‘Have a glass of Sussex’ as wine receives protected status

Sussex wine will be designated as a UK geographical indication, joining the family of special products which includes Scotch Whisky, Welsh Lamb and Herefordshire Cider.

The move follows the decision by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to register Sussex as a protected designation of origin (PDO) on the UK geographical indications (GI) register. The name will be entered on the register on 5 July.

The designation will include Sussex sparkling, still and origin wines. GI status provides a guarantee to consumers that the product they are buying is the real thing and prevents imitation products.

“This registration, possible thanks to Brexit, demonstrates the ambition of Sussex wine producers to share their product at home and abroad,” Food and Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said.

“The UK has developed an ever growing reputation for high-quality wine, with Sussex wine receiving widespread international recognition and investment – with a 90 per cent increase in vineyards in the South Downs national park since 2016.

“A year ago, I said that I look forward to the day when, as a treat, we no longer have a glass of champagne but we can together have a glass of Sussex. That day has come.”