Surrey's Best Vineyards & Wine Estates

Surrey sits on chalky limestone and greensand geology comparable to the Champagne region of France, making it one of England's premier wine-growing areas. The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine route unites the county's leading producers.

Surrey's Wine Country

The reason Surrey grows good wine is geological. The chalk and greensand under the North Downs is a close match to the Champagne region of France. South-facing slopes trap warmth and drain well. The same grapes grow here: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine route links the county's estates into a trail through the countryside. Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is the anchor, England's largest single-estate vineyard at 265 acres, with a hotel, restaurant and daily tours below the chalk escarpment of Box Hill. Denbies picked up a King's Award for Enterprise in 2025, holds B Corp certification and produced England's first Net Zero wine.

Smaller producers are doing well too. Albury Organic Vineyard, next to the Silent Pool on the North Downs Way, is Surrey's only certified organic vineyard. Its Silent Pool Rosé was served on the Royal Barge for the Queen's Jubilee. Greyfriars in Puttenham ages sparkling wines in an underground chalk cellar. High Clandon in East Clandon keeps its Quintessence cuvée on yeast lees for nearly five years before release.

The history goes back further than people expect. Painshill Park in Cobham had a vineyard in the 18th century, planted by Charles Hamilton. It's been replanted and now does tastings in the Temple of Bacchus. English sparkling wine regularly beats Champagne in blind tastings, and Surrey vineyards are a big part of that.

Vineyard Location Size Varieties Tours Shop
Denbies Wine Estate Dorking 265 acres Multiple Daily Yes (+ hotel & restaurant)
Greyfriars Vineyard Puttenham 40 acres Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier Yes Yes
Albury Organic Albury 20 acres Multiple (organic) Yes Yes
High Clandon Estate East Clandon Boutique Sparkling varieties Yes (Glass Barn) Yes
Painshill Park Cobham Historic garden Traditional Yes (Temple of Bacchus) Yes
Godstone Vineyards Godstone 50 acres Multiple Yes Yes (exclusive)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit vineyards in Surrey?

Yes, all six vineyards on our list welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Denbies offers daily tours, and High Clandon receives visitors in its atmospheric Glass Barn.

What is the largest vineyard in England?

Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is England's largest single-estate vineyard at 265 acres, set against the Surrey Hills.

Do Surrey vineyards do wine tastings?

Yes, all six vineyards offer tastings. Highlights include Painshill's Temple of Bacchus tastings and Godstone's wine-and-cheese pairings.

Why is Surrey good for growing wine?

Surrey sits on chalky limestone and greensand geology comparable to the Champagne region of France. The south-facing slopes of the North Downs provide ideal growing conditions.

Which Surrey vineyard won the King's Award?

Denbies Wine Estate received the King's Award for Enterprise in 2025. It is also B Corp certified and produced England's first Net Zero wine.

Is English sparkling wine as good as Champagne?

Many English sparkling wines have beaten Champagne in blind tastings. Surrey vineyards like Greyfriars grow the same classic trio (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) on matching chalk soils.