Dominic Buckwell on the diverse bounty of Sussex vineyards.

As I write this, the 2024 harvest is in process. It looks set to be a difficult year for most vineyards, with volume way down compared with 2023. Some have even decided not to make any wine this year.
So it’s no surprise that resourceful viticulturists in Sussex and beyond have for some time been branching out to produce spirits, condiments, and even cosmetics. They are still expressing the bountiful nature of our Sussex soil. But it’s not all about British bubbly.
In an industry where the harvest can vary massively from one year to the next, the volume of the by-products of winemaking are much more stable, thus more consistent with demand and able to be scaled according to need.
Moreover, by utilising every part of the grape, vineyards minimise waste and express a respect for the land that sustains them. This is not only environmentally responsible, but also economically astute, these diversified offerings providing a...