Breaky Bottom Vineyard

In a secluded Sussex valley, Breaky Bottom's winery barn once hosted opera, a precursor to the exquisite sparkling wines now meticulously crafted and often named in honour of cherished friends.

https://www.breakybottom.co.uk

Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Whiteway Lane, Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3EX. Get directions

Nearest station: Southease (2.6 miles).

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Nestled in a secluded valley within the South Downs, Breaky Bottom Vineyard offers a wonderfully remote and authentic experience. It's a small, family-run operation known for its picturesque setting and the passionate dedication of its owner, Peter Hall.

Visiting information

Breaky Bottom Vineyard is a private residence, and visits are by appointment only.
Pop in for a drink or pre-book? Currently, tours and tastings are not offered directly. However, those wishing to purchase and collect wine from the cellar door are welcome by prior appointment.
Open year-round? Cellar door collection appointments are available year-round.
Restaurant or cafe on site? There is no restaurant or cafe on site.
Accommodation on site? No accommodation is available directly at the vineyard.
Dogs/children? Children are welcome. For specific policies regarding dogs, it is advisable to contact the vineyard directly prior to your visit.

The Wine

Breaky Bottom is renowned for its exceptional traditional method sparkling wines. While the vineyard initially produced still wines, it has since focused exclusively on sparkling varieties. The wines are crafted primarily from Seyval Blanc, a grape first planted at the vineyard in 1974, alongside the classic Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each year, the vineyard typically produces two distinct cuvées, one featuring Seyval Blanc and another combining the traditional Champagne grapes. These wines undergo extended ageing on their lees, contributing to their renowned complexity and finesse.

The wines from Breaky Bottom have consistently received critical acclaim. Their 1990 Seyval Blanc won a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge in 1993. More recently, at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the 2018 Cuvée Geoffrey Aldred was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal with 95 points, one of only six Gold Medals given to UK entries in that competition year. Other recent accolades include Silver and Bronze medals for their 2019 and 2018 vintages at the Decanter World Wine Awards. In 2023, the 2016 Cuvée Marraine Pooks (100% Seyval Blanc) also secured a Gold medal at the WineGB Awards. In November 2024, owner Peter Hall was awarded the F.I.C.B. Diploma of Honour by The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom, recognising his five decades of pioneering contributions to English wine.

Breaky Bottom Vineyard operates its own winery on site, where Peter Hall oversees the winemaking process from fermentation to bottling. The vineyard participates in Natural England's Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, which aims to conserve wildlife and enhance landscape quality and character, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Getting here

By Car
Access to Breaky Bottom is via a 1.5-mile track off the C7 Lewes to Newhaven road, near Northease Farm. While usually navigable by car, the track can be unmade and challenging in places.
By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Southease, approximately an hour's walk from the vineyard. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Lewes and then a short connecting train to Southease, followed by the walk. Breaky Bottom is less than half a mile from the South Downs Way, making it accessible for hikers and cyclists.

What's nearby

Other Vineyards
Court Garden Vineyard & Winery: Located in Ditchling, this award-winning, family-run vineyard offers hand-crafted sparkling wines.
Rathfinny Wine Estate: Situated near Alfriston in the South Downs, Rathfinny is a prominent estate known for its English sparkling wines.
Notable Restaurants
Bill's Lewes Restaurant: The original branch of this popular chain, offering a vibrant atmosphere and seasonal dining in the heart of Lewes.
The Lewes Arms: A quintessential Lewes pub, celebrated for its character, fine food, and drink, located near the town's Norman castle.
Notable Hotels
The White Hart: A characterful 16th-century coaching inn in central Lewes, extensively refurbished in 2024, offering rooms, dining, and a vibrant pub atmosphere.
The Jolly Sportsman: A highly-rated bed & breakfast known for its comfortable accommodation and good food, located in the scenic Sussex countryside near Lewes.
Notable Attractions
Lewes Castle & Museum: Explore this historic Norman castle and museum offering insights into local history and panoramic views of the town and surrounding South Downs.
Charleston Farmhouse: The former home and studio of Bloomsbury Group artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, now a museum celebrating their art and lives.