Albury Organic Vineyard
Naturally exceptional wines, rooted in the Surrey Hills.
Tucked away on the southern slopes of the North Downs, beside the enchanting Silent Pool, Albury is a family-run vineyard where great wine and nature go hand in hand. From award-winning English sparkling wines to relaxed tastings and wildlife-filled walks, this charming corner of the Surrey Hills is well worth discovering.
Plan your visit to Albury Organic Vineyard
Address: Albury Vineyard, Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Surrey GU5 9BW
Getting there: Full information here
Established: 2009
Wines: Organic English sparkling wines and still wines, including the celebrated Silent Pool Rosé.
Experiences: Guided vineyard tours, wine tastings, self-guided vineyard walks, wildlife trails, seasonal events and relaxed drinks on the vineyard patio.
Opening times: Generally open at weekends from March to December, with additional bank holiday opening during the warmer months. Check the official website for current opening times and tour availability.
Telephone: 01483 229159
Website: Albury Vineyard
The story behind the vines
Some dreams are worth waiting for. For Albury's founder, Nick Wenman, the dream of owning a vineyard took more than 40 years to become a reality.
In 2009, Nick planted his first vines on the chalky slopes of the North Downs, determined to create exceptional English wines while working in harmony with the surrounding countryside.
From the beginning, Albury embraced organic and biodynamic principles, nurturing the soil and encouraging biodiversity rather than relying on conventional chemical treatments. It's an approach that remains at the heart of everything the vineyard does today.
Now run as a family business, with Nick's daughter Lucy playing a key role, Albury has grown into an award-winning producer of English sparkling and still wines, proving that a passion for nature and great wine make a rather wonderful combination.
Albury by numbers
2009 - The year Nick Wenman planted the first vines.
20 acres - Of organically cultivated vines on the slopes of the North Downs.
40 years – How long Nick dreamed of owning a vineyard before making it happen.
Three things you might not know about Albury
1. A rosé fit for a Queen
Albury's Silent Pool Rosé has a rather impressive royal connection. In 2012, it was served aboard the Royal Barge during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. Quite an achievement for a vineyard whose first vines had been planted just three years earlier.
2. There's more than grapes growing here
At Albury, looking after nature is just as important as growing grapes. The vineyard follows organic and biodynamic principles, using natural preparations to encourage healthy soils and biodiversity. From beehives and wildflower meadows to bird boxes and insect habitats, the estate is a haven for wildlife. It's a place where the birds and bees are very much part of the winemaking story.
3. Its neighbour has a mysterious past
The vineyard takes inspiration from its famous neighbour, the Silent Pool, a beautiful spring-fed lake steeped in local legend. According to folklore, a young maiden drowned in its waters while fleeing the unwanted attention of a nobleman, sometimes identified as Prince John. Whether you believe the tale or not, the pool's mysterious reputation adds a little extra intrigue to this peaceful corner of Surrey.
What makes Albury special?
Albury is a vineyard with a wonderfully relaxed approach to wine. There's no need to be an expert to enjoy a visit, just bring a little curiosity and perhaps a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Join a guided tour to discover how organic and biodynamic winemaking works, sample the vineyard's award-winning wines, or settle down on the patio with a glass of something delicious and a cheese board.
For those who enjoy exploring, self-guided vineyard walks and seasonal wildlife trails offer the chance to discover the estate at your own pace, with beautiful views across the Surrey Hills along the way.
And with children and well-behaved dogs welcome in designated areas, Albury has a friendly, informal atmosphere that makes it particularly inviting.
Don't leave without…
Trying a glass of Silent Pool Rosé, the wine that helped put Albury on the map. Better still, enjoy it on the vineyard patio overlooking the vines, with the sounds of the Surrey Hills countryside all around you.
