Greyfriars Vineyard
A pioneering Surrey estate on chalk slopes that helped define modern English sparkling wine, producing award-winning traditional method wines from classic Champagne varieties.
Greyfriars Vineyard is a 40-acre family-owned estate on chalk slopes near Guildford, Surrey, producing acclaimed English sparkling wine. Originally planted in 1989, the Wagstaff family transformed it from 1.5 acres into one of England's benchmark sparkling wine producers. The estate turns out approximately 70,000 bottles annually from its state-of-the-art winery.
- Located on south-facing chalk slopes of the Hog's Back at Puttenham, near Guildford, Surrey
- Originally planted in 1989; taken over and dramatically expanded by Mike and Hilary Wagstaff in 2010
- Grown from 1.5 acres to 40 acres across two sites under the Wagstaff family
- One of the first English vineyards to plant classic Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- South-facing slopes receive 10-15% more solar energy per square meter than flat vineyard sites
- Underground chalk cellar used for aging wines in a state-of-the-art winery facility
- Produces approximately 70,000 bottles annually and has won multiple international awards including Decanter World Wine Awards
History and Ownership
Greyfriars Vineyard was originally planted in 1989, making it one of the earlier commercial vineyards in Surrey. Mike and Hilary Wagstaff took ownership in 2010 and set about a significant transformation, expanding the estate from just 1.5 acres to its current 40 acres spread across two sites. That growth reflects the broader confidence in English wine production over the past two decades.
- First planted in 1989, long before the current English wine boom
- Wagstaff family acquired and began expanding in 2010
- Grew from 1.5 acres to 40 acres across two vineyard sites
- Family-owned and operated commercial vineyard
Location and Terroir
Greyfriars sits on the sunny, south-facing chalk slopes of the Hog's Back ridge near Puttenham, close to Guildford in Surrey. The chalk soils mirror those found beneath the great Champagne vineyards of northern France, providing excellent drainage and a mineral backbone to the wines. The south-facing aspect is a critical advantage in England's cool climate: those slopes capture 10-15% more solar energy per square meter than flat vineyard sites, helping grapes achieve full physiological ripeness.
- Chalk soils on the Surrey North Downs, part of the Surrey Hills
- South-facing slopes on the Hog's Back near Guildford
- Cool climate moderated by maximum sun exposure on the slope
- South aspect delivers 10-15% more solar energy than flat land
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
The vineyard is planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Blanc. Greyfriars was among the first estates in England to commit to the classic Champagne trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, a decision that proved prescient as English sparkling wine's reputation grew. The estate produces both traditional method sparkling wines, including a Blanc de Blancs and a Cuvée Royale, and a range of still wines reflecting the Surrey North Downs terroir.
- Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- Also grows Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Blanc
- Traditional method sparkling wines are the flagship style
- Still wines also produced alongside the sparkling range
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Look it up →Winery and Production
Greyfriars operates a state-of-the-art winery on site, complete with an underground chalk cellar purpose-built for aging traditional method sparkling wines. This controlled underground environment provides consistent cool temperatures ideal for extended lees aging. The estate produces approximately 70,000 bottles annually. Greyfriars is open year-round for tours, tastings, and events, making it one of Surrey's leading wine tourism destinations.
- Underground chalk cellar provides ideal aging conditions for sparkling wine
- Approximately 70,000 bottles produced annually as of 2017
- State-of-the-art winery facility on site
- Open year-round for tours, tastings, and private events
Awards and Recognition
Greyfriars has built a strong competition record, winning multiple international awards at prestigious events including the Decanter World Wine Awards and the Wines of Great Britain Awards 2022. The Blanc de Blancs and Cuvée Royale sparkling wines have been recognized as benchmarks for the English sparkling wine category, helping to raise the profile of Surrey as a serious wine-producing region.
- Multiple wins at the Decanter World Wine Awards
- Recognised at the Wines of Great Britain Awards 2022
- Blanc de Blancs and Cuvée Royale are the flagship award-winning wines
- Contributes to Surrey's growing reputation as a premium English wine region
The traditional method sparkling wines from Greyfriars show the classic lean, precise profile of English fizz: bright green apple and citrus fruit, fine persistent bubbles, and a chalky mineral tension from the North Downs terroir. Extended lees aging in the underground chalk cellar adds brioche and biscuit complexity. Still wines reflect the cool Surrey climate with crisp acidity and restrained fruit character.
- Greyfriars Vineyard Blanc de Blancs$30-45Award-winning 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine from Surrey chalk slopes, showcasing the estate's flagship style.Find →
- Greyfriars Vineyard Cuvée Royale$35-50Classic Champagne-variety blend using traditional method; one of Greyfriars' most decorated sparkling wines.Find →
- Greyfriars Vineyard Surrey Hills Rosé$30-45Pinot Noir-led sparkling rosé from the North Downs chalk terroir, with fine bubbles and red fruit character.Find →
- Greyfriars is located on chalk soils on the south-facing Hog's Back ridge near Guildford, Surrey, within the Surrey Hills appellation
- Originally planted 1989; expanded by the Wagstaff family post-2010 from 1.5 acres to 40 acres across two sites
- One of the first English vineyards to plant the classic Champagne trio: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- South-facing slopes generate 10-15% more solar energy per square meter compared to flat vineyard land, critical in England's cool climate
- Production approximately 70,000 bottles per year; wines aged in an underground chalk cellar using traditional method