Great British Wine Tours - Horsham District Itineraries

SUSSEXBOUND

DISCOVERTHEBESTOFWESTSUSSEX

WEST SUSSEX WINE TOUR

West Sussex Wine Tour

‘Distinctly different English vineyards’

See the very best of the West Sussex wine producers on this three vineyard tour. The tour begins at the stunning estate of Wiston for a vineyard tour and tasting. Then it’s onto Kinsbrook Estate for lunch and wine tasting. The final vineyard of the tour is Nutbourne.

Schedule:

09:30 Pick up from your accommodation

10:30 Wiston Estate tour & tasting

12:00 Transfer to Kinsbrook Vineyard

12:30 Kinsbrook for wine tasting & lunch

14:00 Transfer to Nutbourne

14:30 Nutbourne wine tasting

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Wiston Estate

‘Hidden away in the South Downs’

Nestled among the chalk hills of the South Down is Wiston Estate Vineyard. The Goring family have been custodians of the Wiston Estate since 1743. The deep rooted family history and connection to the land is integral to their award-winning wines.

In 2006, the Goring family planted a southfacing 16-acre site with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay vines. Now Wiston has entered another chapter of their journey and has recently opened a new winery, tasting room and restaurant, Chalk. Together these showcase their sparkling wines with delicious Sussex produce.

You’ll enjoy a tour of the vines followed by the chance to sample Wiston’s wines in their beautiful tasting room.

Kinsbrook Estate

‘A progressive vineyard’

Kinsbrook Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard and wine producer building an inclusive, sustainable lifestyle culture in Thakeham, West Sussex.

Led by Joe Beckett and Rebecca Dancer, some of the youngest vineyard owners in the country, Kinsbrook Vineyard is creating a spectacular range of hand-crafted wines from grapes grown on its third generation farmland.

You’ll enjoy a sharing style lunch alongside a tutored tasting of all of Kinsbrook’s fantastic still and sparkling wines.

Nutbourne

‘A pioneer of English wine’

Vines have been planted at Nutbourne since 1979. The Gladwin family has owned the estate since 1991 and have since expanded the business considerably. There are 26 acres under vine and depending on the vintage, production averages around 50,000 bottles per year.

8 different types of grape are grown at Nutbourne: the Riesling style Bacchus, Huxelrebe and Reichensteiner, as well as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

You’ll complete the tour with a tasting of Nutbourne’s award winning wines in the lodge, besides the historic windmill.

THREE BREWERY TOUR

Three Brewery Tour

‘One

for the ale lovers!’

Spend the day exploring the craft breweries of West Sussex. Start your day at Hepworths Brewery in Pulborough, then you’ll have lunch and a tasting at Firebird Brewery before completing your tour at Brolly Brewery in Horsham.

Schedule:

09:30 Pick up from your accommodation

10:30 Hepworths Brewery tour & tasting

12:00 Transfer to Firebird Brewery

12:30 Firebird Brewery for beer tasting & lunch

14:00 Transfer to Brolly Brewery

14:30 Brolly Brewery beer tasting

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Hepworths Brewery

‘Craft beer at its best’

Hepworth's Brewery are an an independent brewery using only local ingredients from Sussex. They create unique craft beers made by local brewers and use energy efficient tools in their brewery to increase sustainability.

Ingredients are simple and pure: barley, hops, yeast and water, sometimes a little wheat or corn to vary the style.

You will discover the process behind making some of the favourite Hepworth beers and learn from the knowledgeable tour guide how different ales are produced before getting the chance to sample a range of their products.

Firebird Brewery

‘Nesting in Sussex - Burning since 2013’

Firebird Brewery is an award-winning craft brewery producing an impressive selection of craft beers.

Located in Rudgwick, Firebird is a modern brewery situated in a renovated brickworks.

Established in 2013, they have produced American Pale Ales, Pilsner Lagers, HefeWeizen Beers, Belgian Pale Ales, Dopplebocks, Session I.P.A.’s and traditional Best Bitters.

You will go behind the scenes for an immersive tour of the brewery’s production areas, the brewing cycle and have the opportunity to taste the beers direct from the tanks.

The tour will be followed by an in depth tasting of four brewery fresh beers in the bar.

Brolly Brewery

‘For

the love of beer’

Established in 2017 by husband and wife team, Brook & Holly Saunders, Brolly Brewery is a hyper local micro brewery based in Horsham.

The venue has a comfortable bar and taproom within the that overlooks the brewing on site which serves their range of hand-crafted multiaward-winning beer.

The tour includes tastings of some of the core and dark beers as well as some of Brolly’s special releases.

GRAPE & GRAIN TOUR

Vineyard & Brewery Tour

‘Grape & Grain’

You’ll spend the morning at the award-winning vineyard of Stopham. Lunch will be enjoyed at a traditional English country pub serving homemade British classics before you head on to Firebird Brewery.

