Devon’s best food and drink experiences – tours, tastings, workshops and more
Here are our favourite autumn 2024 food and drink experiences from around Devon.
Buy as an inspired gift, book for a special day out with friends… or super-charge your own skills. Book ahead and check times and prices with the venue before making a special trip.
Find out about making and blending modern rum … and blend your own.
Two Drifters Distillery | Near Exeter
Join the team on an in-depth tour of this highly sustainable distillery, one of only a handful of UK distilleries that makes rum from scratch. Smell the molasses and learn how Russ and Gemma turn this high-quality raw material into a delicious range of rums. You’ll learn about fermentation, distilling, spicing, casking, bottling, labelling.
Then take a seat in the Two Drifters bar, with your flight of rums and tasting sheet, and spend 45 minutes tasting and exploring each liquid. By the end you’re bound to have a new favourite rum. Runs one Saturday every month. Very few tour spaces left for 2024! £25 per person.
Salcombe Rum School | Salcombe
Make your own signature rum! Visit the Salcombe Rum School, housed in the same waterside distillery as their gin school, for a masterclass in creating your own rum which you can bottle, label and take home with you. Ideal way to mark a celebration.
Learn about distillation and rum production, collect your botanicals, and create your recipe and label. Maybe leave the car at home as at least three rum cocktails feature in this experience! £160 for two sharing a still. £110 for one.
Devon Gin and Rum School | Dartington
All aboard the Rum School Bus! Learn about the history of one of the most popular spirits in the world, its origins and the different methods of crafting it. Then it’s over to you, to create your own blend of spices and botanicals to distil into your rum. Once the still is on, you will be able to design your personalised label for your bottle. All of this whilst sipping on a rum cocktail or two, is this the best school bus in the world? We think it might be! £110 for two sharing a rum still.
Devon Rum Co. | Salcombe
‘A proper treat for rum fans!’ Join the Devon Rum Co. team at their beautiful waterside venue in Salcombe for a Rum Tasting Experience.
Enjoy a welcome drink, a behind-the-scenes tour of their Blending House, try your hand at bottling rum, then finally you’ll be guided through an in-depth tasting of their four award-winning artisan rums including their most recent launch – Black Spiced Rum. Learn to identify each rum’s flavour profile and discuss the best pairings. Ideal for rum fans and groups of friends. £40 per person.
Visit a distillery in Devon and explore the world of gin
Thunderflower Distillery | Near Cullompton
Join Thunderflower to explore their new distillery and sample theiaward-winning spirits. After a welcome gin and tonic, you’ll be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour, where you’ll learn all about the distillation process and the history of the distillery. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their range.
Finish with a double G&T of your favourite gin from the tasting and enjoy 10% discount on purchases made on the day. Selected Saturdays £25 per person. 10% discount on purchases made on the day.
Gotland Gin | Beaworthy
This unique experience begins in Gotland’s outdoor covered bar with a G&T or soft drink overlooking stunning rolling countryside of west Devon. Then head into the nano-distillery to learn how Gotland Gin is produced.
Next meet the flock of black Gotland sheep – and lambs during lambing season – and relax back in the al fresco bar to learn all about the botanicals while enjoying a few more tasters – and the opportunity to purchase sharing platters to enjoy with your tipple of cheeses, charcuterie and smoked salmon sourced from local artisan makers. £25 per person.
Quayside Distillery | Exeter Quay
Join the gin experts in the lab for a 90-minute experience learning about the fundamentals of a well-balanced gin whilst creating your own unique gin recipe and take home a 70cl bottle of your creation £70. Or opt for an hour with a master distiller where you’ll taste your way through Quayside’s flagship range. £25. Both run on Fridays and Saturdays.
Salcombe Gin School | Salcombe
Take charge of a beautiful mini copper pot still to develop and distil your own 70cl signature bottle. Learn about how Salcombe Gin is produced and what it takes to create a balanced and harmonious gin whilst enjoying a complimentary ‘Start Point & Tonic’ on arrival and a ‘Rosé & Tonic’ whilst distilling. Tour the waterside distillery, develop your own recipe, personalise your label and wooden presentation box. There’s also a chance to enjoy an additional G&T of your very own gin back at the bar, where the expert team will add tonic and garnish to complement your recipe.
It’s always cocktail hour somewhere…
Mix, muddle and shake your way to a great day out.
Devon Rum Co. | Salcombe
Cocktail Masterclass. Head to Salcombe to mix, muddle, and shake your way through a hands-on cocktail making session. You’ll take charge of your own fully stocked cocktail station, have an introduction to mixology, then make (and drink) up to four unique rum-based cocktails. Might be best to leave the car at home!
