Kent Wine Tours / Private tours
On a private tour your group has its own driver and guide for the day. You get two Kent vineyards with a tasting at each and lunch in between. Nobody shares the minibus with strangers, and nobody has to drive home.
A local guide takes you to two estates. The tour works with more than a dozen Kent vineyards, among them Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Balfour, Biddenden, Simpsons, Yotes Court, Herbert Hall and Woodchurch. Say which you most want to see when you book and they will plan the day round it. First time in Kent? We would ask for Chapel Down, one of England’s biggest producers, and Gusbourne, which makes only vintage sparkling wine. The two make a good contrast.
A private day costs more a head than a shared one. If there are only two of you, a shared day trip from London is usually better value. Our price guide has the figures, and there are tips for hen parties and group days too.
A tour and tasting at Denbies, a wander round Shere village, a local gin distillery and a riverside pub lunch. The meeting point is the Onslow Arms in West Clandon, near Guildford. Hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra charge.
A private day to the vineyards of the south-east, with guided tours, tastings and lunch, planned around your group.
Starts Pickup in London or the south-east, arranged for your group
High-speed trains from St Pancras International reach Ashford International in roughly 38 to 45 minutes, and there are usually two an hour. The tour meets you at the station and drops you back there.
Book the tour first and the train second. Give yourself a little slack on the way out. For the return, pick a train at least half an hour after the tour is due back, in case the day runs late.
Live times: Southeastern, Ashford International.
The price is worked out on at least four people, so four is where it starts to make sense. The whole day is yours.
A day taking in Chapel Down or Gusbourne, with lunch, is an easy present to get right. For a summer weekend, book a few weeks ahead.
Everyone travels together and nobody has to stay sober to drive. Tell them it's a hen do when you book, so the vineyards know what is coming.
A team day that isn't another escape room. Eight or more may need a second vehicle, so check before you book.
| Private tour | Shared day trip | Book tastings yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who's on it | Just your group | You plus other guests | Just your group |
| Starts from | Ashford International | Central London | Each vineyard |
| Transport | Included | Included | Taxi or a designated driver |
| Priced | Per person | Per person | Per person |
| Best for | Groups and celebrations | Couples and solo travellers | Anyone staying in Kent |
Shared trips from London are on the main tours page. If you are staying in Kent and don't mind arranging a taxi, a tasting at a single vineyard is cheaper still.
A morning tour of the 75-acre vineyard, then a tasting in the cellar door or on the lawn.
Starts Yotes Court Vineyard, Mereworth, near Maidstone, Kent
A walk through the vines at Hush Heath, home of Balfour, and a tasting of three of their wines.
Starts Balfour Winery, Staplehurst, Kent
A tasting of four of Gusbourne’s vintage sparkling wines at the estate on the edge of Romney Marsh.
Starts Gusbourne Estate, Appledore, near Ashford, Kent
A guided tour and a flight of wines, with cheese or charcuterie boards to add.
Starts Warehorne Vineyard, near Ashford, Kent
No. It starts and finishes at Ashford International, under an hour from St Pancras by high-speed train. If you want to be picked up in London, a shared day trip is easier.
Any size of group can book, but the price is based on at least four. Eight or more may need an extra vehicle, which costs more, so give your numbers when you book. The listing shows the price for your date and group size.
Tastings are usually indoors, so light rain hardly matters. If the weather is bad enough to call the day off, you will be offered another date or a full refund.
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