Schedule:

09:30 Pick up from your accommodation

10:30 Stopham vineyard & winery tour

11:30 Tutored wine tasting

12:30 Transfer to a traditional country pub

13:00 Lunch at the pub

14:30 Transfer to Firebird Brewery

15:00 Brewery Tour & tutored tasting

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Stopham Vineyard

‘Specialists in crafting still white wines’

in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate is home to 21,000 vines, which enjoy sunny, south-facing slopes in the medieval hamlet of Stopham, near Pulborough.

As specialists in crafting aromatic still white wines from Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and classic method sparkling wine, Stopham pride themselves on their sustainable approach to winemaking. The vineyard, planted in 2007 by winemaker Simon Woodhead, boasts sandy, free-draining soil and some of the best views in the county.

Your tour will include a visit to the vineyard and the winery, a Grade II listed Victorian barn, before you sample Stopham’s range of delicious wines.

Firebird Brewery

‘Nesting in Sussex - Burning since 2013’

Firebird Brewery is an award-winning craft brewery producing an impressive selection of craft beers.

Located in Rudgwick, Firebird is a modern brewery situated in a renovated brickworks.

Established in 2013, they have produced American Pale Ales, Pilsner Lagers, HefeWeizen Beers, Belgian Pale Ales, Dopplebocks, Session I.P.A.’s and traditional Best Bitters.

You will go behind the scenes for an immersive tour of the brewery’s production areas, the brewing cycle and have the opportunity to taste the beers direct from the tanks.

The tour will be followed by an in depth tasting of four brewery fresh beers in the bar.

ART & VINE TOUR

Art & Vine Tour

‘Fine

art & fine wine!’

You’ll spend the day discovering one of Sussex’s finest stately homes and its marvellous collection of art before heading to the elegant estate of leading English wine producer, Wiston.

Schedule:

09:00 Pick up from your accommodation

10:00 Visit to Petworth House & Deer Park

13:00 Transfer to Wiston Estate

13:30 Lunch at Chalk restaurant, Wiston

14:30 Tour and wine tasting at Wiston Estate

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Petworth House

‘A magnificent Treasure House’

Spanning 900 years of history and passing through just one family, Petworth House came from humble medieval origins before being transformed during the 17th century into a grand mansion to rival the palaces of Europe.

Petworth House showcases some of the finest art collections in the National Trust, with major works by the likes of Titian, van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake on display.

Outside, the Pleasure Garden features formal borders and woodland walks. The 700-acre Deer Park, which was transformed in the 1750s by the landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown, is home to ancient trees and fallow deer.

You can choose to self-guide this wonderful estate or to book an expert guide.

Wiston Estate

‘Hidden away in the South Downs’

Nestled among the chalk hills of the South Down is Wiston Estate Vineyard. The Goring family have been custodians of the Wiston Estate since 1743. The deep rooted family history and connection to the land is integral to their award-winning wines.

In 2006, the Goring family planted a southfacing 16-acre site with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay vines. Now Wiston has entered another chapter of their journey and has recently opened a new winery, tasting room and restaurant, Chalk. Together these showcase their sparkling wines with delicious Sussex produce.

You’ll have lunch in the stylish Chalk restaurant before embarking on a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

CASTLE, TEA & VINEYARD TOUR

Castle, Tea & Vineyard Tour

‘Explore the old and new of West Sussex ’

Start your day with an exploration of one of the finest medieval castles in England in the picturesque town of Arundel. Lunch is a traditional English afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes and a cup of tea of course! Follow this with a visit to Stopham vineyard and winery.

Schedule:

09:30 Pick up from your accommodation

10:30 Visit to Arundel Castle & Gardens

13:00 Lunch in the historic town of Arundel, traditional afternoon tea

14:00 Transfer to Stopham vineyard

14:30 Vineyard & winery tour followed by tutored wine tasting

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Lunch can be taken at the vineyard if you prefer.

Arundel Castle

‘Medieval Castle & Grounds’

Set high on a hill in West Sussex, this great Castle commands the landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun.

Founded at the end of the 11th Century, it has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067. The castle has many fine original features including the Norman keep, medieval gatehouse and barbican.

You’ll find a very fine collection of furniture, paintings, clocks, tapestries, armour and much, much more, including personal possessions of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The grounds are just as impressive as the Castle with an array of colourful flower displays.

You can choose to self-guide Arundel Castle or to book an expert guide.

Arundel Town

‘Stylish

market town’

Arundel is a picturesque and historic market town and is home to the impressive Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral.

This delightful town sits on the banks of the River Arun and is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful listed buildings and scenic surroundings.

The town boasts a bustling high street filled with antique shops and independent restaurants and for art enthusiasts, the town is a veritable treasure trove, boasting numerous galleries and studios to explore.

Stopham Vineyard

‘Specialists in crafting still white wines’

in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Stopham Estate is home to 21,000 vines, which enjoy sunny, south-facing slopes in the medieval hamlet of Stopham, near Pulborough.

