Taking place from Saturday June 15 to Sunday June 23, English Wine Week is the annual celebration of our blooming English wine and vineyard sector.
Here in Surrey, we're blessed with a number of excellent vineyards including the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills group, a collaboration between Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard and High Clandon Estate Vineyard.
To kick off English Wine Week, the group is hosting their Summer Spectacular festival weekend on Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16, with events taking place across the Surrey Hills on both days.
Less than an hour from London and with Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport only short journeys away, the Surrey Hills wine route is easily accessible, blessed with beautiful views and award-winning wines, and surrounded by attractions such as RHS Garden Wisley, Box Hill and numerous National Trust houses and gardens.
You can even stay at the Denbies Vineyard Hotel if you're looking to make a long weekend of it here in Surrey.
Here's a taste of what you'll find during their Summer Spectacular festival weekend:
Albury Organic Vineyard
Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW
Who? One of the only vineyards in the UK to follow biodynamic principles, Albury is a family-run vineyard found next door to the picturesque Silent Pool beauty spot near Newlands Corner. They are also celebrating their 15th year since planting the vineyard in 2009.
What? The Albury Wine Festival, on Saturday June 15, is set to feature tours of the vineyard, access to their wildlife walk, wine tasting, masterclasses with a renowned English wine expert, local artisan food and more, as well as the chance to sample wines from all of the Surrey Hills vineyards. Tickets are limited and tend to sell out fast.
Where? Albury Organic Vineyard is found next to the historic Silent Pool beauty spot, which is home to a food and drink hub these days with Silent Pool Distillers and Mandira's Kitchen on site. A truly stunning destination for a foodie day out.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard
Halfpenny Lane, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8NN
Who? It’s a hugely exciting year for Chilworth Manor Vineyard, as they have launched their brand-new Watch House Tasting Barn just in time for this year’s Summer Spectacular festival weekend. The history of Chilworth Manor goes back a thousand years but the vineyard itself is still young, with planting starting in 2013. Their highly sustainable site now stretches to more than ten acres.
What? On Saturday June 15, Chilworth will be celebrating with Chilworth Wine Festival - a fun afternoon and early evening of great music, delicious street food, ice cream and, of course, their premium quality English sparkling and still rosé wines. The vineyard will be open from 3pm to 8pm, and children and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Where? Chilworth Manor Vineyard is found just outside the village of Chilworth, near Guildford, on the slopes of the North Downs. You can walk there in about an hour from Guildford station and take in the views from St Martha's Hill and church, which are found just above the vineyard on the old Pilgrim's Way Trail.
Denbies Wine Estate
London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA
Who? One of the largest single estate vineyards in England, Denbies is set to host Summer Spectacular festival weekend events on both the Saturday and the Sunday – all alongside their usual plethora of wining and dining options.
What? On Saturday June 15, join the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ Wine Tasting Trail, which will feature a wine train adventure around the vineyard and tastings from all of the Surrey Hills vineyards. Tours will leave at various times during the day. On the Sunday, Father’s Day, there will be pizza, wine and beer on the lawn in front of Denbies’ impressive Chateau-style visitor centre from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
Where? Denbies Wine Estate is a walking destination in its own right with seven miles of footpaths through the vines that can lead the adventurous all the way out to two of Surrey's most famous hills at Box Hill and Leith Hill. Found just outside the town of Dorking, there are regular trains from major London stations to the area.
Greyfriars Vineyard
The Hogs Back, Puttenham, Surrey GU3 1AG
Who? Fuelled by the passion of owners Mike and Hilary Wagstaff, and the love and care they show each and every one of their 62,000 vines, Greyfriars Vineyard is building on a tradition of winemaking and grape growing that has existed in the area for 30 years.
What? Saturday June 15 will be their main Summer Spectacular event with mini-tours and a Vineyards of the Surrey Hills wine tasting. Entry will be £25 per person. There will also be Greyfriars’ wine tastings available, as well as bees chat and beer tastings with Hiver, a food truck and a jazz band to help create those summer festival vibes.
Where? Hidden away on the Hogs Back, between Guildford and Farnham, Greyfriars Vineyard is best reached from Guildford Station, where taxis are readily available.
High Clandon Estate Vineyard
East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RP
Who? High Clandon produces a single vintage sparkling wine each year, and visitors are able to enjoy a glass of the current Gloriana Cuvée as they enjoy the glorious gardens and beautiful views towards London.
What? High Clandon’s Summer Spectacular open days on Saturday June 15 and Sunday June 16 preview their ever-popular summer event, Art & Sculptures in the Vineyard, which take place in July. Open from 11am to 4pm on both days, there is no booking required to visit the vineyard over the weekend - but there are special Taste-off events as well as Tours, Talks and Tastings that do require pre-booking. On Saturday June 15, raconteur, wine-buff and TV personality, the inimitable Joe Wadsack, will host their ticketed Battle of Waterloo Taste-off, which features Surrey Hills sparkling wines vs marque Champagne.
Where? Found next door to the National Trust's Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park, High Clandon is one of those places you may have passed many times without realising a vineyard and annual sculpture exhibition lies behind the trees. Just off the A246, down a hidden track, taxis are readily available from Guildford Station - about a 15 minute drive away.
