Rathfinny

Rathfinny Wine Estate was founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver and now comprises over 93 hectares of south-facing vineyards in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. What sets Rathfinny apart is their commitment to using only estate-grown fruit for all their wines, combined with a rigorous approach to sustainability that earned them B Corp certification in 2023. If you want sparkling wine with a clear sense of place, made by growers who genuinely care about their land, Rathfinny delivers.

About Rathfinny

The estate was planted from April 2012 on predominantly chalk soils, a semi-continental maritime climate that favours the ripening of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier—the classic sparkling wine varieties. All grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch-pressed, then crafted through restrained winemaking practices and modest dosage levels to preserve the purest expression of vintage and terroir.

Mark and Sarah Driver have embedded sustainability throughout every operation. Buildings use locally sourced materials including flint from the vineyards themselves. They have worked with Natural England and the South Downs National Park to restore natural chalk grassland, enhance wildlife habitats, and create wildlife corridors throughout the vineyard. This 're-wilding' of what was once arable farmland ensures better biodiversity and, critically, excellent-quality fruit. As Mark explains, sustainability is multi-layered—it touches soil health, water use, chemical inputs, and every winemaking decision.

Rathfinny produces four sparkling wines using the traditional method: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé. All are released as vintage wines. The Classic Cuvée—a blend of Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir—undergoes fermentation in stainless steel with malolactic conversion, followed by an extended maturation on lees in bottle lasting 36 months prior to disgorgement. The contribution of Meunier and Pinot Noir components brings notable depth to the palate. This approach—long ageing on lees, vintage declaration, restrained dosage—mirrors the discipline you find in Champagne itself, applied to English fruit in an exceptional location.

Rathfinny Wines in Our Collection

The 2020 Classic Cuvée Brut (scored 90) is the entry point: a balanced blend of all three varieties that shows complexity and traditional sparkling character. If you prefer pure Chardonnay, the 2019 Blanc de Blancs (90pts, praised by David Allen MW at 92 and Jancis Robinson at 91) delivers precision and mineral drive on the chalk. For darker fruit and weight, the 2020 Blanc de Noirs (90pts, with Jancis Robinson scoring 92) blends Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir for a richer, more structured wine.

The 2019 Rosé Brut (89pts, with both David Allen MW and Jancis Robinson scoring 90) offers berry and cream character—ideal for occasions where you want something more festive than Classic Cuvée but with the same depth. Both the Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs are also available in gift boxes, making them straightforward choices for presents. For a still wine option, the 2024 Pinot Gris from Cradle Valley (89pts) is a green, flinty white that shows the estate's versatility beyond sparkling production.

Food Pairing

Rathfinny's sparkling wines work across the meal. The Classic Cuvée and Rosé pair with smoked salmon, shellfish, and soft cheeses. The Blanc de Blancs, lean and mineral, suits oysters, white fish, and lighter seafood dishes. The Blanc de Noirs, richer and more structured, handles roast chicken, pâté, and aged cheeses. The Pinot Gris complements asparagus, goat's cheese, and seafood pasta. All are dry enough to move from aperitif through to food without losing balance.

Why choose Rathfinny over other English sparkling wine producers?

Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit, hand-harvested and whole-bunch-pressed, aged on lees for 36 months in bottle. B Corp certification (2023) reflects genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship across all operations.

What makes the South Downs terroir suitable for sparkling wine?

South-facing chalk soils and a semi-continental maritime climate with proximity to the Channel create ideal ripening conditions for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Free-draining chalk enables balanced acid retention.

Are Rathfinny wines vintage wines?

Yes. All four sparkling wines—Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé—are produced and labelled as vintage wines, not non-vintage blends.

Who makes Rathfinny wines?

Mark and Sarah Driver founded Rathfinny Wine Estate in 2010. The estate spans 93 hectares of south-facing vineyards in the South Downs, three miles from the Channel, on predominantly chalk soils.

What style of wine does Rathfinny make?

Rathfinny specialises in traditional-method sparkling wines from estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, plus a Pinot Gris. The 2020 Classic Cuvée Brut scores 90 for complex, traditional sparkling character.

How much does Rathfinny wine cost?

Rathfinny sparkling wines range between £29.55 and £42.45. Their still Pinot Gris is £20.60. Most bottles score 89–90 points.