A perfect pairing

‘There’s such synergy between art and wine – that whole notion of human skill and craft and endeavor that goes into creating something beautiful,’ says Julie Bretland, who together with her husband, Mark Collins, founded Streat-based Artelium in 2018.

Having travelled to vineyards in Europe, the former London-based couple fell in love with the idea of having their own, thinking they would one day buy or plant one abroad. However, after seeing the emergence of English sparkling wine, they started scouring Sussex – where Julie grew up – for the perfect plot.

When they found a 45-acre farm estate in the small East Sussex village of Streat, with views across the South Downs, it felt like the perfect place. However, with their passion for art on a par with wine, they soon began debating whether to create a sculpture park instead.

In the end Julie and Mark decided to do both. They have done this through a series of collaborations with UK artists, who not only produce a piece of art to sit among the rows of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris but also design labels for Artelium’s Artefact collection – a portfolio of artisan small-batch wines only made in the best years.

The latest artist to join the tribe is Hailsham-based Walter Bailey, who has created a large circular structure called ‘Wood Earth Hoop’ using oak from pruned and storm-felled branches, that is positioned to organically frame the vines and views of the South Downs. The piece is also reflected on the labels for Artelium’s latest rosé wine.

Artelium has won numerous awards, including Supreme Champions at the 2022 Wine GB Awards, and were also the first-ever English still wine served on all public bars at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.

The winery regularly hosts pop-up events with local food producers and has recently built a kitchen and employed an in-house chef to cook up feasting style dishes to share.

‘Artelium celebrates art and wine but it’s also about experiencing the sense of place from our surroundings here in Sussex,’ says Julie. ‘Above all, it has always been about bringing people together.’

3 Sussex rosé wines with arty labels

Artelium Artefact #6, £36

Just 600 bottles of this barrel-aged rosé featuring artwork by Walter Bailey have been produced with three different labels to collect. Made by renowned winemaker Owen Elias using the Saignee method (which involves “bleeding off” a portion of red wine juice during the fermentation process), this 100% Pinot Noir is smoky and intense. One to devour with a meaty summer barbecue feast.

Nutbourne Nutty Blush Pinot, £40

Also made from 100% Pinot Noir but in the traditional sparkling method, this rosé from the hot summer of 2018 has a crisp acidity balanced well with red fruit and a little biscuit. All Nutbourne’s wine bottles feature a painting by Bridget Gladwin, mum of the Gladwin family who own the estate in Pulborough, and this is of a vine in Winter.

Limden O.R.some Pinot Noir Rosé 2020, £14.99

Each year James Le Bouëdec, owner and winemaker of Limden Vineyard in Ticehurst, commissions artists from the local community to create labels for his wines. The 2020 vintage artist was Mollie E Barnes, who created a piece inspired by historical harvest dancing celebrations and Anglo-Saxon references to Ticehurst. A blend of Pinot Noir with Bacchus – this is another to open with a barbecue.

Summer open days at Nyetimber

Nyetimber only opens the gates to its Pulborough vineyard on a handful of occasions throughout the year. The historic estate’s summer open days take place on select weekends until September 1st and give visitors the chance to explore the vines and taste their multi-vintage and vintage sparkling wines. On July 27 and August 31, they will also be hosting a special paired dining experience with canapes and three courses prepared by executive chef, Mark Brown, in the medieval barn. Day tours cost £50 and the dining experience is £175.