DENBIES WINE ESTATE

What? Family owned and run since 1984, England’s largest wine estate sits on a pretty 265 acres just outside Dorking. There’s a large visitors’ centre, a hotel, two restaurants plus wedding and conference facilities. Regular events including winery tours are also held at the estate.

Where? It’s just outside Dorking on the chalky soils of the Surrey Hills.

How do I try? Buy direct from the vineyard or from their website. There’s also a gift shop.

Stand-out sip? The award-winning Greenfields NV is an elegant fizz made from whole bunch hand-picked grapes and Denbie’s original sparking. We’re also big fans of the Whitedowns NV – it’s fresh, crisp and gorgeously smooth. English wine at its best.

PAINSHILL

The vineyard at Painshill gardens in Cobham, Surrey.

What? The vineyard is part of the beautiful landscape gardens at Painshill in Cobham. The gardens were created in the 1700s by Charles Hamilton. As well as the small vineyard, there are magical follies, historical plantings and pretty views.

Where? The vineyard is on a south-facing slope set within Painshill estate overlooking the lake. Painshill is less than a mile off the A3 at Cobham and only just inside the M25.

How do I try? The sparkling wine is made by the respected Bluebell Vineyard Estate. It’s available only from the Painshill shop. The 2 acre vineyard only makes a small number of bottles and wine is not always in stock, so call in advance if you are making a special visit to buy.

Stand-out sip? Painshill Vineyard Sparkling Rosé is a small vintage, made using only the finest grapes, handpicked from the vineyard.

BLACKDOWN RIDGE ESTATE

Blackdown Ridge Vineyard near Haslemere in Surrey.

What? Sitting 440 ft above sea level in the Sussex Weald, on south-facing slopes between the North Downs and the magnificent South Downs National Park, Blackdown Ridge wines came about through the vision of wine lover and estate owner Professor Martin Cook who has lived there for 25 years. There are 10.5 acres planted up and their first sparkling wine was released in 2015.

Where? A few miles from Haslemere in Surrey, you’ll reach Blackdown Ridge Estate via pretty country lanes. Once there, you’ll be met with stunning views out over the South Downs National Park.

How do I try? All Blackdown wines – a red, white, sparkling white and sparkling rosé – have been produced in the purpose-built winery on the estate. You can visit the vineyard or buy online.

Stand-out sip? The Blackdown Classic Cuvee 2018 is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with wonderful aromatics; lemon zest and fruity apricot notes with orchard fruit and hints of sweet pastry.

GODSTONE VINEYARDS

What? Set in 50 acres of pretty countryside, on a south facing slope adjacent to the North Downs Way, the Godstone Vineyards were planted up in 1985 with two varieties of grape – Seyval Blanc and Bacchus.

Where? Godstone Vineyards is located between Godstone and Caterham, just off the A22, and a short walk from the North Downs Way.

How do I try? You can usually buy Godstone Wines from the wine shop at the vineyard, however the café and shop are closed throughout 2024 for renovations, so get in touch direct to buy.

Stand-out sip? The award winning Godstone Sparkling White Wine Seyval Blanc 2020 is made using the traditional method used in the Champagne region of France. The result is a dry and fruity wine which is an ideal partner to chilled seafood or cheese. A lovely English win.

ALBURY ORGANIC VINEYARD

What? Albury Organic Vineyard is a family-owned and run vineyard set on 12 acres in the Surrey Hills. It was planted by former IT man Nick Wenman in 2009, and out of about 600 commercial vineyards in the UK, Albury is one of only a handful that has been certified as organic – which makes it pretty unique.

Where? You’ll find Albury vineyard on the southern slopes of the North Downs, just outside Guildford on the A25 towards Dorking.

How do I try? Buy from their website, or book in for a tasting and tour. There are also regular pop-up events including afternoon teas, music in the vineyard and dinner events.

Stand-out sip? Silent Pool Rosé is probably the vineyard’s most iconic wine, and the one our late Queen Elizabeth enjoyed at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It’s a beautifully elegant, dry rose and the perfect summer tipple.

