Sustainability and the environment at Surrey Hills vineyards
While the wine, hospitality and experiences are the most public facing of the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills’ qualities, sustainability is also at the heart of what we do.
In fact, all five of our vineyards are founding members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.
Last year, our wine route was awarded the gold trademark by Surrey Hills Enterprises for our work on environmental sustainability, support for and connection with the Surrey Hills and the range of experiences and activities offered across our five vineyards.
Overall, our industry is a low emitting carbon sector, with one person flying from London to New York being roughly the equivalent of 1,000 bottles of wine - but, like everyone, we face the threat from climate change. UK viticulture has benefited so far, but there will be more bad years due to severe extremes in the weather.
We are committed to shaping the future of the UK wine industry through educating and inspiring others to strive towards greater sustainability.
Here we take a quick look at just some of the ways the Vineyards of the Surrey Hills are constantly improving the sustainability of their wine making.
Albury Organic Vineyard, near Guildford
As a biodynamic vineyard, Albury minimise the use of chemicals on the land - preferring the use of natural preparations and compost teas.
The vineyard is home to half a million honey bees, vital for the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity. You can even enjoy beekeeping courses there.
Albury collaborated with Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey Hills National Landscape and Surrey Choices to create a wildlife walk around their newest vineyard. It’s open to visitors from April to September.
All of their boxes are made from 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.
Albury Organic Vineyard won the CREST23 Business Award for Restoring Nature.
Read more about Albury Organic Vineyard and its sustainability initiatives here.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard, near Guildford
At Chilworth Manor Vineyard, their approach to growing vines has developed naturally from the way the gardens and estate have been managed as a whole.
Electricity used at the vineyard is generated by an array of solar panels.
Any water they use in crop management is collected as rainwater run-off from the vineyard barn roof.
The vineyard is also home to bee hives looked after by a local enthusiast.
Read more about Chilworth Manor Vineyard and its sustainability initiatives here.
Denbies Wine Estate, near Dorking
In 2024, Denbies Wine Estate has become the first vineyard and winery in the UK to achieve Net Zero status to the UK Carbon Code of Conduct standard (UKCCC).
The Estate, which is both an agricultural business and tourist destination, totals 380 acres, which includes 265 acres under vine and surrounding woodland and sits within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
This includes 10 acres within the vineyard left in their natural state to encourage biodiversity.
Other actions include self-generating green energy that has been installed on the winery buildings, and environmental best practice for all new capital investment.
Denbies was the first vineyard in the UK to become members of the Bat Conservation Trust. Three bat ‘rocket boxes’ were installed near the woodland area of the vineyard to encourage pest management, based on research from US vineyards.
Tesla Car charging points have been installed outside the front of the main building to encourage and promote the use of electric cars, reducing carbon emission from vehicles.
Read more about Denbies Wine Estate and its sustainability initiatives here.
High Clandon Estate Vineyard, near Guildford and Woking
Alongside its single vintage wine production from its one-acre hand-manicured vineyard, High Clandon Estate Vineyard encompasses two other ventures.
They make their own honey from bees thriving on the English wild-flower meadow abutting the vineyard.
And also harvest truffles from their secret truffiere – a truffle orchard planted in 2004 with oaks and hazels from which Burgundian Truffles are harvested.
Read more about High Clandon Estate Vineyard here.
