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

Planning a day out that combines scenic views, authentic wine tasting, and a touch of nostalgia? This Sussex wine tour from Brighton offers all that—and more. Set aboard a charming 1960s London Routemaster bus, you’ll venture into the heart of England’s wine country, visiting two acclaimed vineyards, sampling their best wines, and enjoying a hearty, locally sourced lunch among the vines. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances education, relaxation, and a dash of fun.

What we love about this tour is its unique blend of vintage charm and genuine wine expertise. The guides, especially the vineyard managers, clearly know their stuff, making each tasting session engaging and informative. Plus, the scenic drive through Sussex’s rolling countryside is a treat in itself. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves some walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. This experience suits those who enjoy good wine, picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed, guided day out with an authentic local feel.

Key Points

Vintage Bus Ride: Experience traveling on an iconic 1960s London Routemaster, complete with a conductor and ticket machine—adding nostalgic flair to your journey.
Expert-Led Tastings: Learn about English wines directly from vineyard managers, making the tasting sessions both educational and enjoyable.
Award-Winning Vineyards: Visit two highly recognized wineries in Sussex, known for their quality sparkling and still wines.
Delicious Local Lunch: Sit among the vines and enjoy a homemade, seasonal meal paired with Sussex wines, showcasing local produce.
Flexible & Authentic: The tour runs rain or shine, with free cancellation offered up to 24 hours before, making it practical and low-stress.
Photo Opportunities & Shopping: Plenty of chances for photos in the vines, plus time at the cellar door to pick up your favorite wines.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off near Brighton Railway Station, where you’ll meet your guide outside the Leonardo Hotel Brighton (previously Jury’s Inn). From there, the journey begins on the vintage bus, giving you a taste of London’s famous double-decker charm as you head into Sussex’s lush countryside. The first stop is about 25 minutes away, at the first vineyard—The Court Garden.

First Vineyard Experience

Once there, you’ll be greeted by the vineyard manager, who will give you an in-depth guided tour of the vines and the winery. What makes this special is the blend of professionalism and warmth, with comments about the owners and their attention to detail. According to a reviewer, “The owners at The Court Garden are fabulous, with lots of information and humor.” You’ll learn how they grow grapes suited for English wine and produce award-winning sparkling and still wines.

The tasting here is a key highlight. Expect to sample a variety of wines, with the guide explaining the tasting notes and what makes English wines unique. The vineyard’s old farm setting adds a charming backdrop to this educational experience. After the tasting, there’s time for photos, shopping at the cellar door, or simply soaking in the peaceful vineyard scenery.

Vineyard Lunch

Next, you’ll settle down for a homemade, seasonal lunch, served among the vines. One reviewer describes it as a “delicious picnic” that perfectly complements the wines. The lunch showcases Sussex’s best local produce, and each meal is washed down with a glass of the vineyard’s own wine. This laid-back dining experience offers a real taste of the region and an opportunity to relax and chat with fellow travelers.

Second Vineyard Visit

Post-lunch, the bus takes you to a second vineyard about 15 minutes away. Here, you’ll again enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting. The second vineyard might come across as a bit more polished or contrived, based on some reviews, but it still provides a valuable contrast to the first—highlighting different styles and approaches to English winemaking. There’s also free time to explore, shop, or simply unwind amidst the beautiful South Downs.

Return Journey

The day wraps up with a scenic 40-minute ride back to Brighton, aboard the vintage bus. The nostalgic journey, combined with the day’s experiences, leaves many guests feeling relaxed and enriched. As one reviewer put it, the bus, driver, and conductor contributed to a “really lovely day,” with plenty of humor and good company.

Focus on Value and Experience

Priced at around $187.23 per person, this tour offers quite a lot. For that, you get transportation on a vintage London bus—an experience in itself—plus visits to two celebrated vineyards, guided tours, tastings of award-winning wines, and a hearty, locally sourced lunch. Compared to typical wine tastings, this is a well-rounded day that balances learning, tasting, and relaxing.

The inclusion of a dedicated vineyard lunch is a big plus. It’s not just a quick snack but a full meal designed to showcase regional ingredients. The fact that you receive at least one glass of wine with lunch adds to the value, ensuring you can truly enjoy the pairing.

The tour’s pacing is considered and flexible, with plenty of opportunities for photos and shopping. The guides’ knowledge, especially the vineyard managers’, elevates the experience from a simple tasting to an educational outing. Their insights about how English wines are made and what makes Sussex wines special make each tasting memorable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits wine lovers keen to explore English vineyards without the fuss of planning. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed, guided day with scenic views and a touch of nostalgia. The tour’s small group size (implied by the detailed reviews) encourages intimate conversations and a friendly atmosphere. It’s also great for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to meet like-minded enthusiasts.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Comfortable Shoes: Expect some walking and standing at the vineyards, so wear suitable footwear.
• Weather-Ready: The tour runs rain or shine, so bring weather-appropriate clothing.
• Mobility: If you have mobility issues, contact the provider beforehand—there’s some walking involved, but assistance can be arranged.
• Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 18, so plan accordingly.
• Booking Flexibility: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book confidently, knowing you can adjust plans if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Sussex wine tour from Brighton offers a delightful mix of scenic countryside, authentic wine experiences, and vintage charm. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about English wines, you’ll find this day trip both educational and leisurely. The guided tours, combined with the relaxed lunch and scenic bus ride, make it a well-paced, value-packed experience.

The guides’ warmth and knowledge shine through, and the choice of two different vineyards provides insight into the variety of wines being produced in Sussex today. The opportunity to buy your favorite bottles directly from the cellar doors is an added bonus for wine collectors or those wanting a memorable souvenir.

If you love a relaxed day with good wine, beautiful views, and a touch of nostalgia, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who value authentic experiences and appreciate regional produce, making it a true taste of Sussex’s burgeoning wine scene.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, you’ll travel on a vintage London Routemaster bus throughout the day, including to and from the vineyards.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 6.5 hours, including travel, vineyard visits, tastings, and lunch.

Do I need to bring anything special? Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. If you have mobility concerns, contact the provider beforehand.

Are children allowed? No, this tour is not suitable for children under 18.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible booking choice.

Are the wines tasted at the vineyards award-winning? Yes, the vineyards visited are known for their award-winning sparkling and still wines.

Is the lunch included? Yes, you’ll enjoy a homemade, seasonal lunch among the vines, paired with Sussex wines, with at least one glass of wine included with your meal.

To sum it up, the Sussex Wine Tour from Brighton offers a memorable, authentic day out that combines scenic drives, engaging wine tastings, and a hearty local lunch—all aboard a nostalgic vintage bus. It’s ideal for wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of Sussex’s burgeoning wine scene with a side of history and charm.