HIGH CLANDON ESTATE VINEYARD

High Clandon Vineyard near Guildford in Surrey.

What? High Clandon Estate – a small boutique vineyard – was founded in 2004 by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale. The beautiful Glass Barn on the estate is a lovely venue, and also where occasional tastings are held and you may catch a summer art event in the grounds.

Where? High Clandon is in East Clandon the stunning Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with sweeping views over the Downs to London’s skyline.

How do I try? You can buy online, or book a cellar door experience here.

Stand-out sip?The High Clandon Gloriana Cuvée 2018 Prestige Vintage Brut is a lip-smacking local award winner.

CHILWORTH MANOR VINEYARD

Chilworth Manor Vineyard near Guildford in Surrey.

What? A small family-run vineyard on 10 acres established relatively recently – in 2013 – on the Chilworth Manor Estate. The area is similar in its geology to the Val de Reims and Valle de la Marne areas in the Champagne region of France, the latter home to the famous Bollinger Estate. The first rosé was produced in 2017 and sold out within weeks.

Where? Chilworth Manor is in Chilworth, in the Surrey Hills, not far from Guildford. The gardens are part of the National Garden Scheme, opening to the public for one day each spring.

How do I try? You can buy online at local wine retailers including Corkage in Guildford. It’s also on the wine list at local pubs the Percy Arms in Chilworth and the William Bray in Shere.

Stand-out sip? The Chilworth Manor Rosé is fruity and subtle with a taste of cranberry and rhubarb. The perfect summer’s day tipple.

GREYFRIARS VINEYARD

Greyfriars Vineyard near Farnham in Surrey

What? Originally planted on one and a half acres in 1989, Greyfriars was taken over by Mike and Hilary Wagstaff in 2010 and grown during that time with 40 acres now under vine. A 3,500 square foot storage cave has also been built in the chalk slopes.

Where? Greyfriars is on the south facing chalk slopes of the Hog’s Back, a few miles outside Guildford in Surrey, towards Farnham.

How do I try? You can buy online.

Stand-out sip? The Greyfriars Sparkling Rosé is their signature wine – it’s won multiple awards and this is its eighth release.

SQUERRYES

What? Set just across the border in the Kent Downs, in its own 2,500-acre estate, Squerryes Winery is the perfect place for English wine enthusiasts – or those, like me, who know nothing about wine but love the taste! Tour the vineyard, pop into Squerryes Court, the Warde’s family home – where *squeals* the latest Bridgerton was filmed. Or book a table at their excellent restaurant – they even have a super stylish, terrace that makes the most of those breath-taking vineyard views.

Where? It’s located just across the Kent border, near Westerham.

How do I try? They have a selection of their vintage Squerryes to purchase either as a single bottle or in a case of 6 bottles. There are also some branded gift box ideas making a special present available on their website.

Stand-out sip? Squerryes’ Vintage Brut Reserve is their signature wine, taking the very best fruit handpicked from their vineyard high on the North Downs.

WINDSOR GREAT PARK VINEYARD

What? With the amount of entertaining the royals do, a vineyard is a must. Dignitaries are a thirsty lot. A vineyard was first planted in Windsor during Henry II’s reign. Fast forward to today, and there is a three-hectare vineyard in Windsor Great Park. It’s under the stewardship of Tony Laithwaite and his team at Laithwaite’s Wine.

Where? A modest three hectares of Windsor Great Park’s 2,000 is set aside for classic Champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – on a gentle south-facing slope that overlooks a small lake and has ancient oak trees providing a natural windbreak. As locations go, it’s pretty darn perfect.

How do I try? Short of being invited to a state dinner, you can order from Laithwaite’s website – although it does sell out.

Stand-out sip? There’s only one to choose from. The Windsor Great Park English Sparkling Wine 2015 has biscuity aromas and creamy apricot taste. A very English wine.

Sip, guzzle, glug! Vineyards to visit in Surrey and a bit beyond

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