Food and Wine in Sussex with Valentina Harris

When she isn’t in Italy, Valentina lives in the heart of Sussex and she has a huge appreciation for the food and wines produced in this beautiful county, which she is keen to share with you on this tour. With visits to local vineyards and award-winning restaurants, plus private visits to country houses, this tour combines the very best of the local produce with a sprinkling of Sussex art and culture. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Goodwood Hotel from 15.00
Welcome drink this evening, followed by dinner at the hotel restaurant: Farmer, Butcher, Chef.

Day 2: Parham Estate and Wiston Wine Estate
We spend today at Parham House and Gardens for a private visit. Built in the 16th century, Parham is a traditional Elizabethan house, set in the heart of an ancient deer park. We enjoy a guided tour with a 'foodie' theme, taking in Great Hall and spectacular Long Gallery which is the third longest in England. For lunch we meet Valentina in the Old Kitchen where she will prepare a special lunch for the group using local produce. We have time to visit the gardens which include a four-acre Walled Garden with stunning herbaceous borders, rose gardens, greenhouse and vegetable garden. Later this afternoon we visit Wiston Wine Estate for a tour and tasting, followed by dinner.

Day 3: Firle Place, Berwick Church, and Artelium Wine Estate
Morning private tour of Firle Place, country home to the Gage family for over 500 years. Set in the South Downs National Park, the estate boasts an impressive collection of paintings, porcelain and furniture. We enjoy light refreshments and a private guided tour before the House opens to the public at noon. Then onto the small rural St Michael & all Angels Church in Berwick, for a tour to view its famous paintings. During the Second World War, the Bloomsbury artists were commissioned by the Bishop of Chichester to decorate the interior of the church; the first time that contemporary artists had been given permission to do so. Free time for lunch then an afternoon visit to Artelium Wine Estate for a tour of the vineyard, to learn about the history of viticulture in England and a stroll among the vines. After a tasting of both still and sparkling wines, we return to Goodwood. Dinner at leisure.

Day 4 Stopham Vineyard and Goodwood House
Mid-morning drive to beautiful Stopham Vineyard, located next to the River Arun in the South Downs National Park, for a tour and tasting. Stopham was established in 2007, and specialises in white wine. After a pub lunch we return to Goodwood for a tour of the House with its magnificent art collection and State Apartments. Return to the hotel mid-afternoon for a Sussex cheese tasting with Valentina. Tour ends at the hotel approx 17.00. 

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 24 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded Gentle - some walking around sites and standing for viewing, with generally easy, flat paths. 

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Goodwood Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• Two dinners
• Two lunches
• Two wine-tastings
• Sussex cheese tasting
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Valentina Harris throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £410
• Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Goodwood Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Elegant four-star hotel with indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, tennis court, garden, brasserie and restaurant. The comfortable bedrooms feature all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, air-conditioning, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Parking: complimentary.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO

Your Expert: Valentina Harris

Classically trained in Italy, Valentina brought her culinary expertise from Rome to London in 1976 as a skilled private chef. Her reputation flourished with the publication of her 1984 award-winning debut cookery book Perfect Pasta. Spending over four decades honing her skills, Valentina is an expert at what she does, equipped with the story telling skills to match. Delighting audiences small and large with her anecdotes and culinary adventures, Valentina has marked herself as an ambassador for authentic Italian cuisine.

Joining the tour:

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.