FAQs

  • We provide hosted luxury shuttle trips from Brighton to handpicked Sussex vineyards, removing the need for a designated driver and taking the hassle out of vineyard visits.
    Each trip is carefully timed to align with vineyard schedules, from guided tours and tastings to relaxed lunch sittings, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

    Why not just organise taxis?
    Most vineyards are in rural areas where return taxis are often unavailable or unreliable. It's difficult to visit more than one vineyard this way, and many guests find themselves stranded or facing unexpectedly high fares.

    Shuttle & Vine makes it easy:
    We run carefully timed trips to a selection of Sussex vineyards, each with a suggested itinerary based on your arrival and return times. You’ll enjoy comfortable, hosted transport, a recommended plan for your time at each vineyard, and direct booking links, so you can make the most of your visit, without the stress.

    We get you to each vineyard at the ideal time and for the right duration, with a suggested plan shaped by our vineyard expertise.

    Your onboard host is available throughout the day to support your experience, keep everything running smoothly, and help you get the most out of your trip.

    Unlike traditional wine tours, Shuttle & Vine gives you the freedom to shape the day your way — whether that means a glass of fizz, or a three-course lunch with wine pairings. Our trips suit all budgets, with the flexibility to create the experience that’s right for you.

  • Visiting a vineyard is a relaxed, scenic experience designed to let you enjoy great wine in a beautiful setting. While every vineyard is a little different, here’s what you can usually expect:

    Wine Tastings

    Guided Tasting: Most vineyards offer guided tastings of 3-6 wines led by a host who’ll walk you through each wine, the grapes, the winemaking process, and tasting notes (usually lasts 45-90 mins). You usually need to book guided wine tastings online via vineyard websites.

    Self-guided tastings - many vineyards will provide ‘flights’ of wine where you sample at your own pace, often with tasting notes provided.

    Tours

    Most vineyards offer walking tours of the vines and winery, showing how the wine is made and stored. These are usually combined with a tasting and last around 1.5–2 hours.

    Food Options

    Many estates have restaurants, terraces, or picnic areas, with food ranging from cheese boards and sharing platters to full seasonal menus and wine pairings.

    Time to Relax

    You’ll often have time after your tasting or lunch to enjoy the surroundings — stroll the vineyard, relax with a glass of wine, or shop for bottles to take home.

    Our Advice:

    If you’d like to do a guided tour, tasting or sit-down lunch, we recommend booking in advance as places can fill up, especially on weekends. Use our Vineyard Guide or ask us if you need help choosing the right spot.

    Some vineyards are more flexible than others when it comes to walk-ins — but to get the best experience, we strongly recommend booking ahead for any tastings, tours or lunch reservations.

    We’ve noted which vineyards are more walk-in-friendly in our Vineyard Guides, but many estates have limited capacity, especially at weekends.

  • Your Shuttle & Vine host will meet you at the front of Brighton Station. The exact meeting point will be sent to you in your booking confirmation email.

  • You’ll travel in a premium 15-seater Mercedes Sprinter, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and plenty of space to relax.

  • Each trip includes a hosted return shuttle from Brighton Station, a self-curated visit to one or more Sussex vineyards, and a Vineyard Guide with itinerary suggestions and booking links for tours, tastings, and lunch. Tastings, food, and experiences at the vineyard are booked separately, giving you the freedom to choose what suits you. Shuttles are usually timed to align with vineyard tours, tasting and lunch sittings.

  • In most cases, absolutely. You’re welcome to enjoy the vineyard grounds, have lunch, or browse the wine shop without booking a tasting. However, some vineyards can only be visited as part of a guided tour. We’ll make this clear in the booking information and in your Vineyard Guide, so you can plan accordingly.

  • You’ll travel with a small group on the shuttle, but once you arrive at the vineyard, the time is yours. Whether you’ve booked a tour, a table for lunch, or just want to explore, you’re free to enjoy the experience at your own pace.

  • No problem — the vineyards we visit are well prepared for all weather. Tours, tastings, and dining experiences are typically indoors or take place in all-weather spaces, and many restaurants have covered terraces or adaptable setups. Experiences may be adjusted slightly to suit the conditions, so you can relax and enjoy your day, rain or shine.

  • Unfortunately, dogs aren’t permitted on our shuttles, so we’re unable to accommodate them on Shuttle & Vine trips at this time. Service dogs are, of course, always welcome — just let us know in advance so we can ensure everything is in place for your visit.

  • Yes, children are welcome on Shuttle & Vine trips when accompanied by an adult. However, please note that many vineyard experiences — including tastings and some tours — are strictly for guests aged 18 and over.

    Infants under 2 years old who will be seated on an adult’s lap (babes in arms) do not need a separate ticket.