Denbies Wine Estate
Big skies, rolling vines, exceptional English wine.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Downs in Dorking, Denbies is one of England's largest single-estate vineyards. From award-winning wines and fascinating vineyard tours to spectacular countryside views, there's much more to discover here than what's in your glass.
Plan your visit to Denbies Wine Estate
Address: Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA
Getting there: Full information here
Established: 1986
Wines: English still and sparkling wines
Experiences: Vineyard tours, guided wine tastings, restaurants, countryside walks, shopping and overnight stays.
Opening Times: Generally open daily, with seasonal variations. Check the official website for current opening times and tour availability.
Telephone: 01306 876616
Website: Denbies Wine Estate
The story behind the vines
It all began in 1986, when the White family planted the first vines on the south-facing slopes overlooking Dorking. With chalk-rich soils, a sheltered location and a little English optimism, Denbies was about to help change the reputation of British winemaking.
Four decades later, those first plantings have grown into 265 acres of vines, producing everything from crisp whites to elegant sparkling wines.
But Denbies' history stretches back much further. The estate was once home to influential Victorian builder Thomas Cubitt, whose work helped shape some of London's grandest neighbourhoods.
Today, Denbies combines centuries of local history with a distinctly modern approach to English wine.
Denbies by numbers
1986 - The year the first vines were planted.
265 acres - The area of the estate dedicated to growing grapes.
1 million - The estate's annual wine bottle production capacity.
Three things you might not know about Denbies
1. A surprising connection to Buckingham Palace
Thomas Cubitt, who owned Denbies in the 19th century, was one of Victorian Britain's most important builders. His projects included work at Buckingham Palace, and his legacy lives on in London's Belgravia.
2. Its former owner had a rather unusual garden
In 1734, Jonathan Tyers, the man behind London's famous Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, bought the Denbies estate. Here, he created an extraordinary garden known as the Valley of the Shadow of Death, complete with skulls, solemn statues and a clock that struck the minutes rather than the hours. Not your average country garden!
3. Today, you can explore the vineyard by train
One of Denbies' best-loved experiences is its vineyard train, taking visitors through the vines to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Surrey Hills. A wonderfully leisurely way to discover the estate.
What makes Denbies special?
Denbies is more than a vineyard; it's somewhere you can easily spend an entire day.
Discover how English wine is made on a guided tour, sample award-winning wines, enjoy lunch overlooking the vines or simply wander through the countryside.
And if one afternoon isn't enough, there's even a vineyard hotel, so you can wake up surrounded by the Surrey Hills.
Don't leave without…
Taking in the panoramic views from the upper vineyard. On a clear day, the rolling rows of vines against the North Downs are a sight worth lingering over.
