Some of the guests enjoyed Friday’s event so much that they decided not to go home…
I’m not sure there’s a much better review of a corporate event than that.
A couple of weeks ago, I took a group of around 30 women from Ares Management to Gusbourne in Kent for what turned out to be a very lovely way to end the week.
And it got me thinking about what actually makes a good corporate event.
For me, it comes down to three things: good wine, a beautiful setting and enough time for people to actually relax and talk.
Gusbourne had all three.
A corporate event with a difference
We met at Ashford International, where a big black coach collected us for the short drive to Gusbourne's vineyard.
There’s something about leaving the office behind and heading out into the countryside that immediately changes the mood. You’re no longer thinking about meetings, emails or what needs doing next.
You’re going somewhere.
Our day began in The Nest, Gusbourne’s private room overlooking the vines, with Blanc de Blancs served from magnums.
Not a bad way to start a Friday.
The sun was out, everyone had their sunglasses on and the harvest had just finished following such a hot summer. It felt much more like the beginning of a long lunch than a corporate event.
And I think that’s exactly the point.
Why I think vineyards work so well for corporate events
Wine gives people something to talk about.
The setting gives everyone a change of scenery.
And a vineyard visit naturally creates a mixture of activities and downtime, without the day feeling too structured.
For a corporate wine event, you can have a tasting, a vineyard walk, lunch and time to simply sit and talk. It works for team away days, client entertaining, networking events and those occasions when you want to do something a little different from another hotel meeting room.
At Gusbourne, we walked through the vines before stopping beneath the trees for a glass of Fifty One Degrees North.
Then we returned for a three-course lunch.
It was relaxed, social and, importantly, there was plenty of time to enjoy the wine and the company.
And then nobody wanted to leave
When it was time to head back to London, some of us got back on the coach for our Friday evenings.
Others decided they would rather stay in the garden for another few hours and carry on enjoying the afternoon.
I don’t think there can be a much better review of a corporate event than people choosing to miss the transport home.
It wasn’t complicated. There wasn’t a packed schedule of activities.
There was good wine, good food, beautiful countryside and a group of people who were enjoying themselves.
Sometimes that’s enough.
Why I’d recommend a vineyard for your next corporate event
If you’re planning a corporate away day, team event, client experience or company wine event, I’d definitely consider a vineyard.
The best ones offer much more than wine tasting.
They give people a reason to step away from their usual environment, experience somewhere new and spend time together without the usual distractions.
And if you’re looking for a vineyard near London, Kent is particularly well placed, with Gusbourne offering a beautiful countryside setting within easy reach of the capital.
For me, the ideal corporate wine event should never feel like work disguised as an event.
It should feel like a genuinely good day that happens to be bringing colleagues, clients or a team together.
And if, when the coach arrives, half the group decides they’d rather stay for another glass of wine…
I’d say you’ve got it right.
Planning a corporate wine event?
Whether you’re looking for a corporate vineyard experience, wine tasting for a company, a team away day, client entertaining or a private wine event, the setting makes a huge difference.
My advice?
Choose somewhere with great wine, somewhere people actually want to spend time, and most importantly, don't fill every minute of the day.
Leave a little room for the unexpected.
You never know. It might be the part everyone remembers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes a good corporate wine event?
For me, it’s a combination of good wine, a memorable setting, good food and enough time for people to relax and talk. A successful corporate wine event shouldn’t feel overly structured.
Are vineyard visits suitable for corporate events?
Absolutely. Vineyard visits can work particularly well for team away days, client entertaining, networking, celebrations and company events. A tasting, vineyard tour, lunch and time to socialise can all be combined into one experience.
Why choose a vineyard for a corporate away day?
A vineyard offers a change of scenery from the office or traditional conference venue. Wine provides a natural talking point, while the countryside setting creates a more relaxed atmosphere for colleagues and clients.
Is Gusbourne suitable for corporate events?
Gusbourne in Kent offers a vineyard setting, wine experiences, food and spaces overlooking the vines, making it a memorable option for corporate gatherings and private events.
Where can I find corporate vineyard experiences in the UK?
Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite
