Located on the sunny south facing chalk slopes of the Hog’s Back at Puttenham, just outside Guildford in Surrey, we are producing a range of spectacular English Sparkling and Still Wines reflecting the unique local soil conditions, climate and heritage of the Surrey North Downs.
Our Story
Independent, family-run, passionate. Hear our story and see how we do things a little differently.
Our Past
The current Greyfriars Vineyard was originally set up in 1989 and was one of the first in England to plant the traditional Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir).
30 years later, in 2010, Mike and Hilary Wagstaff took over with the vision of expanding the vineyard to its current size of 40 acres and to produce stunning English Sparkling Wine, building a state-of-the-art winery complete with an underground chalk cave cellar to accommodate this growth.
Our Present
Our vineyards are predominantly planted with the three classic Champagne varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. However, we also have small plots of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc.
Our airy and beautiful tasting room was built over lockdown and opened in 2021. Passion and dedication throughout the winemaking, vineyard and viticulture process has led to our wines gaining critical acclaim, winning a number of prizes in international competitions.
Our Future
Our aim is not just to produce a Champagne ‘copy’ but rather to create a small range of great sparkling wines which reflects the unique geology, soil conditions, climate and heritage of the wonderful landscape of the Surrey North Downs.
In addition, we are looking to take advantage of the most modern grape growing and winemaking technology, planning some exciting trials and experiments in both the vineyard and the winery over the next few years. Learn more about our unique terroir below.
Our Terroir
South facing, chalk slopes nestled on The Hogs Back, perfect for award winning wines.
Here at Greyfriars we have a fantastic environment for making amazing English sparkling and still wines.
Our south facing slopes catch the sun throughout the day, helping to dry out morning dampness held by the vine's canopy as well as benefit from the afternoon heat.
The slopes prove key for our quality wine, allowing for effective air drainage and movement which reduces the risk of both frost in the winter / early spring and disease in the summer.
We are also connected to Champagne by the same chalky bedrock that goes underneath the channel. This particular soil is porous, helping drain the vineyard of excess water whilst also allowing the vine's roots enough wiggle space to dig deep and effectively draw nutrients and water into the vines.
Varietals
Our vineyards are predominantly planted with the three classic Champagne varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. However, we also have small plots of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc.
Winemaking
Traditional method sparkling wines and excitingly fresh still wines made using the highest quality grapes sourced from our very own vineyards.
Traditional Method
Sparkling Wines
‘Traditional method’ refers to the sparkling wine making technique which uses a secondary fermentation and subsequent ageing in the bottle in the cellar for at least three years before it is ready to drink. The main difference between traditional method sparkling wines and the other methods is that the transition from still to sparkling wine happens in the bottle!
This requires a lot more hard work and patience than producing still wines!
Still Wines
Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, our field blend Yvonne and a delicate rosé make up our still wine selection. Our aim with these are to create wines that are fresh, light and aromatic, perfect as aperitifs or great accompaniments of seafood dishes. Our goal is to produce great still wines alongside our award winning range of sparkling wines.
Meet the Team
Our dynamic and ambitious team who all contribute to the production of our award winning sparkling and still wines.
Vineyards of the Surrey Hills
Vineyards of the Surrey Hills is a group of beautiful vineyards, including Albury Organic Vineyard, Chilworth Manor Vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, Greyfriars Vineyard, High Clandon, Soloms Court and Tanhurst Estate, who produce outstanding wines from the rolling North Downs, in the Surrey Hills National Landscape. Each Surrey Hills vineyard has its own unique offering, with a variety of tours, tastings and experiences for visitors.