The county of Surrey has been steadily building a stellar reputation for its wines over the last decade. For those dedicated to the science of viticulture, there are some clear reasons why this is the case, with geology, climate, landscape and culture all becoming key elements in Surrey’s continued success. Along the North Downs and the Surrey Hills, the magic ingredient for any vineyard lies in the earth itself, and the chalk and greensand that provide the bedrock here are a large part of the alchemy. Interestingly, this is the same geological seam that runs through perhaps the most famous wine-making area in the world, the Champagne region of France.
The warm, dry weather here in the south of the country gives it one of the greatest chances of cultivating a long growing season of some fantastic grape varieties. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier used in sparkling wines are a particular favourite with a natural acidity coming from the temperatures that are cooler here than most traditional European wine hotspots. And of course, with the often-cited proximity to London always an advantage for this county, the owners and developers have access to a mass population, all of which are keen to visit, observe and, most importantly, taste everything that is happening there.
Here is a collection of the very best wine tasting experiences in Surrey.
Denbies Wine Estate
Dorking
Overlooking Box Hill from the glorious North Downs, Denbies has a suitably dramatic location to match its long and storied history. The name of the estate can be traced back to John Denbie who owned and farmed this land in the early 16th century. It changed hands to several families over the next four centuries, including a period owned by the famous master builder of London, Thomas Cubitt. Eventually, in 1986, the businessman Sir Alan White planted the first vines on its famous south-facing slopes that now provide 265 acres of wine country, producing around one million bottles every year.
There is a fantastic program of wine tasting at Denbies that responds to the casual visitor as much as the connoisseur. A relaxed, one-hour Indoor Wine Tasting Experience delivers the basics, with their Outdoor Vineyard Train Tour driving through the vines themselves for an alfresco taste.
The Cellar Wine Tasting & Lunch is a more leisurely affair, ending in the Gallery Restaurant overlooking the vines and the hills. And the Stay & Taste packages pair the wines with dinner and an overnight experience that makes the most of these incredible surroundings. The wines here deserve some special recognition using classic English methods of Champagne varietals for still and sparkling options that include the Chalk Ridge Rosè and Surrey Gold. A taste from Denbies’ fine wine list definitely provides the perfect pairing to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Greyfriars Vineyard
Puttenham
Greyfriars Vineyard is a unique presence on what locals refer to as the Hog’s Back at the ridge of the North Downs in Puttenham. Originally planted in 1989, it is now exquisitely run by Mike and Hilary Wagstaff as a boutique producer of premium English sparkling wines from around 40 acres of vines. Amongst the classic Champagne trio, there are also rather smaller plots dedicated to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, making the most of this unique micro climate with excellent sunlight capture all year round.
A standard Vineyard Tour & Tasting is an engaging and informative journey through the location with a sip of the sparkling and still varieties that are on offer. A house style of crisp, clean elegance runs through every drop, with their non-vintage Classic Cuvèe a particular standout. The personal and relaxed approach here is demonstrated by the ability to wander through the vines on a self-guided stroll and the wonderful Bottle & Blanket picnics of the summer months. Greyfriars also has a well-stocked Cellar Door Shop, so you can take your favourites home to share. Artisanal and accessible, this place has lots to love about it for the Surrey sipper.
Albury Organic Vineyard
Albury
The southern slopes of the North Downs are clearly an essential element in the rise of Surrey as a wine-lovers' destination. The Albury Organic Vineyard here has garnered a stellar reputation since opening in 2009 with a collection of innovative and sustainable bottles of superb quality. Owner and founder Nick Wenman had biodynamic and organic credentials as the driving force for this small estate of around 20 acres, but the results have been much bigger than anticipated. Their Silent Pool Rosè was even chosen as a serving on the Royal Barge during Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
The Vineyard Tour & Tasting Experience begins with an informative yet concise look at English winemaking before walking through the vineyard to taste the current crop. Self-guided tours and Wildlife Walks can be augmented with the event, and an English Wine & Cheese Tasting provides a slow-paced pairing schedule that is the best of the bunch. With generous pours, knowledgeable hosts and the Surrey vista to rely on, Albury Organic Vineyard is a taste of the future for English winemaking.
Godstone Vineyards
Godstone
Godstone Vineyards is a great example of an old-world approach to viticulture in the 21st century. With around 50 acres of vines first planted in 1985, they have managed to produce a thrilling collection of still and sparkling wines from their chosen varieties of Seyval Blanc and Bacchus grapes. Their continued application of traditional methods using double fermentation in both barrels and bottles demonstrates their dedication to an artisan and small-batch philosophy perfectly.
The tours and tastings here follow a similar informal and unhurried outlook too. Guests are encouraged to take to the vineyards on foot before returning to the Tasting Room to sip at leisure. Once again, the backdrop is a key ingredient with light lunches and charcuterie platters available to enjoy in the charming outdoor seating areas. One of the major draws at Godstone is the feeling that you are a part of the process and not merely experiencing a bigger tourist operation. Observing this age-old craft at work and taking home the result feels like an honest and rewarding way to spend a pleasant afternoon.
It can often be genuinely surprising that such countryside-focused operations, such as the vineyards of Surrey, are at work on London’s doorstep. They offer a glimpse into a developing industry that combines ancient methods with timeless locations. Taking the time out to visit them and taste everything that they have to offer is both a retreat and a real treat.
