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. That makes it pretty unique.

Where? Albury vineyard is 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 a tasting and tour. There are also regular pop-up events including afternoon teas, music in the vineyard and supper club 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.

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.

WEYBORNE ESTATE

What: Weyborne Estate sits high in the Black Down Hills on the Surrey/Sussex border, wrapped around a postcard-pretty 17th-century manor house draped in wisteria and rambling roses. Set within historic Blackdown Park – where the River Wey begins its journey – it’s a landscape of rolling hills, open pasture and sweeping views, with an increasingly serious English sparkling wine story at its heart.

Where: The estate is located near Haslemere, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. Its vineyards are planted across five south-facing slopes at around 190 metres above sea level, making it one of the higher and more exposed vineyard sites in the region – a key factor in producing its structured, high-acid sparkling wines.

How do I try: Tastings and vineyard visits are available by prior arrangement for groups of six or more. The estate also hosts private events in select spaces, including The Dovecote and the elevated viewing platform. Bottles are available direct from the estate, with limited releases and small production runs.

Stand-out sip: Weyborne’s Oriana range is the flagship expression of the estate, including Oriana 2019 – a traditional method sparkling cuvée with crisp citrus notes, fine mousse and a subtle creaminess from extended lees ageing.

PAINSHILL

What? The vineyard is part of the beautiful landscape gardens at Painshill in Cobham. The gardens were created in the 1700s by Charles Hamilton and 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 two-acre vineyard makes a small number of bottles, and the wine is not always in stock. So it’s best to 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.

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 buy Godstone Wines from the wine shop at the vineyard, but you’ll have to book ahead to visit. Godstone Vineyard is open every Saturday until 26 September 2026.

Stand-out sip? The award winning Godstone Sparkling Wine 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.

HIGH CLANDON ESTATE VINEYARD

High Clandon Vineyard near Guildford in Surrey.

What? This small boutique vineyard was founded in 2004 by Sibylla and Bruce Tindale, who are passionate about creating “the quintessence of English sparkling wine”. High Clandon is known for its hand-manicured vines, unique chalky terroir, and long ageing, which results in award-winning English Cuvées. The beautiful Glass Barn is a lovely venue, and also where tastings are held. High Clandon also hosts events like Art & Sculptures in the Vineyard and Jazz in the Vineyard.

Where? High Clandon is in East Clandon in the stunning Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are sweeping views from the estate over the North 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 Prestige Vintage Brut is a lip-smacking local award winner.

CHILWORTH MANOR VINEYARD

What? A small family-run vineyard on 10 acres established 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 from the vineyard. It’s also available from local wine retailers.

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

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, towards Farnham.

How do I try? You can buy online, or visit the vineyard for a tour and tasting.

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

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 and pop into Squerryes Court, the Warde’s family home, where *squeals* some of 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 just outside Westerham in Kent.

How do I try? A selection of vintage Squerryes wine is available as a single bottle or a case of six. Buy from their website or cellar door.

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

IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?

Sip, guzzle, glug! Vineyards to visit in Surrey

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