Devon Cove | Kingsbridge
Cocktail Masterclasses. Perfect for a fun night out with friends or to celebrate a special occasion. Hosted by an expert mixologist, you’ll learn how to make a range of delicious cocktails in the Kingsbridge Tasting Room. Try their award-winning spirits, learn the history of cocktails and play a few games.
Bar Buoy | Exmouth
Cocktail Compass. A one-off Tour, Talk and Tasting Event at the home of Bar Buoy handcrafted, ready mixed cocktails in Exmouth. Thursday, September 21, 7pm – 9:00pm.
Azu Spirits | Across the southwest and central London
Blind Tasting group experiences. Let the Azu experts guide you through a unique blind tasting, showcasing the diversity and quality in single malt whisky, premium craft spirits or cocktails. THEY come to YOU whether it’s a celebration, at your holiday home or maybe a corporate or networking event. They’ll provide glassware, spirits and all blind tasting content, and delve into the roots of flavour, history, science and the stories of the distilleries. 2-3 hours £35 per person.
For lovers of vines and wines
Most vineyards are delighted to show your round their little patch of heaven and take you on a guided tasting through their vines and wines…but be quick as most tours take place May to September befire the harvest.
Huxbear Vineyard | Chudleigh
Join a walking tour where owner, Lucy, will talk you through the story of Huxbear, their vineyard calendar and winemaking processes. You’ll learn lots in around 90 minutes, followed by a free tasting. Non-walking tours are also available on request and are suitable for people with limited mobility.
Torview Vineyard | Beaworthy
Torview goes a step further than most vineyards and lets you get hands-on at their Winemaking Days. Make six bottles of your own sparkling rose, using the traditional champagne method. Torview’s winemaking day is split over two mornings, spread out over 14 months. Meet the winemakers, pick, destalk, crush, press, ferment, disgorge, cork and cage your own six bottles of sparkling wine.
Sandridge Barton Winery | Stoke Gabriel
The Home of award winning Sharpham Wine near Stoke Gabriel offers several different types of tasting experience, from their Vineyard Safari, to casual self-guided options to in-depth guided tastings and tours for those wishing to learn more about the processes they use in their stunning sustainable vineyard and winery on the banks of the River Dart.
Pebblebed Vineyard Tours | Marianne Pool Farm, Clyst St George.
At Darts Farm’s Pebbled Vineyard, every Thursday & Saturday from May – September. Enjoy a glass of sparkling, before setting off with head winemaker and viticulturalist Alex, for a guided tour of the vineyard followed by an in-depth tasting of all our wines. To finish, enjoy a selection of artisan cheese and charcuterie with a glass of wine in hand, whilst looking out over the beautiful views of the vineyard. £30pp.
Venn Valley Vineyard | near Barnstaple
Vineyard Tours from spring to early October 2024. Tours will run at 10.30am and 2.30pm every Friday and Saturday with a maximum of 10 people per tour.
Alder Vineyard | near Okehampton
April to October £15pp. Embark on an adventure through their Devon vineyard, where laughter and lush vines create unforgettable memories. Savour the essence of Dartmoor with every sip and fall in love with wine like never before
Old Walls Vineyard | Bishopsteignton
Tours run throughout the year, begin at 11am with coffee and finish at approximately 3pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and every first and third Sunday of the month. Arrival and welcome, walk around the vines followed by winery talk, guided tasting, Ploughman’s lunch with wine. £96 per couple (£48 single).
Quoit-at-Cross Vineyard | Stoodleigh Nr Tiverton
A 90-minute tour and tasting twice a week between May and October. Gentle walk around the vines, discussing what it takes to run a vineyard in the UK; next to the tasting room, where you’ll try all three wines, followed by an opportunity to buy any wines or local produce. May 1st – Oct 30th, Fridays 5:30pm, Sundays 11:30am. £12.50pp.
Lily Farm Vineyard | Budleigh Salterton
A guided tour of the vineyard and the Lily Farm story, life cycle of a vine from planting and how they care for the vines throughout the year. A tasting of four award winning still and sparkling wines. The opportunity to buy wine to take home with you. Tours take place May to September – Thursday at 2 pm, Friday and Saturday at 11 am. £15pp.
Wellhayes Vineyard | Tiverton
Guided tours, including wine tasting, are available by appointment on Sundays and Wednesdays at 3pm from May to September. The tour takes about one and a half hours and costs £30pp including a visit to the winery and walk through the vineyard, a glass of Wellhayes Sparkling Wine, samples of the Wellhayes chocolates and a traditional cream tea.
