English sparkling wine pioneers Ridgeview has opened their new visitor destination experience, The Rows & Vine
Ridgeview has officially opened The Rows & Vine, the new al fresco, all year-round restaurant overlooking the stunning Chardonnay vineyards on site, at the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate in Ditchling, East Sussex. The all-weather, outdoor venue with glorious views overlooking the South Downs National Park offers visitors a total wine experience from vine to glass. Serving seasonal tapas-style sharing plates, bringing the best local flavours to life with sustainably-sourced produce taking centre-stage alongside their award-winning English sparkling wine.
The Rows & Vine, named with a nod to the classic English pub, is located in the heart of the vineyard, serving a range of Ridgeview’s award-winning English sparkling wines, paired with locally grown seasonal Sussex food. Set amongst a stunning landscaped garden, designed by The RHS Chelsea Flower Show ”Best in Show” medalist Andrew Sturgeon. Featuring a series of covered terraces, the gardens overlook the growing vines and the South Downs beyond; and are a perfect spot to admire this iconic vineyard while enjoying a sip of the famed English sparkling wine.
Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview’s second-generation CEO states: “Tourism is a really exciting development for English Wine. With demand at an all-time high, our new on-site hospitality venue is a destination that can welcome visitors and guests throughout the year, overlooking the most stunning of English views. Our vision is for The Rows & Vine to champion locally grown seasonal Sussex food, paired with our portfolio of exceptional sparkling wines, the very best that our gorgeous country and country undoubtedly produces.”
Andy Sturgeon adds: “We have worked closely with Ridgeview and the South Downs National Park to design a garden which has biodiversity at its core. Working in this spectacular setting at Ridgeview made it easy for us in so many ways. Making a garden looking out onto the vines and the South Downs beyond inspired a planting scheme drawn from the locally native wildflowers, grasses and ferns while the terraces and walling relies on vernacular materials including flint, clay bricks and limestone gravels.”
Following the accreditation of the vineyard and winery under The Wines GB Sustainability scheme, Ridgeview’s new investments and expansion plans are focused on sustainability and estate biodiversity. Ridgeview has strong transport links, being only 50 minutes by train from London and 30 minutes from Gatwick airport. On Thursdays and Fridays Ridgeview is working with Great British Wine Tours for a hop-on-hop off bus to explore other Ditchling wineries. The onsite development also includes an extension to the winery facilities and is the start of further visitor experiences planned for the next few years.
The Rows & Vine is open from Thursday until Monday from midday until 8pm. Last table reservations are at 5.45pm. Advance bookings are required. An experience for guests to visit, sip, savour and celebrate, whether that be for the day or for a longer staycation trip. Ridgeview’s development alongside other fantastic wineries in the region, heroes Sussex and Southern England as a global tourism destination.