English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Still somewhat underrated, we are blessed with a plethora of award-winning wines on our doorstep. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards.
Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South Oxfordshire, and surrounded by ancient woodlands, Oaken Grove Vineyard is a family-run, boutique vineyard offering a range of award-winning white and rosé wines. Established in 1986, the seven acres of Pinot Noir, Bacchus and Madeleine Angevine vines produce exceptional quality still and sparkling wines that are fresh, modern and packed with flavour.
If you enjoy cycling and wine, then you’ll love this tour.
Tour Details
Our day starts with a guided ride taking in the beautiful scenery of the Chilterns. Your local guide, Mark, will take you round a beautiful route where key highlights include Hambleden Lock on the River Thames, The Windmill from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Cobstone Mill) and a cycle through the Wormsley private estate, home to the Getty family since 1985.
Our ride then takes us to Oaken Grove Vineyard in time for lunch and our welcome from the host and owner Phil Rossi. Planting his first vines aged seven, Phil has been involved with the family vineyard all his life. He will take us on a private tour around the vineyard on foot. There you will have plenty of time to chat and question Phil about the grapes, vines and the workings of this small yet bespoke vineyard.
After the tour it’s time to sample the wines, along with a local Marlow cheese and charcuterie board. Once you’ve had your fill of wonderful wine and food, we have a mostly downhill and flat cycle route back to our agreed finishing point.
The Terrain
The Chilterns are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a stunning place to cycle. There will be ample time to stop off at the key areas of interest and to admire the views on our guided ride.
We will cycle at a pace that is comfortable for the undulating local terrain. There are a few substantial hills on our route, in particular the road up to the Cobstone Mill. The tour includes hire of E-bikes, which take these hills easily in their stride. For regular cyclists who wish to tackle the climbs unaided, road bikes can also be organised.
What’s included:
- Broomwagon pick up and drop off at an agreed location (Henley station, a hotel in the Chilterns for example)
- Hire of an E-bike or regular road bike for the tour
- Guided ride of the Chilterns with Mark
- Private vineyard tour by owner, Phil Rossi
- Wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie board
- Small groups (maximum 6 including your guide)
Approximate Timings
- 10am pick up at agreed location to begin guided cycle tour
- 12pm arrive at Oaken Grove Vineyard for guided tour and wine tasting
- 2.30pm guided ride back to the agreed finishing point
- 4pm tour finishes
Cost: £295 per person
