Got grape exceptions? Then the Great British Wine Tours will certainly meet those with aplomb. They host unique days out tasting award-winning English wines and lunches made with local produce to enjoy in the Sussex countryside via vintage transport to add a retro twist.

There are three tours to choose from, the first is their signature schedule, the Vintage Bus Wine Tour (Saturdays April-October), starting at Brighton Station you’ll jump aboard an iconic 1960s Red Routemaster London Bus and journey into the heart of English wine country via some stunning scenic views. You’ll head to two vineyards for guided tastings and enjoy a picnic hamper paired with Sussex wine to enjoy in the vines with a return trip back to Brighton.

For fans of fromage (isn’t that all of us?) there’s the Cheese & Vine Tour, this also starts and ends at Brighton Station. You’ll ride the vintage Routemaster bus as you head off to two award-winning vineyards where you’ll enjoy expert-guided tours of the vineyards. But that’s not all, oh no no, you’ll also visit the High Weald Dairy, which is where you’ll have lunch paired with English wines along with a tour of the dairy and the cheese store as well as a sneak peek into cheese-making processes.

Choo choo! The third and final experience is the Steam & Vine Tour that starts at Brighton Station where you board a charming 1950s vintage green bus and you’ll travel through the Sussex landscape. From there, you’ll arrive at the Bluebell Steam Railway that’s been featured in Downton Abbey we’ll have you know. A guide will share stories about the railway’s heritage before you take a scenic 90 minute ride on the steam train. On arrival at Horsted Keynes station you’ll ride the vintage bus to Kingscote Estate & Vineyard. There you’ll have a delicious homemade lunch perfectly paired with English still wine. After that you can enjoy an immersive vineyard and winery tour as well as a guided tasting of acclaimed still and sparkling wines on the sun terrace before getting back on the vintage bus to Brighton.

Scheduled and private tours can also be arranged for hen parties, groups and corporate events in Sussex, Kent and Surrey. And you can treat someone to a gift voucher for a wine tour and tasting experience – now there’s a gift you’ll want for yourself!