Lyme Bay Winery | Axminster
Private guided tasting sessions in their Cellar Door shop, where they’ll talk you through each wine, where the grapes are grown, how it’s made and give you a few tips to buying wine. You’ll leave with Winemaker’s Notes on each of the wines sampled.
Explore the world of brewing and fermenting on a beer or cider tours
Sandford Orchards | Crediton
Sandford Orchards is based in the oldest working cider mill in the country. Come and take a look behind the scenes and see how their award-winning cider is made on a Sandford Orchards Tour & Tasting. Tickets cost £35pp and include a tasting flight of ciders and a pizza, plus a chance to quiz the cider makers. The tap room bar is open from 7pm until 9:30pm and the tickets entitle you to 10% off all take home products and merchandise purchased on the night. For more information, and to book, click here.
Otter Brewery | Luppitt, East Devon
Visit Otter Brewery HQ for a tour around the brewery, with a plentiful amount of tasting and brewery education, made all the more interesting with hot food (main, pudding and cheese) from the brewery kitchen. 6pm – 10.30pm on 17thOctober and 14th November – plus a special Taste East Devon event on 18 September.
Salcombe Brewery | Salcombe
Tours include a welcome drink in the Taproom, a tour of the Brewhouse with one of the brewers, who will be very happy to answer questions, and you’ll finish with a beer flight tasting back in the Taproom and 10% discount on purcharses. £20pp.
Hanlons Brewery | Newton St Cyres
Join one of Hanlons brewers on a fascinating interactive journey demonstrating what goes into making the beer you enjoy so much. From the sourcing of our own spring water on site, to the malt, hops and ingredients which are combined to produce award winning beer. £30pp including Tour, Trio of Sliders (mini burgers) with fries, post-tour beer tasting or soft drink.
Rull Orchard Bespoke Cider Tasting | Across the southwest
If you haven’t been able to make it to one of Rull Orchard’s events but think it sounds like something you’re missing from your life you can get in touch to organise a private group tour and tasting at the Orchard, or a cider tasting evening (with cheese!) Get in touch at rullorchard@gmail.com and they’ll create your perfect package.
Cottage Beer Project | Tiverton
Enjoy learning the journey of nano-brewery Cottage Beer Project, from dream to reality, the quirks and processes of small-scale brewing. Owner, MD and Brewer, Dan, will guide you through, answering your questions. Groups of 2 – 6 adults for the visits, and a visit plus beer tastings at the brewery. Dan can visit larger groups at your own location across the south-west. Enquire via their website or email dan@cottagebeerproject.co.uk.
For coffee fans
Do you live with a coffee fanatic? Think you’re a born a barista? Two ethical Devon coffee businesses can help.
Owens Coffee |Ivybridge
A range of courses for coffee lovers. The popular Home Barista Masterclass will elevate your coffee-making skills, while the Latte Art Workshop encourages coffee creativity. A Coffee Tasting & Brewing Course explores different brewing methods, while the Entry Level Barista Course introduces commercial coffee machines and Owens’ Roastery Tour provides a behind-the-scenes peek at coffee production. With an on-site café and shop (dog and child-friendly) The Roastery is the perfect coffee-stop if you’re travelling through Devon on the A38.
Voyager Coffee Essential Barista Course | Buckfastleigh
Master the art of coffee-making at Voyager’s Buckfastleigh roastery with their Essential Barista Training Course. Perfect for aspiring professionals or home enthusiasts, this 3.5-hour hands-on course covers everything from espresso basics to milk skills. With a focus on practical experience, you’ll have ample time to hone your skills on their professional espresso machines. They run dates each month and are always happy to find a date that works for you. Learn more and book your spot HERE or enquire at info@voyagercoffee.co.uk.
From the correct way to fillet a fish, to cooking over coals, to the perfect sourdough…
Devon Cookery School | Cullompton
Devon Cookery School offers fun, relaxed, and informative cooking experiences in a gorgeous West Country setting. Choose from over 30 different classes for all abilities, cuisines, and tastes. From Mexican Street Food, Pastry, Japanese, Fish Filleting, Bread Making plus many more!
One Mile Bakery | Exeter
Boudicca Woodland runs One Mile Bakery in Exeter, making and delivering delicious homemade bread, soups and preserves by bike within one mile of home mile, BUT she also teaches sourdough and other breadmaking classes in her Bread Shed Micro Bakery. Her classes fill up so get in quick!
