FAQs – East Kent Vineyard Tours

FAQsChris2024-04-22T08:22:41+00:00

How do I book a tour?

Email Paul at paul@ekvineyardtours.co.uk or call 07473 878733

Will I need to pay a deposit ?

Not usually – unless a venue insists on a deposit from East Kent Vineyard Tours Ltd.

When do I need to pre-pay in full?

Pre-payment IN FULL is required at least two months prior to the event.

Will I be sent a confirmation of my booking?

Absolutely yes – you will receive confirmation of your booking via the email address you supply when you book and pay.

What is the minimum/maximum number of people for each tour?

All tours are designed for between 10 and 22 people.

What is your cancellation policy?

One calendar months-notice will be required.

Will I be able to buy wine at the vineyards?

Yes! – and there is plenty of room in the minibus, which means you can buy as much wine from the cellar doors as you like !

Will the tour go ahead if the weather is bad?

As we know the English weather can sometimes be a little temperamental, but yes, the tours will certainly continue. We advise you to dress appropriately with practical shoes and umbrellas if rain is in the forecast. The vineyards have alternative plans in place if the weather is particularly bad. Only in exceptional weather circumstances will the tour be cancelled.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes – please provide detail at time of booking.

Are you fully insured?

Yes, EKVT and all other stakeholders carry significant levels of Public Liability cover.

Is it possible to book a tour at the weekend?

Yes – although due to the popularity of the individual venues, we will need significant notice to secure a booking.

So how did this all start? – it was a lightbulb moment when in 2019, I came up with the idea of a wine tasting event to raise money for Sibton Park Cricket Club, which was in dire financial straits at the time. A spring and early summer spent visiting numerous Kent vineyards (a tough job, but somebody had to do it) resulted in a hugely successful evening for all concerned – and brought a sudden awareness of a burgeoning growth industry right on our doorstep.

We certainly knew very little about Kentish wines at that time – and after talking to friends and family there was a huge amount of interest to know more. So, it was handy to have a special birthday coming up in early 2020 – and I thought that visiting a couple of vineyards followed by lunch, might make for a good day out. Well, it was a fantastic day out and it was then that I realised this really could be a business. The pandemic of course, hit soon after, but we took stock for a couple of years and refined the business to make it what it is today.

We have very much concentrated on providing a quality offering – and I’m confident that we have achieved that: whether that’s the luxury minibus to pick up/drop off at a place of your choice; the award-winning wines produced by our vineyard partners – or the exceptional venues chosen for your luncheon experience. All of the latter provide wonderful seasonal menus – and have built up reputations locally for exceptional quality. All of the venues are award-winning – the latest in April 2024, when The Kings Arms, Elham won ‘County Winner – The National Pub and Bar Awards 2024’.

Sarah and I just love what we do – what is there not to like about visiting friends in the vineyards – and then introducing you to fantastic dining establishments. We know you and your guests will have a great time too – so come and give us a try!