Rathfinny Tasting Room

The story

Rathfinny Tasting Room, Seaford – Modern British Dining at Rathfinny Wine Estate

A Restaurant Rooted in the Vineyard

The Rathfinny Tasting Room was the heart of fine dining on the Rathfinny Wine Estate, a space designed to welcome guests into the world of Sussex Sparkling. Perched above the winery in the South Downs, the restaurant offered a Modern British menu that drew on the finest seasonal produce from Sussex and the South Coast. The team behind the estate knew, long before their first wines were crafted, that hospitality would be essential to their vision—a place to educate, inspire, and share their passion for English wine.

The Dining Experience

Dinners in the Tasting Room were events in themselves. A classic celebration dinner might begin with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés on the balcony, followed by a four-course meal. The kitchen focused on local, sustainable ingredients, and the setting—overlooking the vines—made every meal feel connected to the land. The restaurant also hosted special takeovers, including a seven-course tasting menu from the Michelin-starred Orrery by Pierre Minotti and the iconic Bluebird of London, bringing a taste of the capital to the Sussex countryside.

A New Chapter

The Tasting Room closed in January 2026 as part of an ambitious plan to expand the estate’s visitor experiences. This closure marks the first step toward a reimagined space, with plans to upgrade accommodation and remodel the Flint Barns Dining Room to provide vineyard views. While the Tasting Room is no longer open for regular dining, its spirit lives on through the estate’s ongoing commitment to seasonal, local, and sustainable hospitality—values that earned it a Michelin Recommended award and a place among the South East’s most memorable dining destinations. The Flint Barns Dining Room, The Hut, and the Cellar Door remain open, ensuring guests can still enjoy the estate’s wines and warm hospitality.