A seam of chalky bedrock runs under the English Channel, linking the Champagne region with Surrey’s North Downs – the location of Greyfriars Vineyard. It was here on the sunny south-facing slopes of the Hog’s Back near Guildford that this vineyard became one of the first places in England to grow traditional Champagne varieties (pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay) when it was established in 1989.
These slopes are key features for growing the grapes that go into these premium English sparkling and still wines – they provide great air circulation around the vines (guarding against spring frosts and summer diseases) as well as warm sun throughout the day for excellent ripening potential.
Mike and Hilary Wagstaff took over the business in 2011, expanding the growing area to its current 40-acre size and building a modern winery with a contemporary tasting room and an underground chalk cave to serve as the cellar.
Capitalising on the area’s heritage, the vineyards are still mainly populated by the classic Champagne grapes, but small pockets of other varieties (including sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and pinot blanc) have been introduced for diversity. Wines produced by the dedicated teams here have gained critical acclaim and won several international prizes including Decanter World Wine Awards.
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