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

A day trip from Brighton that combines the charm of vintage transport, the beauty of the Sussex countryside, and the pleasure of tasting award-winning English wines. For roughly 6.5 hours, you’ll hop aboard a classic 1960s London Routemaster bus, visit two highly-rated vineyards, and enjoy a delightful lunch among the vines. The cost is about $187 per person—a price that includes transportation, guided tours, tastings, and a hearty, locally sourced meal.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances educational insights with relaxed enjoyment. The guide, often a knowledgeable vineyard manager or host, brings a personal touch—offering insights into how English vineyards are thriving and what makes Sussex wines special. Plus, the vintage bus adds a nostalgic feel, making the whole experience feel like stepping back in time.

One potential consideration is that the tour involves a good deal of walking and standing—particularly around the vineyards and cellar doors—so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since all visits are to working vineyards, some areas might be a bit slippery or uneven, especially if the weather turns rainy.

This tour suits wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of Sussex’s countryside. It’s especially perfect for those who enjoy lively guided tastings and a friendly atmosphere, as the reviews highlight the convivial vibe and friendly guides.

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Key Points

Vintage Transport: Traveling on a 1960s London Routemaster bus adds a memorable nostalgic touch.
Expert-guided Visits: Vineyard managers offer insights into English winemaking, making tastings more meaningful.
Award-winning Wineries: Visiting two respected vineyards ensures quality wines and interesting stories.
Tastings and Lunch: Enjoy tutored tastings of sparkling and still wines, complemented by a homemade, seasonal lunch.
Flexible Schedule: Free time at each vineyard allows for photos, shopping, or simply relaxing in the scenic surroundings.
Inclusive Experience: The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes one glass of wine with lunch, making it a comfortable outing.

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A Detailed Look at the Sussex Wine Tour

Starting Point and Transport

Your day begins outside the Leonardo Hotel Brighton, conveniently located behind the railway station. Meeting your guide here means you’ll start with minimal fuss. Stepping onto the vintage London Routemaster bus, complete with a conductor and ticket machine, immediately sets a relaxed, playful tone. It’s not just transportation; it’s part of the experience. The bus’s open-air top deck is perfect for soaking up the views of the South Downs as you head into the countryside.

Travel to the first vineyard takes approximately 25 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in, enjoy the vintage vibes, and perhaps snap a few photos of Sussex’s rolling hills. The bus’s charm and the scenic route help set the mood for a laid-back day of wine discovery.

Vineyard Visits and Tastings

First Stop: The Award-Winning Vineyard

Gina’s review notes that her first impression at the initial vineyard, The Court Garden, was one of beauty and warmth. The owners are described as “fabulous” with a good sense of humor, making the guided tour lively and engaging. The fact that they grow grapes and produce wines in England is in itself a point of pride, as English wine continues to earn international recognition.

You’ll get an expert-led tour of the vineyard, learning about the unique challenges and opportunities of growing grapes in the Sussex climate. The tasting here includes several award-winning wines, with guided descriptions of their flavor profiles, including sparkling and still options. Gina comments that she “bought their very lovely wine” after her visit, highlighting the quality and appeal of the offerings.

Second Stop: The Second Vineyard Experience

After about three hours, including the lunch break, you’ll hop back onto the bus for a short 15-minute drive to your second vineyard visit. Here, you can enjoy another guided tasting, with the host sharing their insights and stories. Maxine’s review points out that this vineyard felt a bit more contrived and pretentious—highlighting that vineyard visits can vary in atmosphere. The focus remains on tasting and enjoying the tranquil setting of the South Downs.

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Lunch Among the Vines

One of the tour’s highlights is the homemade, seasonal lunch, served amidst the vineyard scenery. The food is locally sourced, and you’ll wash it down with a glass of Sussex wine. This shared meal not only complements the tastings but also offers a chance for relaxed conversation and soaking up the vineyard ambiance.

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Free Time and Shopping

Both vineyards provide time for photos, wandering the vines, or browsing the cellar door shops for bottles to take home. As Cintia notes, the friendly atmosphere makes sharing wine feel like sharing good vibes, whether solo or with companions.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After your second tasting session, you’ll hop back aboard the vintage bus for the roughly 40-minute return trip to Brighton. The scenic drive back offers more views of the countryside and a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights.

The Experience in Context

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic travel, culinary delights, and wine education. The price reflects not only the tastings and lunch but also the unique vintage transportation, which elevates the experience beyond a typical vineyard hop.

The value is clear when considering the quality of the vineyards visited—both are award-winning and respected locally—and the personalized guided tastings. The inclusion of a homemade lunch and a glass of wine with your meal makes the whole outing feel generous and authentic.

The reviews echo this sentiment: Gina praises the “perfect weather, food, and wine,” while Cintia emphasizes the friendly atmosphere and good vibes. Maxine’s account highlights that while one vineyard might feel more curated than the other, the overall experience remains very positive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast wanting to explore English wines in a casual, friendly setting, this tour is ideal. It suits those who appreciate authentic stories behind the wine and enjoy beautiful countryside scenery—especially the South Downs. It’s also perfect if you enjoy a bit of nostalgic charm, thanks to the vintage bus ride.

While not suited for children under 18, it’s a great outing for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to learn about Sussex’s growing wine scene without fuss or excess. If you value small group intimacy, guided tastings, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers a perfect balance.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking and standing at the vineyards, so if mobility is an issue, it’s best to contact the provider beforehand to discuss assistance options.

How long is the whole trip?
The total duration is approximately 6.5 hours, including travel time, vineyard visits, tastings, and lunch.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since there will be some walking in the vineyards. Dress according to the weather, as most of the activities are outdoors.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18.

Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, both vineyards have cellar door shops where you can purchase bottles after your tastings.

Is there a vegetarian or special diet option for lunch?
While not specified, since the lunch is homemade and seasonal, it’s worth checking with the provider if you have particular dietary needs.

What happens if it rains?
The tour takes place rain or shine. Weather may affect outdoor activities, so bring appropriate rain gear.

Final Thoughts

This Sussex wine tour on a vintage London bus offers a rare blend of nostalgia, scenic beauty, and authentic wine experiences. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the English wine scene in a relaxed, convivial environment. The mix of expert-guided tastings, a charming bus ride, and a lovely lunch makes it a memorable outing for anyone seeking a taste of Sussex’s countryside and its burgeoning wine industry.

If you’re looking for an engaging, well-organized day that combines education and leisure, and you enjoy a bit of vintage charm, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly well-suited for curious wine lovers and those who appreciate the joy of discovering hidden gems in classic settings.

In essence, this tour is a delightful way to spend a day outside Brighton—enjoying great wine, beautiful views, and warm company while riding in style on a vintage bus.