From London: Wine Tasting in the Garden of England – London, United Kingdom

EXPERIENCE:

TOUR RUNNING FROM APRIL 2024

Pointing south eastwards towards the continent, spreading out and merging with the North Sea and the English Channel, the county of Kent lies closest to mainland Europe giving a continental feel, a milder climate, bountiful orchards, hop fields and vineyards. A unique part of Britain always known as the Garden of England, and now the Wine Garden of England!

On this tour we visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover and the Battle of Britain Memorial, a photo stop on the clifftops with views of the stunning Dover Castle then we meander down the leafy lanes and bygone villages to the delightful Gusbourne winery in Appledore.

Those stunning chalk cliffs which help defend our island are just a 90 minute drive from London. Our first stop is the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne overlooking the English Channel. Replica Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes stand like guardians overlooking what was nicknamed Hellfire Corner during the Second World War. The battles were fought over the skies of Kent with a such small number of men that it gaves rise to the famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few”. The names of The Few are written on the memorial wall. Moving along the coast we see Dover Castle standing like a sentinel over the channel and port entrance. This 12th century stone keep was known as the Key to England but as a settlement the fortress goes back to Roman times with a lighthouse built on the clifftop in the First Century.

We then move on down charming narrow country lanes past hop fields and Oast Houses that provided the kilns to dry the hops to flavour local produced beer. Through lush farmland where orchards and vineyards spread out over the Kentish Weald, the local name for the higher ground, and travel through beautiful villages of a bygone age.

We approach Appledore and head to the Gusbourne winery for an leisurely afternoon visit with a tour of the vineyard. Enjoy welcome drinks then experience an extended tour of the estate. We will then enjoy wine tasting in the picturesque tasting room overlooking the vines with a delicious three course lunch. Sample some rare releases and limited edition wines and learn how wine making in England has become such a success.

The Gusbourne Winery is the most awarded winery in England, and has been served to the Royal Family. A special edition sparkling wine was chosen to be served at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Her Late Majesty The Queen. Then Gusbourne was honoured that the Royal Collection Trust selected Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2019 to mark the celebration of the recent Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Finish off a rewarding day in Kent with a relaxing journey back through this graceful and bucolic part of the world on our return back to London.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Photo stop at Dover Castle, White Cliffs and the Battle of Britain memorial
Enjoy a delicious three course lunch at the Vineyard
Small group day trip – maximum 16 people per tour
Extended tour of the award winning Gusbourne Winery Estate
Enjoy Wine Tasting in the picturesque tasting rooms overlooking Vineyard

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