Grape & Grain Tours, the award-winning operator known for curating immersive drinks experiences, has revealed its 2026 summer itinerary, promising a rare blend of luxury, education, and regional authenticity. Starting June 3, the six-week program features three meticulously designed routes departing from Winchester and Brockenhurst, both easily accessible via direct rail from London Waterloo in under 90 minutes. Each tour combines guided tastings, a two-course gastropub lunch, and behind-the-scenes access to producers who rarely open their doors to the public.

The initiative marks a strategic expansion for Grape & Grain Tours, which has quietly built a reputation for transforming niche drinks producers into must-visit destinations. Among the headline partnerships is Candover Brook Vineyard, a single-estate producer in the Candover Valley that has operated under the radar since its founding by John Sainsbury in 2007. Now helmed by his sons Mark and Julian, the vineyard’s chalk-rich soils yield award-winning English Sparkling Brut and Rosé, both built from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Tour guests will enjoy private tastings in the estate’s candlelit cellar, followed by a farm-to-table meal sourced from the vineyard’s regenerative agriculture system.

Vibrant Forest Brewery, an independent craft brewery hidden in the heart of the New Forest, will also open its doors exclusively for tour participants. Founded in 2019 by Ryan Dack, the brewery has gained a cult following for its unfiltered, vegan-friendly beers brewed with minimal intervention. Guests will sample limited-edition brews while Dack explains the alchemy behind modern beer styles, from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. The tour culminates with a tasting flight paired with a seasonal New Forest-inspired dish at the nearby Sir Walter Tyrrell pub, a 16th-century coaching inn renowned for its locally sourced game.

Joel Eastman, co-founder of Grape & Grain Tours, described the 2026 program as a “celebration of Hampshire’s unsung drinks heroes.” He emphasized the tours’ focus on sustainability and storytelling, highlighting Candover Brook’s regenerative farming, which uses sheep grazing and meadow grasses to restore soil health. The vineyard’s chalk stream, home to the protected English white-clawed crayfish, is even featured on its wine labels, reinforcing the estate’s commitment to biodiversity. Eastman added that the brewery and distillery stops would also spotlight eco-conscious practices, including solar-powered brewing and zero-waste distilling.

The expansion builds on Grape & Grain Tours’ existing collaborations with Black Chalk, Raimes and Wharie Experience, River Test Distillery, Triple fff Brewery, and Pig Beer. These partnerships have consistently drawn praise for blending professional expertise with genuine insider access. Early feedback from focus groups suggests strong demand, particularly among London-based oenophiles and craft beer enthusiasts seeking a refined, hassle-free day trip. Tour slots are limited to 12 guests per departure to ensure intimacy, with prices starting at £185 per person, including all tastings, lunch, and transport via chauffeured executive mini coaches.

Grape & Grain Tours will open bookings on October 1, with a 15% early-bird discount for the first 50 reservations. A portion of proceeds will support Hampshire Wildlife Trust’s conservation efforts, aligning with the company’s ethos of responsible tourism. For those hesitant about driving, the operator offers a door-to-door service from central London, including a personal concierge to assist with luggage and post-tour transport options.

The initiative arrives as Hampshire’s drinks scene undergoes a renaissance, with Candover Brook’s 2023 silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and Vibrant Forest Brewery’s recent expansion into a 5,000-square-foot production facility. Eastman sees the tours as a catalyst for further growth, noting that 40% of past participants return within a year, often bringing new guests. With demand outstripping supply on existing routes, the 2026 launch signals a deliberate pivot toward premium, experience-driven travel in England’s overlooked wine and beer heartlands.

• 📊 Hampshire’s drinks sector contributed £120 million to the local economy in 2024, a 12% increase from 2022
• 🔍 Vibrant Forest Brewery’s beers have been served at Glastonbury Festival and The Clink restaurants
• ⚠️ Tours sell out within days of opening; early booking is strongly advised