Everyone can raise a glass to Sussex after wine from the region was awarded protected status yesterday.
The official recognition means that wines labelled with “Sussex” must be grown in either East or West Sussex and pass tests by an independent tasting panel.
In the case of sparkling wine, Sussex produce must be aged in the bottle for at least 15 months and be assessed for clarity, aroma, taste and the characteristics of its bubbles.
The government can take legal action against wine producers from outside the county that try to pass off their wine as from Sussex or against wine producers in the county that do not meet the strict criteria.
The protections bring Sussex into line with other well-known winemaking regions of
