English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

A Day of English Wine and Cheese: What to Expect from the London to Kent Tour

Travelers with a taste for authentic regional products will find this English Wine and Cheese Tour from London quite the treat. For around $212, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring two of Kent’s premier wineries and a working cheese dairy, all while enjoying tastings, a picnic, and guided tours. The trip departs right from London Bridge Station, making it easy to hop on and start your day immersed in the countryside’s delights.

What we especially love about this experience is how smoothly it’s organized — no need to fuss with transport or logistics. The included train transit and insider-guided visits mean you can focus on savoring every sip and bite. Plus, the variety of stops, from vineyard tours to cheese tastings, ensures a well-rounded and tasty day.

One potential consideration is that the itinerary could vary slightly due to availability, which is common in farm and vineyard visits. But that flexibility often brings surprises—and new favorites.

This tour is ideal for lovers of food, drink, and authentic countryside experiences, especially those who appreciate guided insights and a relaxed pace. If you’re eager to indulge in English wines and cheeses while enjoying the landscape, this trip will suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Hassle-free experience with transport and logistics handled.
• Includes guided tastings at two top wineries in Kent.
• Tasty picnic lunch paired with English wine.
• Expert-led cheese and wine pairing at a working cheese dairy.
• Beautiful English countryside views on the drive.
• Small group size enhances personalized attention.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: London Bridge Station

The tour kicks off right across from London Bridge Station, at The English Grounds in SE1. This convenient start point means you don’t need to worry about getting lost or navigating. The departure time is 9:00 am, so it’s best to arrive a little early to settle in and get ready for the day.

First Stop: Wayfarer Wines

Your first taste of Kent’s wine scene is at Wayfarer Wines, a small but ambitious producer making sizable waves. Here, a guided tasting introduces you to their unique approach to English winemaking. Expect to sample a few of their wines and learn about what makes Kent’s climate and chalk soil ideal for cultivating grapes.

What we love: The guide’s explanations help demystify the process, making wine tasting both educational and enjoyable. As one reviewer noted, the “wonderful wine experience” is well-organized, making it easy to relax and savor.

Second Stop: Chapel Down Winery

Next, you’ll head to the illustrious Chapel Down, situated in the historic port of Small Hythe. This 15th-century location offers a charming setting for exploring vineyards and learning about English viticulture. You’ll enjoy a fully guided tasting of their sparkling and still wines, gaining insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

What we love: The opportunity to walk through the vineyard grounds and see the Chapel Down estate firsthand adds a tangible sense of place. It’s not just about tasting but understanding where these wines come from.

Picnic Lunch in the Vineyard

After the morning tastings, it’s time for a locally sourced picnic lunch in the Chapel Down grounds. The inclusion of a glass of English wine makes this meal even more enjoyable. This relaxed, scenic break is perfect for sharing impressions and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

What we love: The picnic showcases local ingredients, emphasizing the tour’s commitment to regional produce. It’s a genuine chance to unwind and reflect on the morning’s tastings.

Cheese and Wine Pairing at Silcocks Farm

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Silcocks Farm, an organic farm specializing in cheese-making. Here, you’ll learn about the cheese production process and participate in a guided tasting pairing six English cheeses with six English wines. This part of the tour is particularly popular, as it combines the best of both worlds: artisanal cheese and local wines.

What we love: The pairing reveals how well regional cheeses match with local wines, enhancing your appreciation of both. A reviewer described it as “delicious” and a highlight of their day.

Return to London

The tour wraps up back at the starting point around 5 pm, after a full day of tasting and exploring. This schedule provides enough time to savor the experience without feeling rushed, and you’ll return to London with plenty of new favorites and insights into England’s burgeoning wine scene.

What Travelers Say

The glowing reviews reflect the quality and enjoyment of this tour. One person called it a “brilliant day,” praising the well-organized nature from start to finish. Another highlighted how “wonderful” and “interesting” the tastings and pairings are, particularly for wine lovers. The small group size (up to 20) allows for personalized attention, which many find makes the experience more engaging and informative.

Why This Tour Excels

The combination of expert guides, beautiful scenery, and delicious regional products makes this experience stand out. It’s not just about drinking wine but understanding the terroir, craftsmanship, and history behind each sip. The inclusion of a picnic lunch and a cheese pairing makes it feel like a complete day dedicated to the best of English food and drink.

Analyzing the Value

At $212.46 per person, the cost is reasonable considering the all-inclusive nature: guided tastings, transport, lunch, and expert insights. For those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing separate visits, this tour offers fantastic value for money. While the price might seem steep for some, consider the quality of experiences packed into one day—visiting renowned wineries, tasting regional cheeses, and enjoying a scenic countryside drive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for food and drink enthusiasts wanting to deepen their appreciation for English wines and cheeses. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided experiences, scenic drives, and learning about regional specialties. The small group setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking a memorable, educational day.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized tours with informative guides, high-quality tastings, and charming countryside views, this experience will likely exceed expectations.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes train transit from London to Kent and back, making it very convenient and stress-free.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with the day starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5 pm.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years due to wine tastings.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Comfortable shoes are recommended for vineyard walks.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, please advise at booking if you have specific dietary needs to ensure appropriate options are available.

What if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so be prepared for rain or shine.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

Is this suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour centers on wine and cheese, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, the lunch, and the cheese tastings.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to explore England’s emerging wine scene and indulge in regional cheeses, this full-day tour offers a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and delicious tasting. It’s well-organized, intimate, and packed with authentic experiences that go beyond just sipping wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious foodie, you’ll come away with new favorites and a richer understanding of what makes Kent a notable destination for English wines.

If you’re looking for a memorable, hassle-free way to enjoy some of England’s best food and drink in a beautiful setting, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who value guided insights and small-group intimacy, ensuring a friendly, engaging atmosphere throughout the day.

Additional Information

Booking and Cancellation
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing flexibility should your plans change. Confirmations are received immediately after booking, and most travelers can participate.

Contact Details
For questions or special requests, you can reach the provider, English Wine Tasting Tours, at +44 1424 777111 or via email at [email protected].

This full-day journey from London promises a delightful glimpse into Kent’s wine and cheese craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic taste of English regional produce with minimal fuss.