50 Acres on the North Downs
The Deeley family first planted vines at Godstone in 1985 and enjoyed their first vintage in 1988. Set across 50 acres of south-facing slopes within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the vineyard benefits from free-draining Upper Greensand soil, a geology that gives the wines their distinctive minerality. Three grape varieties are cultivated: Seyval Blanc, Dornfelder, and Bacchus, producing a range of white, rosé, and sparkling wines.
At Godstone the vines are grown and vinified in the Traditional Method used in the Champagne region of France. The wine is fermented once on the barrel and then undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle after the addition of yeast and sugar, known as ‘tirage’. This process results in a natural sparkling wine with fine, persistent bubbles, a true expression of Surrey’s terroir.
Visiting Godstone Vineyards
The vineyard and shop are open every weekend between 10.30am and 4.30pm, with hours varying seasonally. A free self-guided tour allows visitors to walk through the vines at their own pace, while groups of six or more can book a cream tea or British cheese platter, each paired with a glass of Godstone Sparkling Wine. Conducted tours of the vineyard are offered on Open Days throughout the year.
The on-site shop is the only place to buy Godstone’s limited-edition single-estate wines, making a visit essential for anyone seeking these bottles. An indoor café and outdoor al fresco eating area serve light lunches, cream teas, and local cheese and charcuterie platters. The venue is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, sitting on the North Downs Way national trail near Woldingham.
