From Brighton: Sussex Wine Tour on a Vintage Bus With Lunch

For wine enthusiasts and novices alike, the Sussex Wine Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the picturesque countryside. Departing from Brighton aboard a vintage London Routemaster bus, this 6.5-hour adventure takes you to two award-winning vineyards, where you’ll discover the art of winemaking through guided tours and tastings. But the real treat lies in the carefully curated lunch, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a glass of the region’s finest. With knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

1. A 6.5-hour wine tour visiting two award-winning vineyards in Sussex, accessible from Brighton, using a vintage London Routemaster bus for transportation.

2. Includes guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, a homemade locally-sourced lunch with a glass of Sussex wine, and opportunities for shopping and scenic photography.

3. Offers a unique blend of transportation, education, and culinary experiences, with the vintage bus adding an authentic and nostalgic element to the tour.

4. Overall positive customer reviews, highlighting the friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and delicious food, though some neutral feedback notes varying experiences between the two vineyards.

5. Considerations for mobility accessibility and age restrictions when booking the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sussex Wine Tour on a Vintage Bus with Lunch is a 6.5-hour experience that takes visitors to two award-winning vineyards in the picturesque Sussex countryside.

Priced from $175.36 per person, the tour includes transportation by a vintage London bus, guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, and a homemade, locally sourced lunch with a glass of Sussex wine.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and conducted in English.

It’s ideal for those seeking a unique, scenic wine experience just outside of Brighton.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Leonardo Hotel Brighton (formerly Jurys Inn), where you will board a vintage London Routemaster double-decker bus for the first leg of the journey. Following a 25-minute drive, the group will arrive at the first vineyard for a guided tour, free time, wine tasting, and shopping, spanning 3 hours. After this, a homemade, locally sourced lunch with a glass of Sussex wine will be provided.

| Location | Duration | Activity |

|———-|———-|—————————–|

| Vineyard 1 | 3 hours | Guided tour, free time, wine tasting, shopping |

| Lunch | – | Homemade, locally sourced meal with one glass of Sussex wine |

| Vineyard 2 | 1.5 hours | Visit, free time, wine tasting, shopping |

| Return | 40 minutes | Bus journey back to hotel |

Highlights of the Sussex Wine Tour

Visitors on the Sussex Wine Tour can expect to visit two award-winning vineyards and experience a vintage London Routemaster double-decker bus.

Along the way, guests will:

• Learn about English winemaking from knowledgeable vineyard managers

• Participate in guided, tutored wine tastings to explore the local flavors

• Enjoy scenic views of the Sussex countryside and opportunities for memorable photos

The tour offers a unique blend of transportation, education, and culinary experiences, allowing travelers to enjoy the region’s thriving wine culture.

A Vintage Bus Experience

Stepping aboard the vintage London Routemaster double-decker bus, visitors are transported back in time, immersed in the nostalgic charm of 1960s public transportation.

The iconic red bus, with its iconic open-air platform at the rear, offers a unique and authentic experience. As the bus winds through the picturesque Sussex countryside, guests can enjoy the panoramic views and snap photos of the passing scenery.

The journey to the first vineyard is a delightful prelude to the wine tasting experience, setting the stage for a memorable day exploring the region’s renowned vineyards.

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Exploring the Award-Winning Vineyards

Upon arriving at the first award-winning vineyard, guests are greeted by the vineyard manager, who shares insights into the winemaking process and the vineyard’s history.

Visitors then embark on a guided tour, exploring the picturesque grounds and learning about the different grape varieties.

The tour culminates in a tutored wine tasting, where guests can savor the distinct flavors of the vineyard’s offerings.

The experience offers:

• Opportunities to purchase bottles of the award-winning wines

• Scenic vistas perfect for capturing memorable photographs

• A chance to chat with the knowledgeable vineyard staff

The tour then continues to the second vineyard, providing another chance to explore the world of English winemaking.

Indulging in a Locally Sourced Lunch

After exploring the vineyards, guests indulge in a homemade, locally sourced meal accompanied by a glass of Sussex wine. The menu features seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients that showcase the region’s culinary bounty. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including:

| Starter | Main | Side | Dessert |

| — | — | — | — |

| Seasonal Salad | Roasted Vegetable Risotto | Garlic Roasted Potatoes | Sussex Cream Tart |

| Homemade Soup | Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter | Steamed Seasonal Veggies | Local Cheese Plate |

| Bruschetta | Beef and Ale Pie | Mixed Greens Salad | Seasonal Fruit Crumble |

The locally sourced meal provides a delightful complement to the wine tasting experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors of Sussex.

What to Expect on the Tour

Travelers embark on a delightful journey aboard a vintage London Routemaster bus, seeing the picturesque Sussex countryside.

Travelers embark on a delightful journey aboard a vintage London Routemaster bus, seeing the picturesque Sussex countryside.

The tour takes them to two award-winning vineyards, where they’ll:

• Learn about English winemaking from knowledgeable vineyard managers

• Participate in guided, tutored wine tastings

• Enjoy free time to explore the vineyards, browse the shops, and snap scenic photos

Midway through the day, guests savor a homemade, locally sourced lunch complete with a glass of Sussex wine.

The vintage bus ride back to the starting point caps off this immersive, well-rounded experience.

Customer Feedback and Considerations

What do customers have to say about this Sussex wine tour experience? The tour has received a 4.4/5 rating from 11 reviews. Travelers praised the friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. However, some noted a contrasting experience between the two vineyards, with one being perceived as pretentious.

| Positive Feedback | Neutral Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — | — |

| Friendly atmosphere | Varying vineyard experiences | Perceived pretentiousness at one vineyard |

| Beautiful scenery | – | – |

| Delicious food | – | – |

Customers should consider the mobility accessibility and age restrictions when booking this tour. Contact the activity provider for any assistance needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at both vineyards visited during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the start and end points as well as during the scheduled stops at the vineyards.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the bus. The tour policy prohibits outside alcoholic beverages to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. A homemade, locally sourced lunch with one glass of wine is provided as part of the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Wine Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 18 as it includes wine tastings. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the bus. The activity is intended for adults 18 and older to enjoy the wine country experience.

Is the Vintage Bus Wheelchair-Accessible?

The vintage bus is wheelchair-accessible. According to the tour overview, the activity is listed as "Wheelchair accessible", so guests using wheelchairs can participate in the wine tour.

Can I Purchase Bottles of Wine at the Vineyards?

Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of wine at the vineyards. The tour includes free time at each vineyard, allowing guests to browse the shops and buy any wines they’d like to take home.

The Sum Up

The Sussex Wine Tour offers a unique and delightful experience. Travelers can explore award-winning vineyards, enjoy guided tastings, and savor a locally sourced lunch, all while riding in a vintage London Routemaster bus. This tour provides an excellent opportunity for wine enthusiasts and novices alike to enjoy the charming Sussex countryside and discover the region’s exceptional wine offerings.

You can check availability for your dates here: