Set out on a captivating journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside aboard a vintage 1953 green country bus. You’ll savor the flavors of local wineries and artisanal cheesemakers in a small-group tasting experience. The tour starts at Brighton railway station, exploring the Sussex coast and countryside. You’ll visit two renowned vineyards for wine sampling, and enjoy a cheese tasting lunch featuring Sussex cheeses paired with local wines and ciders. Guided tours provide an inside look at winemaking and cheesemaking processes. Onsite shops allow you to purchase your favorite wines and cheeses directly from the producers, enhancing the overall value and immersion of the tour.
About Your Stay
- A small-group tasting experience on a vintage 1953 green country bus, exploring the Sussex coast and countryside.
- Visits to two local vineyards for wine sampling, with guided tours to learn about the winemaking process.
- Cheese tasting lunch at a nearby dairy, featuring Sussex cheeses paired with local wines and ciders.
- Opportunities to purchase wines and cheeses directly from the producers, supporting local businesses.
- Conducted in a modern air-conditioned minicoach with a maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention.
Tour Overview
The Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex offers visitors a small-group tasting experience aboard a vintage 1953 green country bus.
The tour starts at Brighton railway station and explores the Sussex coast and countryside.
With an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 8 reviews, the tour provides opportunities to visit two vineyards for wine sampling and a local dairy for cheese tasting paired with Sussex wine and cider.
Guided tours of the vineyards and cheese producer are included, and travelers can purchase wines and cheeses onsite.
The tour is conducted in a modern air-conditioned minicoach with a maximum of 10 travelers for personalized attention.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Brighton.
Itinerary Highlights
A key highlight of the Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour is the opportunity to visit two local vineyards for wine sampling.
Guests will also enjoy a cheese tasting lunch at a nearby dairy, where the cheeses will be paired with Sussex wine and cider.
The tour includes guided tours of the vineyards and the cheese producer, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the local winemaking and cheesemaking processes.
Participants will have the chance to purchase wines and cheeses directly from the producers, allowing them to take a taste of Sussex home with them.
Transport and Logistics
Transport for the tour is provided in a modern air-conditioned minicoach. The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention throughout the experience.
The meeting point is the Leonardo Hotel Brighton, located at 101 Stroudley Rd, Brighton BN1 4DJ, UK. The tour starts and ends at this convenient central location. Participants are advised to arrive by 10:00 am, as the tour begins promptly.
The tour includes transportation to and from the vineyards and cheesemaker, allowing guests to fully enjoy the local agricultural offerings without the hassle of driving.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some walking is involved at the vineyards.
Vineyard Tastings
As the tour explores the Sussex countryside, guests have the opportunity to visit two renowned vineyards for wine sampling. At each stop, visitors are taken on guided tours, learning about the winemaking process and the unique terroir that gives the wines their distinct flavors. Guests then have the chance to sample a selection of the vineyards’ finest offerings, from crisp, refreshing whites to robust, full-bodied reds. The wine tastings are complemented by the knowledgeable commentary of the tour guide, who provides insights into the history and traditions of Sussex winemaking.
Vineyard 1 | Wines Sampled |
---|---|
Ridgeview Estate | Blanc de Blancs, Rosé, Chardonnay |
Bolney Wine Estate | Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Lychee Rosé |
Cheese Tasting Lunch
After the wine tastings, the tour moves on to a cheese tasting lunch at a local dairy.
Here, visitors will sample a variety of Sussex cheeses paired with local wines and ciders. The guided tour provides an opportunity to learn about the cheesemaking process from the producers themselves.
Guests can also purchase their favorite artisanal cheeses to take home.
This cheese-centric portion of the tour allows participants to further enjoy the rich agricultural heritage of the Sussex region, complementing the wine tastings with a well-rounded exploration of local culinary delights.
Guided Tours
Along With the cheese tasting, the tour also includes guided tours of the vineyards and cheese producer.
Guests will get an inside look at the wine and cheese-making process, learning how the local producers craft their products.
The vineyard tours provide an opportunity to see the grapevines, the winery, and learn about the region’s unique terroir.
At the cheese producer, travelers can observe the cheesemaking operations and hear from the artisans about the time-honored techniques they use.
These guided experiences offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Sussex countryside’s thriving food and drink scene, providing a truly immersive and educational experience for participants.
Purchasing Opportunities
Visitors have the opportunity to purchase wines and cheeses directly from the producers during the tour.
At the two vineyards visited, guests can browse the onsite shops and purchase bottles of the wines they’ve sampled.
Similarly, the cheese tasting lunch at the local dairy allows participants to buy the artisanal cheeses they’ve enjoyed.
This provides a convenient way for travelers to take home a taste of Sussex, supporting local businesses and bringing back cherished souvenirs from their experience.
The option to purchase products on-site adds to the overall value and immersion of the tour, giving visitors a chance to indulge in and savor the local specialties.
Practical Information
The tour starts at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton, located at 101 Stroudley Rd, Brighton BN1 4DJ, UK.
Travelers will explore the Sussex countryside in a modern, air-conditioned minicoach, with a maximum of 10 people for personalized attention. The tour includes guided visits to two vineyards and a local dairy for wine and cheese tastings.
Some walking is involved at the vineyards. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years.
Nearby public transportation options are available.
Questions About Staying Here
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?
No, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks. The experience includes a cheese tasting lunch and wine/cider sampling, so bringing outside items is not permitted.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes, as some light walking may be involved at the vineyards and cheese producer. Casual attire is generally recommended.
Can I Request Vegetarian or Other Dietary Options?
Yes, dietary requests can be accommodated. Participants can request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options when booking the tour. The tour provider will make the necessary arrangements to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met.
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?
The tour operator provides a flexible policy in case of bad weather. They’ll reschedule the tour or offer a full refund if the weather prevents the planned activities from taking place to the customer’s satisfaction.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
The tour operator occasionally offers discounts or special offers, such as early booking discounts or package deals with other local attractions. Customers should check the website or inquire directly for the latest promotions and savings opportunities.
Worth The Stay
The Vineyard & Cheesemaker Bus Tour of Sussex offers a delightful and immersive experience for wine and cheese enthusiasts. Guests will discover the region’s hidden gems, indulge in tastings, and gain insider knowledge through guided tours. With the opportunity to purchase the delectable products, this tour promises an unforgettable culinary adventure in the picturesque Sussex countryside.
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