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A range of wine-tasting experiences are now available to groups visiting Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.
Options range from simple tastings in the cellars to more luxurious tutored tastings that include lunch or dinner.
The new sessions celebrate Waddesdon’s connections to the Rothschild family, who built the manor house, and their involvement with vineyards around the world.
Even more wine
The cellars themselves were created during Waddesdon’s centenary restoration, and opened in 1994 during a visit by the Queen.
The collection of wine bottles in the cellars documents over 150 years of the Rothschild family’s ownership of two Bordeaux vineyards: Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild.
Waddesdon boasts a growing collection of wine-related works of art including designs for Château Mouton Rothschild's bottle labels.
In addition, visiting groups are able to see the signatures of guests from past dinners on the bottles displayed in the central cellar room, including one marking the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, held at Spencer House.
There is a daily wine-themed cellar tour with a guide at 2pm each day in the cellar, and a short film on the making of the famous wines is shown throughout the day.
The cellar tours uncover the Rothschild’s wine-making heritage and give visitors an idea of what’s inside the 13,000 bottles of wine stored in the vaults.
Groups visiting Waddesdon Manor
Parties of 15 or more are able to get discounted rates on Waddesdon entry tickets.
GTOs can organise to visit the gardens only – which includes an exploration of the wine cellars – or book a combined house and gardens ticket.
Additional extras can include garden walks and other tours inside the manor.
Coach parties can take advantage of a coach drop of point and a refreshment voucher for the driver.
Group travel organisers should call 01296-653209 or e-mail deborah.read@waddesdon.org.uk for information on group visits.
For further group travel information visit www.waddesdon.org.uk.
