Best of Sussex wine event to be held on the Brighton i360, 450ft above Brighton beach

A first-of-its-kind best of Sussex wine event will take place inside Brighton i360’s glass pod 450ft above Brighton beach on Thursday 4th May from 7.30pm. If you're looking to sample a range of high-quality local fare to serve at your wedding, this is one not to be missed. The event will showcase the finest wines in the Sussex region from the respected Bolney Wine Estate, Nyetimber and Albourne Estate, while guests will also enjoy the beautiful 360° views of Sussex.

Guests will board an extended 45-minute pod journey to the skies where they will enjoy a decadent evening of exploring nine unique Sussex wines, while also learning about the people behind the bottles that showcase the Sussex region, grapes and styles in all its glory.

Brighton i360’s sky bar is sponsored by Nyetimber, who is regarded as England’s finest sparkling wine provider after it was the first producer of English Sparkling Wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Guests will taste and learn about three Nyetimber wines - including Classic Cuvee, which is the signature wine of Nyetimber’s collection. Classic Cuvee offers the perfect balance of elegance, complexity, and intensity. Cuvee Cherie will also be showcased, which is a first of its kind to launch in England and masterfully balances sweetness and acidity that enables it to pair with delicate desserts or fragrant savoury dishes with light spice. The last wine to feature is Rose Multi-Vintage, created from Nyetimber’s three celebrated grape varieties and is perfect for all seasons.

In the heart of rural Sussex also lies Bolney Wine Estate, one of England’s oldest vineyards. Proud to have been pioneers of English Wine, Bolney create award-winning still and sparkling wines on its 34-acre Sussex vineyard.

Guests will taste easy-drinking and firm favourite, Lychgate Bacchus - which has jasmine, elderflower and ripe grapefruit notes - followed by hints of nettle and freshly cut grass.

The second wine to feature will be Pinot Gris, an elegant and refreshing wine that offers lots of concentrated stone fruit character with pear and apricot and a touch of orange blossom and honey.

Lastly, guests will be able to try Lychgate Red, which is a rich and complex inky purple red wine that has flavours of ripe stone fruits, spice and warming herbaceous notes. With seep flavours of dark chocolate and black olive tapenade, this wine has a long, fresh, and soft finish.

Sam Linter, Chairperson of Bolney Wine Estate, says: “We’re excited to be part of this Sussex showcase alongside a selection of the best from the region. We’re proud of our Sussex heritage and have always been inspired by our surroundings, so we’re looking forward to demonstrating how this has helped us to innovate and create our award-winning wines for the last 50 years.”

Albourne Estate is a family-owned vineyard and winery overlooking the beautiful South Downs, just eight miles from Brighton in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Albourne craft small quantities of award-winning still and sparkling English wine using its own sustainably grown grapes. The vineyard stretches over 30 acres of south-facing slopes and comprises eight different grape varieties.

On the evening guests will try Sandstone Ridge, a chardonnay-led blend that offers a perfectly balanced fuller wine than is typical in England. This wine is complimented by aromas of white peach, coconut and vanilla pod with just a touch of toasted almonds.  The second wine from Albourne Estate is Bacchus, which is characterised by aromas that range from herbal (basil, sage, nettle) to citrus (lime, grapefruit) to fruit (medlar, mango, passionfruit) to floral (elderflower).  Sussex Rosé is the last wine on offer. This elegant wine is refreshing and moreish and made from de-stemmed and crushed Pinot Noir. This Provençal-style rosé delivers a fresh crisp minerally palate with delicate aromas of red summer fruits, rhubarb and white pepper.

Alison Nightingale, from Albourne Estate, says: “As a Sussex-based vineyard located so close to Brighton, we are delighted to be invited and support the i360 in this Best of Sussex Showcase.”

Speaking about the event, Chief Executive Officer at Brighton i360, Ian Hart says: “As a celebration of the huge variety and increasing popularity of wines produced in our home county of Sussex, we are hosting this first-of-its-kind event for the public to taste the best wines from our local area - while enjoying the beautiful views of Sussex.”

Date: Thursday 4th May
Times: 7.30pm or 8.30pm, flights laste 45 minutes.
Price: £45 per person (over 18s only); £40 per person for resident members and annual pass holders

Tickets available to buy online and in ticket office at Brighton i360. Find out more at https://www.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/best-of-sussex-wine-tasting-event

Psst... The Brighton i360 is also hosting a wedding showcase on 30th April, 11am-3pm. Find out more at https://www.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/wedding-showcase/