New bus route has been launched – a hop-on, hop-off service that will take you to Sussex’s most stunning vineyards, wineries and breweries.

The new government-funded bus route will run throughout the summer of 2022 giving easy access to stunning scenery and world-class vineyards in Ditchling and the surrounding areas.

‘Sussex Wine Routes’ is designed and managed by local business Great British Wine Tours and the buses will run Thursdays & Fridays until the end of the Summer, with pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the day from Brighton Pier, Burgess Hill Train Station and Haywards Heath Train Station.

Why now? South East England currently has the ideal growing conditions for champagne variety grapes. The perfect climate window which used to sit over the champagne region has, over the last 30 years, shifted north and now sits over South East England. Its for this reason Sussex wines, in particular traditional method sparkling wines, have gained global acclaim in recent years

With this in mind, there is a huge opportunity to invite wine lovers to venture out of the cities and towns and immerse themselves not only in this fascinating industry, but the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. The bus ticket includes a map that explains both the bus routes and stops, plus some options to walk between the stops that will take you through some of Sussex’s most stunning scenery.

The 3 vineyard stops are Ridgeview, Artelium and Court Garden (all vegan friendly vineyards), plus Bedlam Brewery, and a guide to the village of Ditchling with its vintage tea rooms, art and craft museum and traditional country pubs.

Hannah Simpson-Banks, hospitality manager or Artelium Vineyard said, “We are delighted to be collaborating on this hop-on, hop-off wine route, a first of its kind in the UK.

“Increasingly, vineyard guests have been expressing their desire for more sustainable ways to travel to us and greater accessibility to other vineyards and wineries across our stunning county (without the need for a designated driver!). Sussex Wine Routes is a fantastic step in the right direction to providing a solution to these concerns.

“Thanks to a sustainable wine tourism grant from the South Downs National Park Authority, we now have the required funding to launch this exciting initiative”.