Thatch & TrailSussex vineyard guide

The Wealden Wine Trail

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Alfriston / Seaford · East Sussex

✓ Estate-verified · July 2026

A sweeping South Downs estate that works as a full wine weekend or an easy drop-in: tasting, food, Flint Barns and a free walk through the vines.

Vine rows converging towards the winery buildings at Rathfinny, with a combine harvester working the golden field beyond
Down the rows towards the winery · Photographs supplied by Rathfinny Wine Estate
Dormant vine rows at dawn at Rathfinny, birds over a mist-filled South Downs valleyFlint estate buildings with a red tiled roof set among the vines at Rathfinny, hay bales in the field aboveBlocks of green vines laid across the chalk downland at Rathfinny below a harvested golden fieldRathfinny's vine rows in warm summer haze, with farm buildings on the ridge beyondWide view over the valley at Rathfinny, vines filling the valley floor under a clear sky

The visit

Rathfinny works both as a booked wine experience and as a relaxed South Downs stop, with informal tastings, food and a free walking route.

Summer programme

Tours Thursday–Sunday

Guided tours run Thursday–Sunday in summer. A six-wine Tasting Experience without the tour is available Friday–Sunday.

No tour required

Cellar Door and The Hut

Guests can turn up for a short informal Cellar Door tasting. The al fresco Hut serves deli items, wines and hot and soft drinks.

Free to explore

The 5km walking route

Collect a map from the Cellar Door and walk the vineyard route without booking a tour. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Getting there

Use Seaford when travelling from Brighton or Berwick and Lewes when coming from London. Both are around a 12-minute taxi.

Check availability with Rathfinny →

Common questions

Can you turn up at Rathfinny without booking?

Yes. Guests can drop into the Cellar Door for a short informal tasting, and The Hut serves deli items, wine and hot and soft drinks outside. Tours should be booked.

When do Rathfinny tours run in summer?

Summer tours run Thursday–Sunday. A six-wine Tasting Experience without a tour is also available Friday–Sunday.

Are dogs welcome at Rathfinny?

Dogs are welcome in the restaurants and accommodation but, for hygiene reasons, not on vineyard tours. Dogs are welcome on the free walking route when kept on leads.

Can children join a Rathfinny tour?

The estate does not recommend tours for under-18s, but they will not be turned away and a soft drink is provided instead.

Is Rathfinny wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The estate asks guests to flag any mobility requirements during booking so the team can prepare for the visit.

Can you walk around Rathfinny without a tour?

Yes. A free 5km walking route can be collected from the Cellar Door. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Which station is best for Rathfinny?

Seaford is useful from Brighton or Berwick; Lewes is generally better from London. Both are about a 12-minute taxi ride from the estate.

At a glance

Where
Alfriston / Seaford, East Sussex
Summer tours
Thursday–Sunday
Tasting Experience
Friday–Sunday
Turn-up tasting
Cellar Door
Food on site
Restaurants plus The Hut
Stay on site
Flint Barns
Dogs
Restaurants, accommodation and trail; not tours
Families
Under-18s not recommended on tours
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible; flag needs when booking
Free walk
5km route; map from Cellar Door
Nearest stations
Seaford or Lewes (about 12 min taxi)

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