Nothing quite beats sipping on your favourite drink in a pub garden with friends and family on a summer’s day. Well actually, there appears to be something better.
This June wine lovers can enjoy their much-loved tipple with the most incredible backdrop at one of Surrey’s top vineyards. To celebrate English Wine Week, which highlights Britain’s fantastic vineyards and wine producers, Vineyards of the Surrey Hills is hosting its first Summer Spectacular weekend on Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25.
All five of the group’s vineyards – Albury, Chilworth Manor, Denbies, Greyfriars and High Clandon – will be showcasing their unique offerings, with special events, making it a great opportunity to explore English wine in the beautiful Surrey Hills.
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The five vineyards are dotted across Surrey – Puttenham, Albury, Dorking and Guildford – and can be reached by taxi, train or car if you’re lucky to have a driver who is not drinking.
Albury Organic Vineyard
Address: Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, GU5 9BW.
One of the only vineyards in the UK to follow biodynamic principles, Albury Organic Vineyard will be hosting tours and tastings on the Saturday followed by the Albury Wine Festival on the Sunday. Entry to the latter is £12.50 and includes a glass of wine in an Albury flute to take home.
One of the highlights of the Sunday will be a Surrey Hills wine-tasting masterclasses with John Mobbs of Great British Wine. Tickets for that are £15 per person.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard
Address: Halfpenny Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, GU4 8NN.
The youngest of the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills, Chilworth Manor Vineyard will be hosting an open day on the Saturday, with a choice of vineyard talks (£25, including garden access) or garden access only for £7.50 (in aid of the National Garden Scheme). The vineyard talks will showcase the progress made at Chilworth Manor Vineyard, including a new tasting barn, and will be followed by a Vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine tasting in the gardens.
There will be a pop-up wine bar open throughout the day.
Denbies Wine Estate
Address: London Road, Dorking, RH5 6AA.
One of England’s largest single estate vineyards, Denbies Wine Estate will have their Secret Vineyard Tour, which takes you to some of the lesser-known parts of this spectacular vineyard. Or how about enjoying a specialist tasting and tour?
Their wine train will whisk you to the high points of the vineyard with tastings along the way, followed by a five-course tasting menu paired with selected wines from the Surrey Hills in the Wine Library. Tickets for that are £91.50. Denbies will also host an English Artisan Tasting on the Sunday, featuring an informal afternoon of tastings from local producers.
Greyfriars Vineyard
Address: The Hogs Back, Puttenham, GU3 1AG.
Hidden off the Hog’s Back, between Guildford and Farnham, Greyfriars Vineyard will be hosting an Open Cellar at their Monkshatch Winery & Cave Site on the Saturday. Meet the Greyfriars team and enjoy tastings and a pop-up wine bar on the amphitheatre space above their Chalk Cave.
There will also be a VOSH wines masterclass hosted by Greyfriars’ owner Mike Wagstaff and delicious food available from a local food truck. On the Sunday, their shop and outdoor wine bar will be open and there will be additional guided tours and tastings available.
High Clandon Estate Vineyard
Address: East Clandon, Guildford, GU4 7RP.
Just before their ever-popular summer event, Art and Sculptures in the Vineyard, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, High Clandon will be hosting two Summer Spectacular open days on the Saturday and Sunday. Preview the art and sculptures, relax among the gardens and wildflower meadows and enjoy wine by glass/bottle.
The entrance fee is a voluntary donation to Cherry Trees charity. During the weekend, High Clandon will also be holding their Battle of Waterloo Taste-off featuring VOSH English sparkling vs marque Champagne.
How to book tickets
For full ticket details and more information about Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ Summer Spectacular, visit www.surreyhillsvineyards.co.uk. Pre-booking is required for many of the events.