Brighton’s vibrant city life is complemented by its proximity to some of England’s top vineyards and craft spirits. While the city itself offers plenty of seaside charm, the surrounding Sussex countryside is a haven for wine enthusiasts. One reason we love these Brighton wine tours is their variety—you can hop on a vintage bus for a full-day tasting, or enjoy a shorter, more flexible experience focusing on local wines, ciders, and spirits. For those who appreciate scenic views along with their drinks, the Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery tour combines coastal beauty with vineyard visits. And if you’re after a laid-back day with a mix of wine, cider, and local distilleries, the Wine, Cider & Distillery Tour hits the spot. All these experiences offer a different flavor of Sussex’s beverage scene, making Brighton an surprisingly good base for wine lovers.
Whether you’re into sparkling wines, still wines, or local ciders, Brighton’s surroundings provide a rich tasting landscape. The tours listed below showcase the region’s best offerings—from a vintage bus trip visiting two top vineyards, to a flexible wine and spirits tour, and a coastal tour blending wine estates with scenic views. Each offers a unique way to explore Sussex’s drink culture, making them perfect for a day trip or a weekend outing.
Let’s start with a quick overview: the list includes full-day vineyard bus tours, short and flexible tasting excursions, and coastal scenic adventures with wine and brewery stops. Click the links for more details on each experience.
1. Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour on Iconic Vintage London Bus
This full-day small-group tour from Brighton is a fun way to explore Sussex’s top sparkling wine producers. For around $200, you’ll enjoy round-trip transportation on a charming vintage London bus, making the journey as memorable as the tastings. The tour includes visits to Court Gardens Farm and Bluebell Vineyard Estates, with guided tours, tastings of award-winning sparkling wines, and delicious picnic lunches at the vineyards.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on English sparkling wines, often regarded as some of the best outside of Champagne. At Court Gardens Farm, you’ll walk among the vines and learn about the entire process of English wine-making, from grape to glass. The tutored tastings feature at least four sparkling wines, highlighted by local produce in the picnic hamper—quiches, breads, salads, chutneys, and cakes, all served with a glass of Sussex wine. Later, at Bluebell Vineyard, you’ll taste both still and sparkling wines in a relaxed setting, with options to purchase your favorites.
Guests consistently praise the tour’s friendly guide, relaxed pace, and the chance to sample high-quality wines without the hassle of organizing individual visits. The small-group size ensures a cozy, intimate experience. This tour is best suited for those keen on sparkling wines and scenic countryside, and who enjoy a leisurely, all-in-one day out.
Bottom Line: A charming, well-organized tour perfect for wine lovers eager to experience Sussex’s top sparkling wines in a comfortable group setting.
2. Wine, Cider & Distillery Tour
For a more flexible, half-day experience, the Wine, Cider & Distillery Tour offers a relaxed way to sample Sussex’s beverages—and it’s perfect if you prefer to tailor your day. Priced at about $117, this tour covers three key stops: the Bolney Wine Estate, the Spirit of the Downs Distillery, and the Cider Tap & Brew House.
Starting at Bolney Wine Estate, you’ll walk through the vineyards, sample their wines and cheese, and enjoy the stunning views from their restaurant balcony. Then, at Spirit of the Downs, you’ll taste handcrafted Sussex spirits, with medals from the IWSC and a notable 3-star rating at Great Taste. The final stop at the Cider Tap Room offers a selection of Sussex ciders and pizzas, perfect for relaxing after a day of tasting.
This tour’s flexibility is its key feature—lasting around 3 to 4 hours, it’s ideal for travelers who want a laid-back experience without committing to a full day. The small size and casual pace mean you can soak in the local flavors without feeling rushed. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the chance to try local spirits alongside wine.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those wanting a shorter, customizable tasting day that includes wine, cider, and spirits with minimal fuss.
3. Seven Sisters Coast, Rathfinny Wine Estate & Longman Brewery
This scenic half-day coastal tour blends stunning views of the Seven Sisters with visits to two Sussex wine and beer stops. For around $194, you’ll travel in a luxury Mercedes minibus along the coast, passing Devil’s Dyke and Seaford Head, both offering spectacular vistas. The highlight is the visit to Rathfinny Wine Estate, known for its traditional method sparkling wines.
At Rathfinny, you’ll learn how their wines are made from hand-harvested grapes, with a guided tasting of their vintage Sussex sparkling wines. Later, a stop at Long Man Brewery introduces you to award-winning beers crafted from local ingredients, with a chance to sample and purchase. The tour finishes with a view of the Long Man of Wilmington, a hill figure that adds a bit of local intrigue.
Many reviews mention the relaxed pace, the personal attention from Colin, and the beautiful coastal scenery. This tour is perfect if you want a combination of wine, local beer, and stunning coastal views without a full-day commitment. It appeals most to travelers interested in both scenic landscapes and regional beverages.
Bottom Line: An ideal coastal escape for those who want to combine wine tasting with breathtaking views and a touch of history.
How to Choose Your Brighton Wine Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and what kind of experience excites you most. The Sussex Vineyard & Winery Bus Tour offers a comprehensive, all-day immersion in Sussex sparkling wines, perfect for dedicated wine lovers or special occasions. If you prefer a shorter, more flexible outing that includes spirits and cider, the Wine, Cider & Distillery Tour is a fun, laid-back choice. For those craving scenic views alongside their tasting, the Seven Sisters Coast and Wine Estate tour combines coastal beauty with top-notch wines and beers.
Also, think about your energy level and interest in specific beverages. If you love sparkling wines, the first tour is hard to beat. For a mix of drinks and a more casual schedule, the second fits well. And if your idea of a perfect day involves stunning cliffs and a scenic drive, the coastal tour will deliver.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer when Sussex’s vineyards are in full swing. Check the tour details online, and consider how each aligns with your travel style.
Brighton and its surrounding Sussex countryside offer a delightful variety of wine, cider, and spirits tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a full day of sparkling wine tastings, a half-day flexible outing, or a scenic coastal experience, these tours promise a memorable way to explore local flavors and scenery. For a truly immersive experience, the vintage bus tour stands out, but the other options provide excellent alternatives to suit your preferences. Be sure to book early to secure your spot and enjoy Sussex’s beverages in style.
