Peter Hall planted his vineyard at Breaky Bottom in 1974 at a time when there were only a dozen or so growers in the whole country. Seyval Blanc is the main grape variety grown at Breaky Bottom. When bottled fully dry and left to mature it develops a wonderful depth and complexity. At Breaky Bottom, Peter uses it to make a dry Alsace-style wine, capable of ageing over ten to fifteen years, and develops rich spicy flavours reminiscent of its Riesling heritage. In good years where there is little or no Autumn rain, Peter produces a delicious Late Harvest wine with this variety, His Seyval Blanc produces intense dry whites and award-winning Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Brut, first launched with the 1994 vintage.

Peter also produces a delicious Cassis, made entirely from home grown blackcurrants. This delicious liqueur can be drunk on its own, poured on desserts and ice cream, or used traditionally making Kir by adding to still or sparkling wine. Breaky Bottom is once again featured in the new Rick Stein Guide to the Food Heroes of Britain is published in March 2005.

Grape Varieties:

Seyval Blanc, Muller-Thurgau

Wines:

Still White
Sparkling White

Visiting:

Visits are by appointment and can usually be made at short notice. Please telephone for further information.

Sales:

Mostly direct from the vineyard and via their website.

Directions:

Breaky Bottom lies in a fold in the South Downs , about 5 miles from Lewes. Driving south from the town of Lewes , on the road to Rodmell, pass through the villages of Kingston , Swanborough and Iford. After Iford (but before Rodmell) look for a right turn off the road into Northease Farm. Breaky Bottom is situated 1.25 miles over the hill, following the farm track! Some of the track is rather rough, other parts smoother, but you will eventually reach a cattle grid when you are on the top of the Downs . Here there is a closed gate signed "Breaky Bottom" but you can use the cattle grid and continue down into the valley. You will be rewarded with a free wine tasting!