Visit a Sussex Vineyard for a tour and tasting

 
 

The UK wine industry now produces many international awards.  There are over 400 vineyards in England and Wales.  They cover some 3,500 acres and producing sparkling and still wines.  There are some rather lovely vineyard tours & tastings in Sussex & Surrey which make great gifts for wine lovers or anyone who enjoys a tipple. 

You can visit the websites of vineyards in Sussex & Surrey to see what's on and what they have to offer, such as Bolney Wine Estate and Denbies (which featured on The Apprentice in one of the tasks), There's also Breaky Bottom near Lewes, Ridgeview Wine Estate on Ditchling Common, Stopham Vineyard near Pulborough, West Sussex and Seddlescombe Organic Vineyard in East Sussex. Highdown Vineyard sits on the southern slopes of the South Downs between Littlehampton and Worthing.  
 

Tour and English Sparkling Wine Tasting for Two at Mannings Heath Estate
Near Horsham, West Sussex
£57.00

There's a Tour and English Sparkling Wine Tasting for Two at Mannings Heath Estate

On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and taken to the tasting room, and there you'll meet with one of the wine ambassadors. Then it's off to the pretty vineyards in the heart of St Leonard's Forest!  Learn all about the estate's vine care and wine production methods.  Head back to the tasting room to try all three of the estate's English sparking wines!   Find out more from Virgin Experience Days.   (By the way, they've also got a Sabrage Experience for Two at Mannings Heath Estate for £50.00 where you can learn the art of sabrage and enjoy a bottle of Cuvee 58 Brut Rosé!  Find out all about it here (it doesn't include the tour of the vineyard but you do learn the sabrage technique of opening a bottle!)
 

Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting for Two at Highweald Wine Estate
£60.00
Cuckfield, Haywards Heath

There's a Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting for Two at Highweald Wine Estate

On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and meet one of the hosts.  There's an hour and a half guided tour around the vineyard and winery. and you'll gain insights into the  intricacies of fruit cultivation and traditional method winemaking.  Finish the tour at the garden bar for a curated tasting session.  Sample two award-winning English Sparkling wines, and some limited release still wines. Your taste buds will be also treated to an individual charcuterie board.  Find out more from Virgin Experience Days. 
 

There's a  Tour and Tasting for Two at Chapel Down in Kent
Kent
£69.00

There's a Tour and Tasting for Two at Chapel Down Vineyard
Devour an afternoon of wine and cheese with an exclusive tour offered by Chapel Down Winery.  You'll go through the vineyards and winery, witnessing the process of making wine from grape to bottle.  Your guides will share the intricacies of wine-making - including what sets their amazing wines apart from all the others!  Then there's a tutored wine tasting experience with the Winery's award-winning wines, each paired with local English cheeses. The sommeliers will explain the unique flavours and notes of each.  Complete your experience with a glass of Chapel Down sparkling wine, while enjoying the breath-taking views of the surrounding vineyards.  Guests will receive a £10.00 voucher to redeem in the Winery shop!  Go to Activity Superstore for more information. 
 

Wine Tasting Experience at the Wine Cellar Brighton for Two
Brighton
£99.00

There's a Wine Tasting Experience at the Wine Cellar Brighton for Two
Now, this doesn't involve the tour of a vineyard but you can enjoy wines paired with fabulous meats, cheeses, and Anti Pasti.   Experts give you the perfect amount of time to indulge without giving you toooooo much information. The tasting includes a selection of 5 wines, 3 whites and 2 reds, accompanied by local cheeses, meats, bread and nibbles.  Available from Activity Superstore.

On any purchase, watch the expiry date. Many companies selling vouchers & gift experiences won't extend their expiry date - either that or you pay a hefty fee for doing so if they allow it - and I'd hate for you or your loved one to be disappointed and miss out on all that lovely wine!

Buy English Wine and Support English Heritage

And if you want to support our national historic treasures and enjoy English wines, visit the English Heritage Online Shop.  They have a range of alcoholic drinks based on old English recipes. These include a range of fruit wines, traditional meads and liqueurs made for them by the award-winning Lyme Bay Winery.  Plus there are sparkling wines, gin, punch and port, all made in England. Click here to go shopping!