From beekeeping and art to yoga and live music, there’s more to our beautiful English vineyards than delicious wine alone. Sophie Farrah taps into the grapevine.
Luke Whatley-Bigg
Albury Vineyard
In the Surrey Hills, Albury’s 20-acre vineyard produces an array of delicious wines. As an organic vineyard, there’s a choice of nature-inspired activities on offer, including a wildlife trail and two-hour bee keeping experiences.
The latter includes an introduction to bees from vineyard beekeeper, Sergio and a glimpse into one of Albury’s hives. This is followed by a Q&A session with a glass of Albury’s award-winning sparkling wine, and the chance to buy some Albury Honey.
£49.95pp, various dates between May and September; alburyvineyard.com
Nyetimber
Nyetimber
At Nyetimber’s magnificent estate in West Sussex, gastronomes can enjoy the vineyard’s world-renowned English sparkling wines alongside a seasonal menu. The 1086 By Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience includes four courses, each paired with one of the vineyard’s wines, plus the rare opportunity to try its prestige cuvée, 1086.
£195pp, various dates May-Sept. Open day tours (£50pp), which include a guided tasting in the winery’s Medieval Barn, take place on selected dates throughout the summer; nyetimber.com
Tillingham Winery
Tillingham Winery
Near Rye in East Sussex, Tillingham Winery offers terrific natural wine, seasonal food and stylish bedrooms. This summer, it’s also hosting several breathwork and ice bath retreats, where participants can learn the theory and science of the Wim Hof method before taking the plunge in an ice bath, all with the support and guidance of a certified Wim Hof instructor, and the opportunity to enjoy a chilled glass of something delicious afterwards…
July 12 & Sept 20, 10am-4pm. £95 inc. lunch; tillingham.com
High Clandon
High Clandon
Nestled in picturesque countryside between Guildford and Woking, Sibylla and Bruce Tindale founded High Clandon in 2004 and produce exceptional multi-Gold awarded English cuvées.
Much like their vibrant vines, the couple host an array of colourful events, and their annual summer art show is not to be missed. A superb collection of over 100 of works of art and sculpture are beautifully arranged across High Clandon’s stunning gardens, vineyard, wildflower meadows and Glass Barn.
The event also marks the launch of the vineyard’s latest aged vintage (this year the Cerulean Cuvée 2020), and raises money for local charity, Cherry Trees.
June 29-July 13, 11am-4pm, £7pp donation (a percentage of art and wine sales also goes to charity); highclandon.co.uk
Greyfiars Vineyard
Greyfriars Vineyard
On the Hog’s Back near Farnham, Greyfriars Vineyard hosts a mix of activities thoughout the year, including this month’s Sip and Paint experience – an evening of painting, socialising and wine tasting co-hosted by Surrey artist, Louise O’Dowd.
The event includes a two-hour guided painting session with three mini tasters of Greyfriars wine, a cheese platter and your own masterpiece to take home.
June 5, £55, 6.30pm; book in advance at louiseodowd.com/painting-events
Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate
As one of England’s largest single estate vineyards, Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking hosts a variety of events. Throughout the summer months, visitors can enjoy monthly Live Music on the Lawn sessions, which see local musicians take to the stage (such as Luke Edney, pictured), with freshly made stone baked pizza on offer, as well as pop-up wine tastings, and a wine and beer bar.
May 18, June 1, July 13, Aug 10 & 31, 1-5pm, free entry; denbies.co.uk
Miles Willis
Forty Hall
In Enfield, North London, Forty Hall is the capital’s only commercial-scale vineyard and is one of a growing number of ecotherapy projects around the UK. The aim is to boost physical and mental wellbeing through social connection and gentle outdoor activity via volunteering in the vineyard. Volunteering opportunities are open to all, including people with mild to moderate mental health issues or a managed long-term condition.
For more information visit fortyhallvineyard.com/pages/ecotherapy-the-flourish-project
Chapel Down
Chapel Down
Located in beautiful Kent countryside near Tenterden, Chapel Down’s picturesque winery estate offers plenty to do. This summer, visitors can unroll their yoga mats amongst the vines and enjoy a one-hour sunset yoga session followed by a tutored tasting of five wines. If the weather allows, sessions take place in the vineyard or alternatively overlooking the vines in the estate’s ‘wine sanctuary’.
£35pp, 6pm on June 25, July 23 & Aug 27; chapeldown.com