As specialists in crafting aromatic still white wines from Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and classic method sparkling wine, Stopham pride themselves on their sustainable approach to winemaking. The vineyard, planted in 2007 by winemaker Simon Woodhead, boasts sandy, free-draining soil and some of the best views in the county.

Your tour will include a visit to the vineyard and the winery, a Grade II listed Victorian barn, before you sample Stopham’s range of delicious wines.

VINES & GARDEN TOUR

Vines & Garden Tour

‘Two beautiful estates in one tour’

A wine tour with a difference at Mannings

Heath Estate followed by a tour of the stunning Leonardslee Gardens.

Suitable for up to 40 guests.

Schedule:

10:30 Pick up from your accommodation

11:00 Electric buggy vineyard tour at Mannings

Heath Wine Estate followed by a tutored wine tasting of English still and sparkling wines

12:30 Lunch at Mannings Heath (options include formal 3 course lunch or a traditional South African BBQ on the terrace)

14:00 Transfer to Leonardslee Gardens

14:30 Guided tour of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

16:30 Transfer back to your accommodation

Mannings Heath Estate

‘The UK’s first golf & wine estate’

Mannings Heath, nestled in the heart of the Sussex, is a 34 acre estate that has planted over 70,000 grape vines. It comprises two golf courses, a vineyard, restaurant, wine lounge and hotel rooms. 2024 will be the estate’s first release of wine.

Their electric buggy vineyard tours are unique! The buggies take you on an unforgettable journey through the rolling hills of West Sussex accompanied by a Mannings Heath Estate guide. Following the tour your guests will have an exclusive wine tasting session of Mannings Heath’s brand new wines.

Lunch can either be a formal 2-3 course meal served in the Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant or a more informal South African style BBQ on the terrace.

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

‘The finest woodland gardens in England’

The magnificent and beautiful Grade 1 listed Leonardslee Gardens is set in 240-acres of woodland in Sussex. Planted in 1801, the garden features outstanding scenery throughout the year and is particularly majestic as it blooms in spring or takes on the glorious colours of autumn.

Leonardslee has seven lakes and a unique combination of woodland forest, rock garden and parkland, with a rare colony of wallabies and a number of deer species that roam free throughout the estate.

The gardens are home to renowned Sculpture Anton Smit in an exhibition entitled ‘The Walk of Life’. Comprised of over 50 monumental works, the sculptures sit in harmony with the woodland gardens, creating new vistas across the valley and lakes.

ABOUT US

Sussex Bound

Local knowledge of the best of West Sussex

Sussex Bound is a localised destination management service operated by me, Danny Edwards. I’m from Sussex and know the area well having been running a tour operator, Great British Wine Tours, since 2016. We operate premium tailor-made tours for groups and corporate clients to the vineyards, food producers and breweries of Sussex.

Our experience of operating in Sussex means that we have the knowledge, partners and contacts to provide our clients with the most suitable and seamless experiences unique to this area.

Our destination management services include:

Tours of local gardens, historic houses, artisan food producers, vineyards, distilleries & breweries

Activities including hiking, biking, watersports, beach saunas, spas, tickets to local visitor attractions

Fully hosted service with knowledgeable and professional guides

Transportation - modern and vintage vehicle options

Transport & Logistics

Journey through West Sussex in style

We are experts in arranging appropriate transport for your event. Travel within Sussex, especially to the more rural areas, needs to be planned as roads can be narrow with restricted access. We have the knowledge to make sure we get to the destination safely and on time.

Our corporate and group tours include transportation by quality executive cars, minibus or coach. We can source multiple vehicles to suit any size of group.

Our Vehicles:

85 seat double decker executive coach

72 seat double decker traveller bus with panoramic roof

72 seat vintage London Routemaster bus

38 seat single decker vintage bus

29 / 21 / 17 seat executive mini coach

8 seat executive mini van

4 seat executive car

Flexible Collection Points

Convenient pick-up and drop-off

We do all the driving so that you and your guests can relax and enjoy the day and the wines!

Our tours include full transportation from pickup and drop-off points of your choosing including hotels, offices, stations and airports.

We can pick-up from London Gatwick Airport from where it’s approximately 30 minutes drive to vineyards in West Sussex.

We also pick-up from all Arun Valley Rail Line stations including Gatwick Airport, Three Bridges, Horsham, Pulborough, Amberley and Arundel.

Tailor Made Tours - Horsham District Itineraries - Rates 2024

Art & Vine Tour

Castle, Tea & Vineyard Tour

Chalk Restaurant, Wiston

Traditional afternoon tea in Arundel

*Other lunch options are available and are subject to a surcharge

**There is no additional charge for the Vintage Bus for groups of 40+ guests

VAT is not charged on all prices listed. All prices listed are for reference purposes only, actual prices will be provided on quotation. The minimum number per tour is 14 guests, there will be an additional charge per person if less than 14 guests.

The Horsham District programme of tours is operated by Great British Wine Tours, supported by Horsham District Council, and has received part-funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, powered by Levelling Up.