Should I buy this experience?
Who it's for
These tastings and tours are for anyone who likes a tipple! On tasting workshops you’ll be sampling anything from a fancy French Chateauneuf du Pape to a nice fruity Malbec from Argentina. Our wine tasting experiences will take you on a worldwide adventure in wine, learning and tasting as you go, whilst the vineyard tours show you how British wines are lovingly made right here in the UK.
Who it's not for
To be honest, even if you don’t actually like wine that much, a nice day out in the countryside exploring a vineyard and learning about how wine is made is still fascinating. You might not be up for the wine tasting workshops on their own if you’re more of a beer person, so why not have a little look at our excellent
range of brewery tours and tastings?
Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tour FAQs
What’s the difference between a wine tasting and a vineyard tour?
We have experiences that are workshops concentrating purely on the tasting of a selection of wines. They can pretty much be organised anywhere and are really popular in London, usually taking place in bars, hotels and at wine sellers. On a vineyard tour not only do you get to taste the wine produced on the estate, but you also discover how wine is made and see the process with your own eyes.
How old do you have to be for wine tasting?
The minimum age for wine tasting is 18 years old. Please note than many experiences take place in licensed establishments.
Do you do evening wine tasting classes?
Yes we do. If you want to make an evening out of your wine tasting, we can highly recommend our experiences in central London, so you can sample a few vintages, then head out to try some of the capital's bars and restaurants.
I want to do a wine tasting with a difference. What have you got?
If you're looking for a tasting with a difference, we've got things like wine and chocolate workshops - after all who doesn't love a glass of Chablis and a praline or two? We’ve even got courses where wine is combined with a little lesson in making cheese - a sublime and very classic French combination.
Is French wine the best wine?
You might think French wines are the best, but they certainly don't have the monopoly, with the likes of neighbouring Spain's Rioja, Italy's Prosecco regularly topping the tasting lists. As well as sampling French wines on these tastings, you might also get to open some fine vintages coming from as far afield as New Zealand and Australia that now grace our supermarket shelves and win many fans too. And don’t forget our home-grown vinos. British wines and sparkling wines are winning more and more awards, so visit a UK vineyard and try them for yourself!
But aren’t English wines a bit rubbish?
Ditch any preconceptions you may have about British wines and book onto a vineyard tour at a one of several vineyards dotted around the UK. Whilst Kent and Sussex might be something of a stronghold when it comes to wineries, we've also got vineyards opening up their doors and their oak barrels for you in the likes of Shropshire and then Perth for a taste of Scottish wine. And don’t forget, many of the UK homegrown winemakers have produced
millesimes that have won awards both at home and in the international wine arena, so they can't be that shabby can they?
Will the tour still go ahead if it’s raining?
In most cases yes, unless it really is lashing down with rain and considered unsuitable weather for wandering around the vines. Even if it’s a bit soggy out there, the cockles of your heart will soon be warmed when you get to the tasting part of the tour!
Can I take part if I am or think I am pregnant?
Most women tend to stop drinking wine when pregnant. Of course, you can always sample the wines and spit (which is technically what wine tasting should be about!). It really is up to you, but most medical professionals would advise against consuming too much alcohol (if any) during pregnancy.
Can I drive after wine tasting?
We advise anyone attending a wine tasting to make arrangements to not drive home. All participants should be aware of the current drink driving rules, regulations and limits. Much better to arrange for someone to pick you up, take public transport or a taxi home. You can even make a weekend of it, as some of our featured vineyards have on site accommodation or can recommend B&Bs etc nearby.
What are wine tasting notes?
Wine tasting notes are provided by wine tasting hosts as a reminder of the wines you sampled. They include the wine’s name, details about things like the grape varieties used, the year of production and notes about flavours. There’s also space for you to make your own considered jottings about the wine too.
Is there any wine tasting etiquette I need to know about?
If you’re talking whether you should spit out the wine you drink, in all honesty most guests on winery visits and tasting workshops swallow the wine. A professional sommelier might do otherwise, but you’re here to drink wine!
What should I wear for these experiences?
If your experience includes a walk around the vines, you should make sure you dress for being outside in the weather on the day.
Is wine tasting a good idea for a party
Whilst some vineyards are small operations hosting small groups only, other wineries have large restaurants and even meeting rooms making them ideal venues for corporate or larger group events too. Wine tastings in hotels and bars are ideal for hen/stag/work groups too - and a great way to kick off a night out.
Can these experiences show me what wines to serve with which foods?
Yes. Part of ‘demystifying wine’ is working out which wines go well with which foods. Whether it’s a Chablis with a curry, or a nice Bordeaux red served with your platter of French cheeses, it’s all about knowing which flavours work together. On these experiences you’ll get an insight into all this.
How do wine tastings work?
On these experiences you’ll hear all about everything from how wine’s made and how it should be drunk, to how it should be served and with which foods. You’ll going to be learning a lot about wine and a fun (and tasty) way. There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask all the questions you’ve wanted to about wine making and drinking it!
Will get to see how wine is made on these tours?
If you’re visiting a working vineyard you’ll more than likely get to see how wine is made. The time of year you go will determine what’s happening at the vineyard, whether it’s harvest time, the wine is kicking back and fermenting, or it’s time to bottle up, your hosts will explain the whole process to you.
Will we get to meet the vineyard owners?
Quite a few of our vineyards are family owned and run, so that means you might well be meeting the winery owners on your visit. Either way, your tour will be hosted by someone who knows all about wine making.
Which vineyards can I visit near me?
We have a good selection of English, Welsh and Scottish vineyards for you to visit. Thanks to the ideal soils and climate, many of the tours are concentrated on the South East of the UK. Vineyards you can visit include:
- Kent
- East Sussex
- Cambridgeshire
- Shropshire
- North Wales
- Oxfordshire
- Dorset
- Devon
- Gloucestershire
- Perthshire
- Yorkshire
Where is my nearest wine tasting wine tasting event?
Wine tastings (as opposed to vineyard experiences that include tastings) take place in all sorts of venues, the most popular of which are bars and hotels in busy cities. Our current wine tasting locations list includes:
- London (several venues)
- Bristol
- Lancashire
- Newcastle
- Milton Keynes
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Cheshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Norwich
- Leeds
- Birmingham
- Sheffield
- Cardiff
- Sussex
- Surrey
- Yorkshire
- Hampshire
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