Denbies Wine Estate was host of the 2026 WineGB Pruning Competition. Vineyard Magazine visited the Estate to experience how it is offering visitors a complete wine experience.
Denbies will celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2026 and there are a host of events planned to mark this special occasion.
The vineyard is located near the three peaks of Surrey: Leith Hill (the highest peak in the South East of England), Holmbury Hill and Box Hill (which will be familiar to those fans of Jane Austen). With such scenery on the doorstep it is common to see walkers making use of the footpaths through this beautiful landscape and guests of the renovated 17 room vineyard hotel can walk any of these peaks from the door of the 16th Century Farmhouse without even having to think about using the car.
“Jonathan Tyers, Master of Ceremonies at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, was the first owner of the Estate. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens was unique because it allowed for London society to mix in a way that was not usual for the time. Denbies have today maintained that welcoming philosophy,” said Harry Kelf, Marketing Manager at Denbies Wine Estate.
Whilst the hotel is based around a historic building on the estate the facilities for guests staying at the vineyard hotel are exceptionally well thought out with the modern and traditional combining to make a venue that feels at once both comfortable but elegant. From the electric car charging points to the rooms where guests wake up feeling they are actually in the vineyard, everything puts guests at their ease.
The restaurant has a fabulous space which invites the vineyard into the room. It is an invitation to enjoy long summer evenings with good food, great wine and a group of friends. “The restaurant caters for many different clients,” explained Ben Hams the Assistant Hotel Manager. This includes “Brunch with bubbles and the more traditional afternoon tea alongside dinner, bed and breakfast for hotel guests.
Denbies produce an incredible range of award winning wine which means restaurant guests are spoilt for choice. With wines available by the glass each dinner guest is able to choose the wine that pairs exactly with their choices from the seasonal menu without compromise.
With a very quaffable demi sec for those who enjoy a slightly less acidic profile to the Blanc de Noirs Cubitt (named after the London architect who was also a previous owner of the estate) with its red fruit and brioche notes that practically jump out of the glass, diners will find something that really puts the sparkle into their experience.
For the main course there are plenty of still wines on the menu including the Denbies Redlands produced from a blend of Pinot Noir and Rondo. This gorgeous, versatile wine worked well as a pairing for both the seasoned steak dish but also the vegetarian option where the wine is used in the preparation of the jus.
In keeping with the inclusive ethos of this elegant but understated venue, Denbies offer guests the chance of an Orange Vermouth which is made utilising the pressings from Denbies orange wine. Possible cocktails include a Denbies Negroni or a Denbies Spritz which would be particularly tempting on any sunny afternoon and it is great to see English produced vermouth being paired with English produced sparkling wines to produce a classic cocktail with an English twist. Importantly there is also an estate produced grape juice which is a particularly nice addition to the offering as it includes both children and those unable to consume alcohol in the vineyard adventure. This ensures that everyone will have the very best experience at this stunning venue.
