A Sparkling September Soirée: Rathfinny Wine Dinner at Dalloway Terrace
On 10 September, prepare for an evening of fine dining and exceptional English sparkling wine. The much-loved Dalloway Terrace continues its celebrated Wine Dinner series with a very special guest: Rathfinny Wine Estate, one of England’s most esteemed producers of sparkling wine.
Hosted by Rathfinny founders Mark and Sarah Driver, the evening promises a rare chance to taste a selection of the estate’s finest vintages while learning first-hand about the artistry, heritage, and passion behind each bottle. Set against the romantic backdrop of Dalloway’s lush, flower-filled terrace, the dinner will feature a four-course menu created to showcase and complement the unique character of Rathfinny’s sparkling wines.
Guests will be welcomed with canapés, duck parfait on toast with walnut chutney and British cockles in citrus gel, served alongside Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée 2018, a signature blend with notes of ginger-dusted plums and Meyer lemon. The evening then unfolds with grilled Cornish octopus and crab bisque, elegantly paired with the refined Blanc de Blancs 2017, whose bright citrus and papaya notes balance the dish’s ocean depth.
For the main course, diners will enjoy slow-cooked beef with potato hash, trumpet mushrooms and squash purée, elevated by Rathfinny’s Blanc de Noirs 2018 and 2020 vintages, both Pinot Noir-driven wines with complex layers of mulberry, blueberry, and clementine zest. To finish, a delicate rhubarb and raspberry tart with clotted cream ice cream will be matched with the vibrant Rosé 2018, a pale pink sparkling with wild strawberry coulis and candied mandarin zest.
The Wines: England’s Sparkling Masterpieces
No fine dining experience is complete without wines that elevate every dish, and Rathfinny delivers nothing short of brilliance. Each pour is a reflection of Sussex’s chalky soils and the estate’s meticulous craftsmanship, sparkling wines that stand proudly alongside the world’s finest Champagnes, yet remain unmistakably English in character. Served from magnums and bottles that have been patiently aged to perfection, these vintages are designed not only to complement the menu but to tell a story of place, passion, and precision. Highlights include:
Classic Cuvée 2018, served from Magnum
A golden-hued, elegant Sussex Sparkling with aromas of cinnamon toast and white apricot, finishing with preserved lemon. Often called the “vintage of the decade,” 2018 produced some of the cleanest, ripest fruit ever harvested in England. This blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier spent 52 months ageing on its lees, resulting in a golden, expressive wine of extraordinary depth. Aromas of ginger-dusted white plums and cinnamon toast lead into layers of white apricot and crème pâtissière, finishing with preserved Meyer lemon. Elegant yet generous, it is the perfect introduction to Rathfinny’s house style.
Blanc de Blancs 2017, served from Magnum
Chardonnay-led, with a luminous, flaxen-gold colour, offering white peach, fennel pollen, and a silky yuzu zest finish. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay, this luminous sparkling wine embodies finesse and poise. Despite challenging growing conditions across Europe in 2017, Rathfinny’s sheltered South Downs vineyards delivered outstanding fruit. After 48 months on lees, the result is a refined, golden wine with a heady nose of ripe papaya and creamy lemon balm, a delicate thread of white peach and fennel pollen, and a silken yuzu zest finish. A masterclass in purity and precision.
Blanc de Noirs 2018, served from Magnum
Rich and expressive, presenting baked blueberry, almond blossom, and a lively clementine lift. A bold, Pinot Noir-driven sparkling that demonstrates the richness of Sussex terroir. Made from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier, and aged for 46 months, the 2018 Blanc de Noirs reveals a saffron-tinged hue and a generous nose of mulberry and almond blossom. On the palate, baked blueberry and russet pear unfold with mouthfilling intensity, giving way to a lively clementine lift. Structured and powerful, it pairs beautifully with robust dishes.
Blanc de Noirs 2020, served from Bottle
An opulent, gastronomic sparkling wine with a rose-gold hue. The nose reveals vibrant red fruits, while the palate is layered with pear and plum, leading to a long, ripe cherry finish. Crafted from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and aged for a minimum of 36 months on its lees, it exemplifies the elegance of English Blanc de Noirs.
The latest release from Rathfinny, this vintage combines opulence with energy. Crafted from 86% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier, it spent 36 months on its lees before release in January 2025. A rose-gold wine with striking red-fruit aromatics, its palate is layered with pear and plum, finishing with a long, ripe cherry flourish. Lower yields in 2020 delivered fruit of exceptional ripeness, producing a gastronomic Blanc de Noirs that sits alongside the finest sparkling wines in the world.
Rosé 2018, served from Magnum
A refined pale pink sparkling, balancing wild strawberry, Seville orange cream, and a sherbet-like zest. A radiant expression of Pinot Noir (81%), Chardonnay (13%), and Pinot Meunier (6%), the 2018 Rosé was aged 56 months on its lees, with a touch of Pinot Noir aged in French oak to enhance colour and depth. The result is a pale pink sparkling wine with an irresistible nose of Seville orange cream and flat-peach. On the palate, vibrant wild strawberry coulis and candied mandarin zest dance with a sherbet-like freshness, lifted by a whisper of white pepper. Sophisticated and joyful, it is the perfect finale to a decadent meal.
Together, the wines create a journey through Rathfinny’s most celebrated vintages, showcasing the brilliance of English sparkling wine at its very best.
About Rathfinny Estate
Founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, Rathfinny Estate is nestled in the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, East Sussex. Today, it spans more than 250 acres planted with the classic Champagne grapes, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Rathfinny is not only admired for its expressive, terroir-driven wines but also for its commitment to sustainability, proudly holding B Corp certification for its dedication to environmental and social responsibility. With international acclaim and an unwavering focus on quality, Rathfinny has become a leading light in the English wine renaissance.
An Evening to Remember
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur eager to explore England’s sparkling potential or simply looking for a late summer evening infused with indulgence and charm, the Rathfinny Wine Dinner at Dalloway Terrace offers a night of sensory delight.
Tickets are priced at £90 per person. Spaces are limited, making this an intimate occasion to savour.
Discover more and book your place HERE
All images courtesy of Dalloway Terrace and Rathfinny Estate.