Dishes with Depth: New Dining Experiences at The Rows & Vine

New Dishes with Depth

As spring approaches, our estate restaurant, The Rows & Vine, is preparing to return to its alfresco setting by Ridgeview’s Chardonnay vines. We caught up with Martin Garner, Head of Hospitality, to hear about this season’s new menu concept and what’s in store for visitors.

This year, we’ve taken a fresh approach, focusing not only on the exceptional wines made on our Sussex estate but also on the unique characteristics of our partner vineyards across Southern England. Martin explains, “We’ve worked closely with our winemaking team to design a menu that complements the wines at every level. The process starts with the wine list—everything else is built around it.”

But it’s not just about Ridgeview’s own estate. This season, we’ve expanded our focus to celebrate the diverse terroirs of our partner vineyards, weaving their unique characteristics into every dish. The result is a menu that tells a story of provenance—one that’s deeply rooted in the land, yet shaped by the subtle differences in climate and soil across the South of England.

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Our Wine Leads the Way

This year’s menu has been a true team effort. Martin and his team worked closely with Simon Roberts, our Head Winemaker, to explore the intricate relationship between wine and food. By delving into the nuances of each wine—its origins, the climate it thrives in, and the soils that shape its profile—they have crafted dishes that enhance and elevate the experience.

“It’s not just about having a meal—it’s about creating an experience, with a menu that brings out the best in both the food and the wine.”

New for this season, alongside our signature sharing plates, we’re introducing a paired tasting menu—an immersive journey through flavour and terroir. Each course is expertly matched with a Ridgeview wine flight, designed to reveal unexpected layers of depth and character, enhancing both the dish and the glass.

A Playful, Creative Approach

As with our winemaking philosophy, this year’s menu embraces creativity and experimentation. “It’s about having fun and pushing boundaries,” Martin says. “Just like our wines, we want to create something that surprises and excites our guests. The dishes are designed for sharing, allowing people to explore a range of flavours that pair beautifully with the wines.”

Vibrant, seasonal ingredients take centre stage, with a strong connection to the land and sea. Proximity to the coast plays a role in shaping the menu, with fresh fish featuring prominently. Balancing these flavours with produce from across the region, the menu captures a true sense of place in every dish.

*Images may not reflect current menu. Click here to explore our current sample menus.*

An Immersive Wine Experience

Dining outdoors at Ridgeview is more than just a meal—it’s a sensory experience. Martin explains, “Being surrounded by the vineyard, the woodlands, and the South Downs National Park adds something special. It’s not just about the food and wine, but the setting, the atmosphere, and the moment they create together.”

At the heart of it all is the wine. “Our wines are world-class, and that’s what makes the difference,” Martin says. “But it’s also about being deeply embedded in this landscape—you can taste that connection in every dish we serve.”

By celebrating the exceptional grapes grown across the South of England and pairing them with the best local produce, The Rows & Vine offers an experience that reflects the true essence of the region. A celebration of the land, the people, and, most of all, the wines that bring it all to life.

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