Description
About Rathfinny Wine Estate
Founded in 2010 by husband and wife Mark and Sarah Driver, Rathfinny Wine Estate was created with the goal of producing some of the world’s finest English sparkling wines. Situated in the South Downs of Sussex, the estate benefits from an ideal location on a south-facing slope of chalk, a region recognised for its potential to produce world-class sparkling wines. This landscape, shaped by centuries of farming, is part of the same chalk band that stretches from Northern France to Southern England, making it an exceptional site for viticulture.
Rathfinny's commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its B Corp status, making it the first sparkling wine grower-producer in the world to achieve this accolade. The estate operates with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable business practises, verified for their social and environmental impact.
The estate’s first 50 acres of vines were planted in 2012, with plans to expand to 350 acres. The vineyard grows the classic Champagne varieties—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier—alongside a small amount of Pinot Gris.
Rathfinny adopts traditional winemaking methods, refined under the guidance of an experienced team. The estate also supports the local community by investing in workforce development and sponsoring the Rathfinny Research Winery at Plumpton College. The winery's environmentally conscious design includes locally sourced materials, sustainable technologies, and initiatives to enhance biodiversity, working alongside organisations like Natural England and the National Trust to improve wildlife habitats and restore natural chalk grasslands.
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