High Grange |Axminister
Learn skills to use in your own garden at this bespoke barbecue school which covers the full gambit of outdoor cookery. At their regular Fire Schools you’ll cover a variety of outdoor fire cooking and barbecue techniques and butchery with chef and food writer, Luke MacKay. Enjoy what you’ve just cooked, around the big oak table for lunch. £225pp.
Other masterclasses available too including NEW for autumn 2024 Deer in a Day | Fri 8 Nov & Sat 8 Nov. Spend a day butchering and cooking venison in the woodland kitchen, and Christmas Fire School | Fri 22nd Nov.
Ashburton Cookery School | Ashburton
One of the UK’s top cookery schools offering inspirational cookery courses taught by a team of expert chefs. With over 40 cookery courses to choose from, designed to suit beginners as well as advanced home cooks, they’ll teach you to cook with imagination, passion and enjoyment… and how to chop an onion properly.
Paint & Dine Night at China Blue/Wild Thyme | Totnes
Every three months or so China Blue teams up with in house café, Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen to host a Paint and Dine night! Choose your favourite ceramic from the studio before heading back to the café to enjoy a sharing platter while you paint! £35.00 per person. Perfect for groups of friends. View upcoming dates and book at chinabluebooking.co.uk.
Sweet treats
Chocolate and ice cream heaven for big and little ones…
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium | Introduction to Chocolate Making
This lovely workshop session includes a talk on chocolate, learn the process of turning a bean into the chocolate you recognise whilst the chocolatier demonstrates how to hand-craft, hand-dip and decorate chocolates. £65 pp. They run several other courses including a ‘Short & Sweet Tutorial’ ideal for children and parents £15pp.
Salcombe Dairy Chocolate Factory | Salchemist Experience
The Salchemist Masterclass begins in the creation kitchen. With a delicious hot chocolate or freshly-ground coffee in hand, you’ll learn the history of Salcombe Dairy and watch a mini demo on how to make delicious Salcombe Dairy ice cream.
Then, down to the Island Street chocolate factory to see the process of bean-to-bar chocolate making in action. You’ll taste the chocolate portfolio, then either make a chocolate bar, fill an advent calendar or hand spin an Easter egg, depending on the season. Lastly back to the creation kitchen to taste twenty-one flavours of ice cream and pick a favourite! Adult £79, child aged 6- 12 £39.
Exe Chocolate | Exeter
Join Nicola Knight, chief chocolate maker at Exe Chocolate, on an exciting journey. Learn how chocolate is made from bean-to-bar, taste up to eight different origin dark chocolates, learn about the makers, and test your tasting skills… then make your own chocolate bar from Nicola’s chocolate handcrafted in Exeter. The session is suitable for vegans.
Tickets cost includes all chocolate samples and materials. £30 per person 22 September at Greendale Farm Shop. exechocolate.com/classes-and-events
Darts Farm Chocolate Masterclass | Returning October 2024.
Watch out for tickets going live HERE.
Join Darts farm’s in-house expert chocolatier, Louise, and learn everything you need to know about chocolate; from origin to chocolate making. Get hands-on making your own box of beautiful truffles. Understand the six-stage bean-to-bar chocolate making process; from roasting, cracking and winnowing to conching, ageing and tempering to make the best, single origin chocolate.
Growing, farming and foraging
Learn more about working with nature to produce food more sustainably…
Greendale Farm Tours | Greendale Farm Shop, Sidmouth Road
From steaks to burgers, every piece of Greendale beef can be traced directly back to their farm. Join a ‘Greendale Farm Tour’ and see for yourself! The guided tour includes a trip around the farm trail, a chance to meet the herd, an intro to the anaerobic digester (see manure from the herd powers the Farm Shop) and finally, back to the butcher’s counter. You’ll also take home either a free 8oz sirloin steak or a pack of Greendale Steak Burgers. £10 pp | Buy tickets
The Husbandry School | Near Ashburton
If you are interested in growing more of the food you eat and wish to do so in a natural and sustainable way then Husbandry Skills courses are ideal. Or take the family and spend the day exploring nature and picking great things to eat.
The Pig at Combe | Honiton
Dig a little deeper into THE PIG’s ‘plot to plate’ ethos with their free Kitchen Garden tours every day at 11am. Explore what’s growing in their veg patches and polytunnels, ask the friendly gardeners your questions. Round it all off a fabulous morning by booking in for a delicious lunch in the restaurant, made with THE PIG’s delicious homegrown produce and locally sourced goodies. Book HERE.