Amy Moore details some distillery, brewery and vineyard tours for groups.

Botanical Dry Room at the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery.

WINE//KERRY VALE VINEYARD

Planted in 2010, Kerry Vale Vineyard is located in Shropshire near Churchstoke, covering six acres of fond family-run farmland. Kerry Vale Vineyard is named after an area of exceptional beauty and provides the perfect complement to a coach tour.

Kerry Vale Vineyard harbours slight historic significance, revealed as part of the ancient site of Pentreheyling Fort, located near a number of Roman marching camps around Bishops Castle and Montgomery. Extensive information is included in each tour option, where groups will also be able to observe some real Roman pottery in the vineyard shop, uncovered when digging. Kerry Vale Vineyard pride themselves on providing tailor-made tours for groups of up to 10 people in the daytime and 15 people in the evening, with flexibility throughout the week.

Suggested group tours start from £19.95 per person, offering refreshments on arrival, an informative talk on the history of the site (and surrounding areas), an escorted tour of the vineyard, accompanied by a wine tasting and talk. Additional catering options are available, with the choice of a traditional ploughman’s lunch or a cold buffet and pudding. Conclude your visit with a generous offering of cake and coffee or a favoured tipple at a small additional cost. To book call 01588 620627. For more information visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk

ALE & LAGER//MAGNA CARTA TOURS WITH SHEPHERD NEAME

Shepherd Neame has introduced a themed brewery tour and tasting package to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Shepherd Neame is an independent, family-run brewery based in Faversham, housing over 400 years of history.

An original copy of the Magna Carta was discovered in Faversham in 2011. The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 in Runnymede and to celebrate, the document will be placed on public display in 2015. Shepherd Neame’s guided tour will commence in the Visitor Centre, which is a beautifully restored medieval hall house. Groups will be accompanied by an expert guide to discover more about the history of beer, which has been produced in Faversham for over 850 years. The tour will also include a tutored tasting, offering visitors the chance to sample a variety of beers, including a special commemorative ale brewed for the occasion. Lunch will be provided before embarking to the Magna Carta Rediscovered exhibition, where groups receive priority to view Faversham’s original Charter. The Shepherd Neame tour package will be available from May 23 to June 28, 2015. Tickets are priced from £19.50 per person. To book call 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk. For more information visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk

STOUT & ALE//WADWORTH BREWERY

Wadworth Brewery has been producing quality beer in Wiltshire since 1875. A sampling bar is guaranteed to keep visitors entertained, serving a tasty range of alcoholic produce. Hot/soft drinks are also available to consume, alongside a famous Wadworth Pork Pie & Cheese Platter if desired (available from 1200hrs to 1600hrs). Personalised touches are provided via hand painted signs manufactured in the on-site sign shop, with the occasional Wadworth Shire Horse spotted delivering daily around the town. Before the introduction to more modern forms of transport, around 40 Wadworth Shire Horses were used to deliver beers, wines and spirits, with each pair estimated to transport a two-tonne load. Wadworth Shire Horses continue to deliver to customers within a two mile radius of the Wadworth Brewery. Wadworth Visitor Centre is free to enter, where groups are invited to quench their thirst whilst soaking up the rich history of the site. Brewery tours are available at 1100hrs and 1400hrs Monday to Saturday. Advance booking is essential. Tours are estimated to last two hours. To book call 01380 732377 or email visitorcentre@wadworth.co.uk. For more information visit www.wadworthvisitorcentre.co.uk

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE IN DUBLIN

Guinness Storehouse is a renowned visitor attraction, boasting seven levels of rich beverage heritage. The visitor experience begins at the base of the world’s largest pint glass – estimated to hold around 14.3million pints of Guinness. At the bottom, visitors can view the 9,000-year lease signed by founder Arthur Guinness. Once transported to the fourth floor, visitors are taught to pour their very own pint, ready to enjoy at the Perfect Pint Bar. Additional highlights include the Gravity Bar, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Groups can receive fast track admission to the Guinness Storehouse, with free admission for coach drivers/guides, complimentary snack voucher and a free loyalty card upon request. Pre-booking is essential for guided tours. Coach parking is available on Market Street. To book contact Fiona Herald on +353 1471 4881 or email fiona.herald@diageo.com. For more information visit www.guinness-storehouse.com

GIN//BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN DISTILLERY

The Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery opened in Laverstoke Mill on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, offering a range of behind-the-scenes experiences for touring groups. Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire has been carefully renovated into a distillery for Bombay Sapphire, where visitors are invited to discover what makes the product so distinctive through a self-guided tour and interactive map. Key locations include the Dakin Still House, the Botanical Dry Room, the Heritage Room and Gallery, the Gin Shop and the Mill Bar. Interactive workshops run by Bombay Sapphire Gin Experts include the Ultimate Gin & Tonic Workshop and/or Cocktail Masterclass, which is available to pre-book.

The unique glasshouses at the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery.

Each workshop lasts around 45 minutes, where participants will also be able to create their own concoctions. Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery provide a packed programme of events to pre-book, including a number of interactive sessions such as Horticulture and Botanical Sessions, in addition to a VIP Experience with Master Distiller, Nik Forham. The Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery is also available for private events, with banquets in the Botanical Dry Room to meals in the Gallery, with views alongside the River Test. Parties of 15 people plus to The Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery might be eligible for a travel trade account. Special interest groups are also adequately catered for, with tailored itineraries available. To book call 01256 890090 or email groups@bombaysapphire.com. For more information visit www.distillery.bombaysapphire.com

Flavours From The Cellar at Mercure Hotels

Mercure Hotel’s launched a new wine concept on January 20, 2015 entitled Flavours From The Cellar. The initiative is a collaboration with Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Peter Richards. Three unusual, distinct and exciting wines have been handpicked, and are currently available at 76 Mercure Hotels in the UK for guests to enjoy as part of a broader wine list. The seasonal selection includes a Chardonnay Blend, Pinotage and Petit Verdot, Merlot and Corvina. For more information visit www.mercure.com