Discover Sussex’s South Downs through a scenic minibus ride from Brighton to Albourne Estate, where award-winning English wines and stunning views come together in a unique tasting tour.
Discover Sussex’s South Downs through a scenic minibus ride from Brighton to Albourne Estate, where award-winning English wines and stunning views come together in a unique tasting tour.
Book with Cannonball Bikes
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cannonball Bikes · Brighton and Hove, England
Set against the rolling backdrop of the South Downs National Park, Cannonball Bikes offers a distinctive wine tasting experience that marries enchanting landscapes with refined local flavors. Departing from Brighton, this minibus tour charts a course through some of Sussex’s most iconic scenery, including a must-stop at Devils Dyke, England’s longest, deepest dry valley. Here, the sweeping views reveal the patchwork of Sussex countryside stretching to the channel coast, a panorama once called “the grandest view in the world” by painter John Constable in 1825.
From this natural amphitheater, the journey descends to Albourne Estate, a boutique, family-owned vineyard known for its award-winning English sparkling and still wines. Set just below the Downs, its vines thrive in a unique terroir shaped by chalky soils and temperate maritime influences. Guests receive a guided tasting led by vineyard experts who detail both the craft of sustainable winemaking and the nuances that make Sussex wines distinct.
Beyond sampling, visitors can unwind on the estate’s south-facing balcony, taking in vineyard rows framed by the Downs while savoring local cheese and charcuterie—perfect companions to freshly poured wine. A self-guided vineyard trail encourages a deeper connection to the land, allowing guests to wander at their own pace while learning about the estate’s history and ecology.
Cannonball Bikes’ door-to-door minibus service from Brighton underscores the tour’s relaxed, accessible nature, ideal for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. An optional stop at a traditional Sussex country pub adds a hearty local flavor to the itinerary. This tour stands out not just as a tasting but as an immersive journey through an important agricultural and geological region of southern England, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable viticulture into one seamless experience.
easy.
3–5 hours.
Minimal fitness needed; mostly seated during transportation with optional mild walking at vineyard and Devils Dyke
Pick-up and drop-off are door-to-door anywhere in Brighton and Hove for maximum convenience.
Yes, the guided tasting is welcoming for all levels, with explanations about winemaking and local terroir.
Absolutely, there is an option to purchase award-winning Albourne Estate wines and local cheeses to take home.
Local delicacies served during the tasting include cheese and charcuterie; specific dietary requests can be communicated ahead.
Due to uneven terrain at Devils Dyke and vineyard trails, accessibility is limited; please inquire for specific support options.
Yes, you can opt for a pub lunch either before or after the wine tasting to further enjoy local Sussex fare.
Devils Dyke is a natural dry valley formed by periglacial processes thousands of years ago and admired by artists like John Constable.
Albourne Estate implements sustainable viticulture practices, minimizing chemical use and promoting biodiversity within the South Downs landscape.
Cannonball Bikes is a Brighton and Hove-based eBike rental and guided tour company specialising in electric mountain bike and coastal rides. The business offers a wide range of guided eBike experiences, from short seafront circuits to full-day routes along the South Downs Way and wine-tasting tours at Ridgeview, Albourne and Denbies. Trips range from approximately 2 to 6 hours and include family-friendly coastal rides, off-road eMTB adventures, and bespoke private tours. The fleet features models named in their listings, including Mondraker, Cube, Haibike, Kona, Canyon and Cannondale e-bikes, with options for full-suspension e-MTBs and step-through bikes. Several experiences combine cycling with local attractions: seafront vistas in Brighton, the Seven Sisters cliffs, Arundel, Devils Dyke and vineyard tastings at Ridgeview and Albourne Estate. Bookings typically cover bike hire, helmet use and guided navigation; specific trip details and durations are provided per listing. Cannonball Bikes serves riders of varied abilities and advertises guided stops, snack breaks and route guidance for scenic highlights. The company operates from Brighton and Hove and runs tours that start and finish in the local area. Cannonball Bikes lists bespoke electric mountain bike tours and a selection of named trips, allowing riders to choose equipment and route difficulty. For accurate availability, pricing and booking terms, refer to the individual trip descriptions or contact the operator directly. The operator publishes detailed trip summaries and lists vehicle models, sample durations and highlights. Participants are advised to check equipment requirements, age limits and cancellation policies before booking to confirm suitability online.
Book with Cannonball Bikes