Views, vines, and vinos all await at the best vineyards in Surrey. Benefitting from the same vine-friendly terroir as the Champagne region in France, the county produces some of the top wines and gins in England, climbing the global ranks with delicious offerings rivalling long-established international favourites.
Boasting an array of awards and accolades, the country’s leading vineyards represent some of the finest in the British wine industry and are an exciting proposition for unique days out. Making the most of the Surrey Hills’ geology, climate and soil, they grow a variety of white and red grapes to produce high quality white, rosé and sparkling wines. So that you can visit the very best during your exquisite homestay in Surrey (perhaps paired with a trip to a Michelin-recommended restaurant), we’ve put together a dedicated wine guide just for you, with each vineyard extending its own unique offerings and experiences.
Vineyards of the Surrey Hills
What better way to immerse yourself in Surrey’s gorgeous landscapes than with a unique wine tasting experience? An exciting partnership, Vineyards of the Surrey Hills comprises a group of award-winning vineyards, including Greyfriars Vineyard, Chilworth Manor, Albury Organic, High Clandon and Denbies Wine Estate. Spread across the rolling North Downs in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, they have teamed up to create a powerhouse in viniculture that’s the talk of the town amongst all those in the know. Inviting you to sample incredible wines born from the county’s beaming sunshine and chalky lime and sandstone hills, they each offer an array of incentives including vineyard tours and tasting sessions.
Greyfriars Vineyard, Puttenham
Home of “Surrey’s finest fizz”, Greyfriars viticulturalists have been nurturing vines in the sun-kissed Surrey Hills since 1989. Set just outside of Guildford on the slopes of Hog’s Back, their south-facing aspect overlooks row upon row of vines that flourish in the rich local soils and mild conditions. Recognised as one of the best producers of traditional method sparkling wines in not just Surrey but the UK, each drop of their grape-infused creations brims with passion and dedication. To sample their delectable range, including Greyfriars’ trophy-winning Sparkling Rosé Reserve, head over to their HQ. Open throughout the year, they propose brilliant vineyard tours and tastings so you can learn all about the artisan processes that go into producing each bottle.
Chilworth Manor, Chilworth
A family-run, 10-acre vineyard in the Surrey Hills, Chilworth Manor Vineyard is located just a stone’s throw from the 1,000-year-old Chilworth Manor Estate. Operating since 2013, the vineyard (a founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain) has quickly become an established name renowned for their still and sparkling rosé wines. Growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes, they harness a sustainable approach to wine-making, nurturing the land both within the vineyard and the surrounding environment too. Head over to try a drop of their mouth-watering masterpieces, including the Chilworth Manor Brut Rosé, a classic method sparkling number with complex notes and a creamy, soft palate.
Albury Organic Vineyard, Albury
Established by Nick Wenman in 2009, Albury Organic Vineyard is a haven in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Located on the south-facing slopes of the North Downs near Albury Heath, the family-run estate is particularly special, founded on biodynamic principles and a commitment to growing the highest quality organic fruit without the use of chemicals. The result of a life-long dream by owner Nick, it is now a beacon for sustainable viticulture and is supported by a talented team (including resident pups Attila, Ulisse and Mildred), all of whom work hard to create the estate’s award-winning beverages. Venture over to this family and dog-friendly vineyard to see the site and pick up some bottles of your favourite vintage. Alongside vineyard tours and tasting, Albury also hosts afternoon teas, wine and cheese evenings, an annual wine festival and more.
High Clandon, East Clandon
The multi-gold-award-winning High Clandon promise only the finest “singular, mature vintage-only Cuvées”. Nestled within the rolling Surrey Hills, they produce wonderful, classic method sparkling wines in the traditional Champagne style from their hand-manicured vines. Known as the Quintessence of England, their wines (all grown from a trio of Champagne grapes) achieve the perfect blend of flavour and finish and embody a moreishly rich body and fullness. Aged for a minimum of 5 years, they are just perfect for enjoying under beaming Surrey sunshine in summer or sipping beside the fire in winter for the most wonderfully indulgent experience. For the finest experience, head to the onsite wine shop and purchase a bottle or few.
Denbies Wine Estate
The renowned Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking was first created by Sir Adrian White in 1984. Today, it is still managed by the White family and has grown to become one of the biggest family-run vineyards in the UK. Producing fine wines that are recognised on an international level for their quality, it has won a variety of gold awards across its range of still and sparkling wines. Naturally, if you’d like to sample some of the best wines in Surrey, this is the place to go. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or learning your lees from your leaves, you can enjoy a range of things to see and do onsite, including opportunities for wine tasting, guided tours, private events, dining, walking (there are 7 miles of footpaths across the 265-acre vineyard) and more.
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