Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey
Denbies Wine Estate is one of the largest vineyards in the UK, producing over 400,000 bottles of wine a year. Take a tour of the winery and see how the vineyard changes through the seasons in its 360 degree cinema.
- Tour Denbies winery
- Do a tutored wine tasting
- Hop aboard the vineyard train
- Eat lunch in the restaurant
- Visit for the Bacchus festival
From Red Letter Days
Visit Denbies Vineyard
Set amongst the rolling chalk hills of the North Downs, Denbies is one of the largest privately owned vineyards in Europe.
Formerly a pig and beef cattle farm, the first vines were planted here in 1986.
A professor from Imperial College London identified that the terroir was similar to that of the Champagne region in northern France. Today, 18 different grape varieties are grown.
Tour The Winery
Enjoy a one hour tour and talk which starts with a short film telling the story of the vineyard. You’ll then be guided through the winery to learn about the winemaking process before tasting 3 different wines in the cellar.
The tour doesn’t go into great depth but it’s a useful introduction for complete novices to English wine.
Hop on The Vineyard Train
Alternatively, take the ‘train’ tour of the vineyard to see its finest views.
The train is actually a Landrover towing a few trailers but it’s good fun. Pay a bit extra and you can enjoy it with a glass of English sparkling wine.
On select days, there’s also the option to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
Lunch In The Conservatory
Have lunch in The Conservatory where local Surrey ladies meet for coffee, cake and a good chat and coach visitors tuck in to fish and chips. It’s a bright airy space conveniently located next to the gift shop.
If you’re in a celebratory mood, book a table upstairs at the Gallery Restaurant to enjoy a panoramic views and an à la carte menu.
Take Part in The Grape Harvest
For green-fingered foodies, Denbies offer a Wine and Dine Grape Picking Experience. It gives you the opportunity to take part in the grape harvest and get a snapshot of a day in a working vineyard.
Tips
- Visit in the autumn to participate in Denbies Bacchus Festival
- Visit or sign up for a tour at the award-winning Surrey Hills Brewery, a micro-brewery which is located on the Estate
- Buy wine and picnic food from the Village Greens Farm Shop and head over to Box Hill to enjoy magnificent views
Where to Stay
Denbies Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast – stay on Denbies vineyard in this 7-bedroomed homely B&B and enjoy views of the surrounding vines.
The Guildford Harbour Hotel – stay in the centre of Guildford at this new contemporary hotel with spa facilities. It’s the latest hotel from the Harbour Hotel Group.
Dogs
How to Find Denbies Wine Estate
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.