Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour

A trip bought by our sons to celebrate our ruby wedding anniversary. It was most enjoyable but would like to offer some constructive criticism so that others may enjoy an even more pleasurable experience. The meeting and greeting was not good . We were waiting around for about 20 minutes before the bus turned up followed by the guide at 9:30. Many of us were unsure whether we were in the right place. I think the guide should be there well before the stated time. There was no itinerary given. We went to Albourne Estate which was excellent, but according to your itinerary on the website we were expecting to go the Bluebell vinery with no explanation for the change. It was a very roundabout journey - was this due to the change of venue? For those not local perhaps a commentary would have been welcomed to point out notable places of interest etc. Both venues appeared to be caught on the hop with our arrival. Possibly due to the change of venue? Both venues gave out water to accompany the wine but it was not chilled. Considering the weather at the time this should not really happen. I was led to believe that a pub lunch was going to be offered. We had a pleasant ploughman’s like one at the first venue but for those who did not like cheese there was no alternative and therefore not enough food. At the second venue all the wines were poured out simultaneously. With the weather being so hot it was not long before the wines were not being experienced as they should . Some nibbles or similar would have been welcomed. The time here also seemed drawn out. Again possibly due to the change of venues? Most people would have liked to have had an afternoon tea after imbibing a number of glasses wine particularly seeing as we returned to the drop off point well over an hour before the posted time of 5.30. I hope this will help to improve a lovely day out and experience.

My first ever vineyard experience was fun and interesting. Lovely wine from Court Garden and a very pleasant lunch at Springs' Smokery in Edburton. The tour ended with a visit to Henry's Marani at Plumton College to learn about Georgian wine making which was very interesting. A very enjoyable day out.