, and now produces its celebrated Hindleap English sparkling and Ashdown Still wines. The team offers both wine as well as wine and cheese tours.

There are also three beautiful trails around the estate, which all begin at The Tasting Room. Children and dogs on leads are welcome and there is no need to book for a wander.

Number Six: Bolney

We couldn’t compile this list without including Sussex’s first vineyard - the Bolney Wine Estate. Founded in 1972, it now boasts world-renowned wines, a beautiful (and dog-friendly) cafe and the Eighteen Acre Restaurant.

The team now produces both still and sparkling wines including a Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and classic sparkling Bolney Bubbly and Blanc de Blancs. This is a fine vintage of a vineyard and well worth visiting to sample its delightful wines and food.

Number Seven: Nyetimber

This is an estate that was named in the Domesday Book. In 1988, its path changed when “the holy trinity of sparkling wine grapes” – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – were planted in its soils.

The estate has been in the ownership of Eric Heerema since 2006. It is now world-famous and has continued to innovate. It claimed the title for England’s first ever prestige cuvée with 1086 by Nyetimber; but also sells a gorgeous array of limited edition bottles among the firm classics. Details of the vineyard’s Open Days are online.

And there are so many vineyards that we haven’t included, simply because your glass would start overflowing with options! If you are also feeling overwhelmed by choice, you can leave the wine flight curation to the experts. Both Sussex Wine Tours and Great British Wine Tours can organise a tour of the vineyards for you, including transportation and food.

What we can promise at The Grain Store is a place to rest your feet after wandering through the vines; and a beautiful garden at the foot of The South Downs in which to sip a glass of wine if you decide to bring some bottles home with you.

Don’t forget that many of our local gastropubs will stock local wines so don’t worry if you miss a vineyard or two as you can always have a mini-tasting alongside a hearty meal. And you are always welcome to come back to The Grain Store to explore new vineyards or return to an old favourite.