Visit South Devon has launched a new group travel itinerary which features visits to the region’s vineyards, distilleries and breweries.
Designed specifically for group travel organisers, coach operators and special interest travel groups, the itinerary includes immersive tasting experiences, hands-on workshops and coastal and countryside settings.
From crafting rum beside the harbour in Salcombe to sampling English sparkling wine overlooking the River Dart, the aim of the Vineyards, Distilleries and Breweries in South Devon itinerary is to highlight the growing reputation of the area as a destination for authentic and local food and drink tourism.
Featured experiences include:
Coastal rum tastings and rum-making workshops at the Devon Rum Co in Salcombe
Groups will uncover the secrets of rum-making before getting hands-on with their own miniature copper still. During the experience, guests will enjoy two complimentary cocktails before getting the chance to pair their rum with a premium mixer in the bar.
Vineyard safaris and tutored wine experiences at Sandridge Barton Wines
Overlooking the Dart Valley, the vineyard produces elegant still and sparkling wines shaped by Devon’s mild maritime climate. Groups can choose from a self-guided wine flight or a guided tasting which includes a tour of the wine-making facilities and comes with a couple of cheeses to taste at the end. The Vineyard Safari, which runs from May until September, can take ten passengers at a time but bigger groups can be split up for this.
English wine tastings at Lyme Bay Winery
Located in East Devon, just outside Axminster, the winery is said to be the largest mead and fruit wine maker in the UK and the most awarded English still wine producer. Groups will enjoy tasting a selection of wines, a champion mead, rum or gin accompanied by various nibbles. Guests are taken through each wine and given some tips on what to look for when buying wine.
Gin school experiences and guided tastings with Exeter Gin
The team will introduce groups to Isabelle, their 450ltr traditional alembic copper still at the distillery in Teignmouth. You’ll be guided through the notes and tones as well as which tonic, mixers and garnish work best with each. There’s also the option to book a rum and tequila tasting experience or a gin-making class.
Guided beer tastings at Salcombe Brewery Tap House
Visitors are invited to sample a range of brews, each with its own distinctive character, at the tap house in Salcombe. The team will guide groups through the tasting, sharing stories about the brewing process and how they’re inspired by the surrounding seaside landscape.
Jo Butler, general manager at Visit South Devon said: “South Devon’s food and drink scene has evolved into something truly special, with passionate independent producers creating experiences that are personal, authentic and deeply connected to the landscape.
“This new itinerary gives groups the opportunity to discover the people, stories and places behind some of the region’s most exciting wines, spirits and beers.”
The itinerary also highlights the region’s suitability for year-round group travel, with many venues offering indoor tasting facilities, guided tours and tailored group packages.
For more information on this itinerary, and others, click here. For details on where to stay, eat and visit in South Devon go to www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk
