Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, BN26 5TU
Harden's survey result
Summary
Opened in 2018, the same year owners Mark & Sarah Driver launched the first vintages of their English sparkling wines, this seasonal dining room has a “stunning location” overlooking the vineyards and South Downs. Chef Chris Bailey’s two- or three-course lunches and tasting menu dinners are strong on local ingredients, with “superb wines” from the estate a given. Those who took advantage of their al-fresco summer dinner parties, ‘Dine in the Vines’, found the “food and wine delightful and the company good”; the grounds also host the more casual Flint Barn dining room and wine bar The Hut at Rathfinny.
Summary
Panoramic views of the vineyards and South Downs accompany a trip to this seasonal dining room (which is closed in October during the wine harvest). Some reports are of outstanding cuisine from chef Chris Bailey, although there is the odd concern about some “huge mark-ups” on certain items. You can always opt for the “really relaxed” Flint Barn dining room also on the estate (“keenly priced, lovely posh grub with a large choice of wines to wash it all down”). There is also The Hut at Rathfinny – a wine bar with week-round opening.
Summary
Lush local wines are not the only attraction at this vineyard restaurant (also with accommodation), which enjoys gorgeous views of the vines and South Downs. There are weekly changing seasonal tasting menus, or “take the incredible picnic amongst the vineyards on a summer's afternoon… bliss!”
Summary
Gorgeous views of the English countryside accompany a visit to this vineyard restaurant (which also provides accommodation). Only limited feedback, but all positive regarding Chris Bailey’s cuisine and the contemporary dining room… plus of course lashings of wines from the surrounding fields.
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Have you eaten at The Tasting Room, Rathfinny Wine Estate?
Owner's description
The Tasting Room restaurant is Situated on the Rathfinny Wine Estate within the Sussex Heritage Award-winning Winery. The restaurant has panoramic views of the Vineyard and the beautiful South Downs, guests can drop in to taste and purchase our Sussex Sparkling, Sussex still wines and Seven Sisters spirits or dine in the restaurant.
Led by chef Chris Bailey, the Tasting Room restaurant offers dining from a menu of seasonal, modern British cuisine that changes on a regular basis. We do recommend booking (lunch and dinner only). We also have a carefully selected range of gifts and wine related products from our Cellar Door.
Children are welcome at the Tasting Room during the day. As we are a working Vineyard they must be supervised at all times, we want to keep everyone safe. We don’t have a specific menu for children but they are welcome to eat from the light bites menu at lunch time if the full menu is not suitable. We would generally recommend that dinner reservations are suitable for children over the age of 12, but please do call us if you would like to discuss in more detail.
Restaurant details
The chef
Chris, trained at Westminster College, has worked in some of the top restaurants in London and Spain which culminated in being awarded a Michelin Star at The Black Rat in Winchester. Inspired by all things seasonal and local to Sussex, Chef Chris Bailey joined the Rathfinny team in April as head chef in the Tasting Room.
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Alfriston, BN26 5TU
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
