Jersey: Vineyard & Distillery Tour with Wine, Spirits & Tasting

Summary

Jersey wine tour with distillery tasting local fudge and chocolate

You’ll wander Jersey’s vineyard rows with a local guide, sample three wines straight from the source, and taste homemade fudge and chocolate right where they’re made. Try creamy liqueur in the distillery before relaxing in the garden room with crostini and your choice of spirit — there’s an easy warmth here you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight hit the vines at La Mare — sort of gold but softer, almost like someone had turned down the brightness just for this corner of Jersey. We’d barely stepped off the minibus when our guide, Anna, waved us over with that easy island smile. She started with a story about how her grandfather used to sneak grapes as a kid (she swears it’s true), and suddenly it felt like we were visiting someone’s home, not just a vineyard. The air smelled faintly sweet — not overpowering, more like fresh grass with a hint of something richer underneath.

I’ll admit I didn’t expect to care much about grape varieties, but Anna made it feel less like a lecture and more like gossiping about old friends. We wandered into the winery itself — cool inside even though it was warm out — and tried three wines right there by the barrels. The white was sharp in a good way; I could actually taste apples? Or maybe that’s my imagination. Anyway, you get to ask as many questions as you want (someone asked if Jersey wine ever gets exported — answer: rarely). Then we ducked into their little Cognac-style distillery where they make this creamy liqueur that tastes like dessert and nostalgia at once.

After that came what I secretly looked forward to: chocolate and fudge samples. The chocolatier was behind glass doing her thing — she gave me a crooked grin when I pressed my nose up too close (couldn’t help myself). There’s also this stuff called Jersey Black Butter — kind of spicy-sweet apple preserve? I still think about that taste sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. Kids on our tour got apple juice and activity packs; one little guy tried to trade his fudge for his dad’s gin but no luck.

The last bit is honestly my favorite memory: crostini with tapenade and a full glass of whatever spirit you want (I picked gin) in their garden room overlooking these wild gardens. It wasn’t fancy-fancy but felt relaxed, like you could actually breathe out here. Some folks wandered outside with their drinks; others just sat quietly for a while. There’s something about sipping gin while watching bees mess around in lavender that makes you forget your phone entirely… so yeah, I’d do this Jersey wine tour again just for that feeling alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vineyard and distillery tour with tasting

• Introduction to estate history
• Sample three estate wines
• Visit Cognac-style distillery
• Taste Jersey Cream Liqueur
• Watch chocolatier and sample treats
• Enjoy spirit with mixer in garden

Top questions

Is this Jersey wine tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome. Under 10s go free; older kids get apple juice, an activity pack, and treats.

What is included in the premium upgrade?

You get a full-size spirit with mixer plus crostini and tapenade at the end of your tour in the garden room.

Are there food tastings besides wine?

Yes, you can sample homemade chocolate, fudge, biscuits, preserves including Jersey Black Butter, plus crostini with tapenade.

Is the vineyard & distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; prams and service animals are also allowed.

How many wines do you taste during the tour?

You’ll sample three different estate wines during your visit to the winery section of the tour.

Do they offer public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to La Mare estate.

How long does the whole experience last?

The reference doesn’t specify exact duration but includes multiple stops: vineyard walk, winery tasting, distillery visit, treats sampling and garden time.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Jersey’s vineyard and working winery with three wine tastings along the way; visits inside their Cognac-style distillery to try their unique cream liqueur; samples of homemade chocolate, fudge and preserves including Jersey Black Butter; crostini with tapenade; plus a full-size spirit drink served in their relaxed garden room overlooking beautiful gardens. Children receive apple juice and treats too before heading home whenever you’re ready.