Once the preserve of polite picnics and cautious compliments, English wine has undergone a quiet revolution and nowhere is that transformation more deliciously evident than in the rolling folds of the Surrey Hills.
Here, a cluster of ambitious vineyards is rewriting the narrative, producing award-winning bottles that rival continental classics and offering experiences that go far beyond the tasting room.
Let’s start with Albury Organic Vineyard, a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking and a darling of sommeliers who know their Pinot Noirs. Nestled near Silent Pool, Albury offers intimate tastings, vineyard tours, and even beekeeping experiences for those who like their terroir with a touch of honey. Their sparkling rosé is a standout – delicate, dry, and dangerously moreish.
Just down the road, Greyfriars Vineyard near Guildford is all about precision and pedigree. With chalky soils that mirror Champagne’s geology, Greyfriars has carved out a reputation for elegant sparkling wines, including their IWC Trophy-winning Sparkling Rosé Reserve. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, pop-up supper clubs, and tastings in their sleek cellar door, all year round.
High Clandon Estate is where wine meets art. Perched above the Surrey Hills, this boutique vineyard pairs its award-winning cuvées with sculpture gardens and poetry trails. It’s a place for slow afternoons and long pours. Their Euphoria Brut is as expressive as the landscape, crisp, complex, and quietly confident.
Then there’s Denbies Wine Estate, the grand dame of Surrey viticulture. With over 265 acres under vine, Denbies offers everything from vineyard train tours to fine dining in its panoramic restaurant. Their Wine Library tasting lounge is a must-visit, and the estate’s sparkling whites and rosés are consistently impressive. It’s a full-bodied experience, in every sense.
Soloms Court, though not yet open to the public, is already generating buzz. With a focus on low-intervention winemaking and a commitment to sustainability, it’s poised to be the next big name in English wine. Keep an eye on their releases, they’re likely to be snapped up fast.
Finally, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, a family-run gem established in 2013, offers a more intimate affair. Their sparkling wine and still rosé are crafted with care, and the setting, a historic manor house meets modern viticulture is pure Surrey charm. Tastings are relaxed, and the views are worth lingering over.
What unites these vineyards isn’t just geography – it’s ambition. They’re not trying to be Champagne. They’re trying to be better. With the same chalky soils, cooler climate, and a distinctly British sensibility, Surrey’s winemakers are producing bottles that are crisp, characterful, and increasingly coveted.
And the best part? You can explore them all in a weekend. The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine route is compact, scenic, and easily accessible from London. Whether you’re sipping under the vines, strolling through sculpture, or pairing your Pinot with a cheese board, Surrey offers a wine experience that’s as refined as it is refreshing.
Raise a glass. The Surrey Hills are having their moment and it tastes like victory.