Denbies Wine Estate
“Denbies Estate is beautiful all year round, but winter is particularly captivating.
Views overlooking the vines, mists shrouding the North Downs Way and the backdrop of Box Hill set the scene. The vineyard offers seven miles of public footpath which includes part of the North Downs Trail, making this a perfect destination for a tranquil stay, or equally exciting for hiking, rambling and exploring nature.”
Jeannette Simpson, Chief Operating Officer, Denbies Wine Estate
There’s nothing quite like the rolling symmetry of a vineyard, its lush, dappled green changing into the hues of each season, showing its vulnerability the most in winter, when its dormancy is a prelude to the bounty of the coming season. With 265 acres of undulating vines, this is something to behold at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey.
As one of the early wine pioneers in Britain, the estate is also recognised as a leading light for wine tourism. Home to one of the first vineyard hotels in the country, four restaurants and plenty to see and do at the estate and in the surrounding rolling hills and towns, Denbies is where you can discover how one of our largest and most beautiful vineyards wraps up a Surrey Hills wine experience into a wonderful holiday, no matter the season.
The Wine
As one of the country’s larger vineyards, there’s plenty of diversity in the vintages offered. And these are weighty winners too. The Denbies Blanc de Noirs 2014 sparkling recently won a gold medal at the prestigious WineGB Awards, with the Blanc de Blancs 2014 gaining a worthy bronze.
With wine maker, Jon Worontschak at the helm, up to 18 different sparkling and still wines are produced each year from 13 grape varieties, ranging from the sparkling trio of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier to grapes that are fast becoming synonymous with English still wines, such as Bacchus, Ortega, Rondo and Regent.
Wining & Dining
Denbies celebrates local, seasonal produce across its four restaurants. Promising to match any palate, you will be spoilt for choice with a selection of venues, from more formal to relaxed dining, with takeaway hot chocolate and mulled wine to enjoy pre or post ramble. Weddings and milestone celebrations are popular here too, with a vaulted cellar to enjoy the festivities in privacy.
A vineyard, especially of this calibre would not be complete without a menu of wine related experiences, from tastings and tours to afternoon teas and picnics amongst the vines. There’s a Gin and Vine experience with the Gin Kitchen, and a cheese and wine tasting with Norbury Blue, where do we sign up?
And as we saunter into the festive season, there are plenty of wine tastings, special dinners and dancing at the vineyard to enjoy over the winter season, a full schedule can be found here.
Wake up and smell the vines
Denbies Vineyard Hotel is home to 17 en-suite guestrooms. There are two interconnecting family rooms and it’s all very dog friendly, so you don’t need to leave anyone behind.
Originally a 19th century farmhouse, the interiors of the hotel are country-rustic and warm, wooden furniture complements the Jane Austen ‘Chewton Vine’ wallpaper mirroring the window-framed vineyard scene beyond. Views overlooking the vines, North Downs Way and Box Hill make this feel like a secret country gem, yet Denbies is only an hour from London. Best of all, the hotel aspires to be the first fully carbon neutral vineyard hotel in England, which gets a big thumbs up from us!
Out and about
Denbies offers a wide selection of indoor wine tasting and outdoor vineyard tours. If the vineyard is at the heart of the estate, the walking trails make up its cocoon. Head off and explore the trails on your own or on a guided tour (complete with great kids maps), parts of which can be enjoyed on a mini train, pulled by a Land Rover. Guests can also hire bicycles from Just Pedal Bike hire, who are based on the estate and explore the stunning hills and dales of the Surrey Hills.
If you are looking for a spot of relaxation after all that activity, pop into The Barn next to the hotel, run by Surrey Hills Physiotherapy. Here you can be stretched and toned, with reflexology, Pilates, yoga and more.
For the explorer in you, there’s the National Trust, Edwardian estate of Polesdon Lacey, Surrey’s iconic Box Hill, and for a spot of shopping, Dorking Antiques Quarter is within easy reach.
And for even more wining and dining, there’s a range of restaurants nearby to choose from, from the modern British, Michelin starred Sorrel, to the 17th Century Dolphin Pub at Betchworth.
Location
Only an hour from London, the Hotel is five minutes from Dorking station, with a regular taxi service for those not driving.
The Bottom Line
Double rooms at Denbies Vineyard Hotel start from £165 including full English Breakfast.
Denbies Wine Estate is open all year round, only closing on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Denbies Wine Estate
London Road
Dorking
Surrey RH5 6AA
*Experiences, packages, prices and dining venues are subject to change, advanced reservations are recommended.
