The Wine Flight – England by helicopter – Thursday 22nd April 2027
In spring next year, we’re taking Members on a wine flight in the most literal sense – a helicopter journey across three benchmark English estates, each offering a distinct expression of English wine, all in a single day.
Led by Josh Edelman DipWSET, founder of the experience, alongside a member of the 67 team, the thrilling tour takes Members behind the scenes at Sugrue South Downs, Gusbourne and Danbury Ridge vineyards, with private tastings and tours hosted by winemakers or the owners themselves, and a three-course lunch at Gusbourne’s The Nest.
April may feel a little way off, but consider this an ideal Christmas gift for those seeking a one-of-a-kind tour of English vineyards.
After starting the flight from Battersea heliport, guests will cruise over the English countryside to East Sussex at Sugrue South Downs. Here, owner Dermot Sugrue will welcome Members to the winery and cellar for an exclusive vin clair tasting, showcasing the estate’s small-production sparkling wines, including the prestige Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan.
From there, we will fly to Gusbourne in Kent for a private vineyard visit before lunch at The Nest, the estate’s cellar door overlooking the vines, hosted by Global Ambassador Laura Rhys MS. The tasting will feature Blanc de Blancs Late Disgorged and Blanc de Blancs Cork Aged both exclusive to this tour, alongside Fifty One Degrees North 2016.
The final stop is Danbury Ridge in Essex, where the estate’s viticulturist John Atkinson MW will welcome Members with a glass of Solstice sparkling wine. He will then lead a private private tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of their Chardonnay, Pinot and sparkling wines, including selections from the single-vineyard Octagon Block.
As the day draws to a close, Members will be flown back to Battersea from where a private chauffeur will be waiting to return them to their preferred London address.
MEET YOUR HOST
Josh Edelman DipWSET is the founder of The Wine Flight, England’s dedicated helipad-to-vineyard wine experience. He started his career in Chile in 2011, as an export manager covering the UK and Nordic markets. He then spent seven years in Melbourne, representing leading family-owned wineries across premium restaurants and specialist wine shops. He completed the WSET Diploma in 2022 and returned to England to join the private client team at Armit Wines. He is a freelance writer with publications including The World of Fine Wine, and champions English wine, still and sparkling, in both his writing and his business.
YOUR ITINERARY
Thursday 22nd April 2027
09:00 – A private chauffeur will collect Members from their London hotel, residence or 67 Pall Mall in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, before transferring them to Battersea Heliport.
09:45 – Meet your host, Josh Edelman DipWSET, and the pilot for a pre-flight briefing before boarding an Agusta AW109 Trekker.
10:20 – Land at Wivelsden Farm for a short transfer to Sugrue South Downs. Enjoy a private winery and cellar visit with owner Dermot Sugrue, followed by an exclusive vin clair tasting featuring a selection of cuvées, including the 2018 Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan, accompanied by local cheese and charcuterie.
12:00 – Return to the helicopter and fly to Gusbourne Estate in Kent, with commentary during the flight on the geology, vineyard sites and estates below.
12:20 – Arrive at Gusbourne for a private vineyard tour, followed by lunch at The Nest, the estate’s cellar door overlooking the vines. Enjoy a three-course menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a selection of limited-edition wines rarely seen outside the estate, including Fifty One Degrees North 2016.
15:30 – Land at Danbury Ridge in Essex, where Members will be welcomed by the estate’s viticulturist John Atkinson MW for a private vineyard and winery tour before tasting their Solstice sparkling wine as well as the 2022 Pinot Noir and 2023 Octagon Block Chardonnay.
17:30 – Land at Battersea Heliport, followed by chauffeur transfer back to your address in London.
£2,995 per person
Cancellation policy
Should you need to cancel your booking, the following charges will apply based on the time remaining before your scheduled departure:
– More than 7 days before departure: 10% cancellation charge (90% refund).
– Between 7 days and 48 hours before departure: 25% cancellation charge (75% refund).
– Less than 48 hours before departure: 50% cancellation charge (50% refund).
– After the tour has commenced or in the event of a no-show: 100% cancellation charge (no refund).
Cancellation charges reflect non-recoverable costs incurred with our aviation and winery partners. Your cancellation will take effect on the date we receive your written notice, rather than the date it is sent.
Any refund due will be processed within 14 days of cancellation.
Weather and operational cancellations
8.1 Safety First: The helicopter pilot (the ‘Commander’) has absolute discretion to decide whether, when and how a flight may safely and legally be undertaken. This includes decisions regarding weather conditions, aircraft technical status, route and landing site suitability, and any other matter affecting flight safety.
8.2 Weather monitoring: If weather conditions are forecast to be unsuitable for safe flight, we will contact you the day before your scheduled tour to discuss the available options.
8.3 Cancellation by us: We may cancel or reschedule your tour due to:
- Weather conditions below minimum safe flying requirements
- Aircraft technical issues
- Crew unavailability due to duty time limitations or illness
- Airspace restrictions or regulatory requirements
- Winery unavailability due to circumstances beyond their control
- Any other circumstances beyond our reasonable control
8.4 Your options: If we cancel your tour under clause 8.3, you may choose either:
- Reschedule: Transfer your booking to an alternative mutually convenient date at no additional charge.
- Full refund: Receive a complete refund of all amounts paid within 14 days.
8.5 No further liability: If we cancel your tour under clause 8.3, our liability is limited to the refund or rescheduling options outlined above. We are not liable for any additional costs you may have incurred, including travel expenses, accommodation or other arrangements, subject to applicable law.
8.6 Partial performance: If your tour begins but cannot be completed due to weather or operational reasons beyond our control, you will be charged only for the portion of the tour completed, with any excess refunded within 14 days.
Members can enquire about arranging this experience as a private helicopter hire for up to 6 people on another date, subject to availability. For further information, please contact Isobel at [email protected].