Best Places for a Glass of Wine

Ashling Park Estate, sitting on the edge of a pretty Sussex village and a stone’s throw from Chichester, offers regular vineyard tours, and lunch, dinner or afternoon tea at its chic on-site restaurant, where ingredients are sourced from within 30 miles and designed around Ashling’s wine, bees, gin and garden produce. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the vines, accompanied of course by a chilled glass of award-winning Sussex sparkling. For those who want to extend their stay there are several luxury lodges (designed and built by Will Hardie of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces) available.

Tinwood Estate is a hidden gem not far from Chichester City Centre.  If you’re looking for a slice of escapism, enjoy Tinwood’s fine English sparkling wine overlooking the stunning views of the vineyard, situated at the foot of the South Downs. Drop in, watch the world pass you by with a bottle of local delicate bubbles and a cheeseboard, or a selection of modern British tapas from the Vineyard Kitchen, or enjoy the whole experience on a Vineyard Tour and Tasting. The vineyard is very dog friendly so you can bring along your well-behaved furry friend.

In the heart of the picturesque market town of Petworth, sits the chic and elegant E.Street Bar and Grill where the in-house sommelier will happily guide you through an extensive wine menu, which certainly earns brownie points for featuring local wines as well as international world wines. A regular wine dinner series will take you around the globe, exploring different wine regions through guided wine tastings, paired with an original menu.

The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay perches right on the water’s edge at Chichester Harbour and enjoys outstanding harbour views. On a warm sunny day, the outside terrace is the place to be with a chilled glass of wine – you can sip Sussex’s Tinwood and Nyetimber here too.

Soak up views across the marina, people watch to your heart’s content and enjoy a glass or two in great company at The Boat House Café at Chichester Marina. The marina is a hive of activity, as walkers, wildlife and water vessels come and go – our recommendation is to book ahead for a table on the sunny terrace.

Historic pubs and inns are dotted in and around the towns of Petworth and Midhurst and the surrounding villages, in which you will find that traditional hospitality and cosy, rustic surroundings are the order of the day – as well as pretty gardens to relax in during the warmer months. The Horse Guard’s Inn at Tillington and The White Horse at Chilgrove are just two examples where you can while away a few hours sharing a bottle of your favourite tipple. Brownie points to The White Horse for featuring local fizz on the wine menu! The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst also offers local fizz.

Regularly complimented as one of the most beautiful pubs in Southern England, and with striking views over the National Trust’s Levin Down, there’s no better place to be on a summer’s day than in the striking garden of Singleton’s The Fox Goes Free, a glass of Sussex in hand; you can sip Tinwood’s Estate Brut and Estate Rosé Brut here.

Not only can you enjoy delicious cocktails at Purchases but you can also indulge in their extensive wine list offering a wide of choice of wine by the glass. Local fizz is available from both Ashling Park and Tinwood -  we love it when our hotspots support our local vineyards. What's more, there's a secret garden where you can enjoy a glass of wine outside with all the perks of being inside and all in the centre in Chichester.