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2019 Award-winning Wines

Denbies Wine Estate were thrilled to be awarded the McNie Trophy for ‘Best Blended White Wine’ and a Gold medal for Ranmore Hill 2017, at the recent WineGB Awards 2019. Along with Gold for Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2013 and Silver for Cubitt Blanc de Blancs 2013, this rounds off a successful international awards season. With 23 medals awarded in total across 5 different competitions, highlights include an impressive 2 Golds and 1 Silver for both Greenfields NV sparkling and the Brokes Botrytis Noble Harvest 2016 dessert wine.

The WineGB Awards and the Independent English Wine Awards celebrate the best of England’s still and sparkling wines and competition is stiff! Decanter, the International Wine Challenge and the International Wine and Spirit Competition judge wines from across the world, with professional judges and blind tastings.

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October 2018 - Denbies Wine Awards

2018 International Wine Awards

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June 2016 - Denbies Wine Estate Sustainability

PRESS RELEASE

2016 Sustainability report from Denbies Wine Estate

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May 2016 - Denbies Awarded Gold by the International Wine Challengeⁱ for Denbies Sparkling Greenfields Cuvée NV

Denbies Wine Estate is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a gold medal by the International Wine Challengeⁱ for Denbies Sparkling Greenfields Cuvée NV. The gold awards were announced on 9th May, by eminent wine writer and presenter Oz Clarke in Central London.

For Denbies, celebrating its 30th year, it is particularly rewarding to receive an International gold, considered to be the ‘Oscar’ of the wine industry. Greenfields was the first sparkling wine to be made at Denbies (originally labelled as Classic Cuvée) and comes with its own legacy, having received multiple international awards since its original vintage. Greenfields is made from the best premium hand-picked grapes of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (classic champagne blend) from the estate in the traditional sparkling method. The current vintage is 2011 and the wine was bottled in 2012 after 4 years’ bottle fermentation in the cellars adding to its complexity and richness.
‘Winning an International gold is a tremendous accolade,’ commented Denbies CEO Christopher White, ‘The International Wine Challenge is one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world and it really demonstrates that consistency and quality has and always will be the principal factor in Denbies wine production.’

Denbies recieves 33 awards at the 2015 industry drinks awards

Denbies were very pleased to receive a total of 33 awards at the 2015 industry drinks awards. The prestigious International Wine Challenge, International Wine & Spirit Competition, Decanter Awards and English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition saw Denbies receive accolades across a broad range of wines.

These included multiple Silver Awards for Greenfields 2010, Cubitt Reserve 2009, Bacchus 2013, Bacchus/ Sauvignon 2013, Juniper Hill 2014 and the newly-released Noble Harvest 2014 dessert wine. Whitedowns 2011 also received a Silver Outstanding Award at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

December 2014 - Denbies receives Award for sustainability

December 2014

Cream of the crop Tourism Businesses crowned at The Beautiful South Awards

Denbies receives Award for sustainability

Denbies were delighted to be the recipient of Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Award award for Sustainability at a gala dinner held at Brighton’s iconic Grand Hotel .
Yesterday’s presentation and dinner welcomed over 275 industry professionals from the elite visitor experiences across the South and South East of England and recognised their contribution to the tourism industry. Established over 20 years ago, The Beautiful South Awards help drive ambition and raise standards throughout the region rewarding excellence, quality, innovation and customer service.

‘This is an important award, Denbies places a huge amount of importance on its social and environmental responsibility and for this to be recognised externally is a great boost for the team who work so hard to achieve these goals,’ Chris White, Denbies General Manager.
Peter Colling, Managing Director of Tourism South East, said, “Every year the Beautiful South Awards are a reminder of the amazing wealth of fantastic tourism businesses and experiences South East of England has to offer. And this year the overall standard of entries was higher than ever making it extremely tough for the judges. The winners truly are the best of the best and a match for any in the country. We are now looking forward to our winners taking the spoils at Visit England’s National Tourism Excellence Awards.”

 

Contact:
Jeannette Simpson – Assistant General Manager (Marketing)
Denbies Wine Estate – DL: 01306 734651
Email: [email protected].

October 2014 - Incredible results from a record breaking harvest

October 2014

Incredible results from a record breaking harvest

Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, is currently in the middle of harvesting what is being predicted as the largest and most exciting since the vineyard was planted in 1986. The harvest started unusually early towards the end of September due to particularly favourable weather conditions leading up to the 2014 harvest.
So far over 320 tons of grapes have been picked by a combination of hand and machine picking with at least one more week of picking ahead, the volumes are exceeding the initial crop estimates.

Possibly the most unexpected development so far has been the picking of 4 tons of Ortega which was selectively picked during optimum conditions for noble rot (botrytis). This occurrence only happens very occasionally when the flavours are concentrated by the naturally occurring botrytis that shrivels the skins and adds an intriguing spice with intensely sweet natural flavours. This means that Denbies will be able to produce a 2014 Noble Harvest. Denbies has only every produced three vintages of noble harvest in its 28 year history.

Most recently, Denbies Noble Harvest 2011 was the multiple internationally award winning botrytis dessert wine made from 100% Ortega with residual sugar of 215g/l and total acidity of 6.8 g/l. It was also awarded a regional trophy.

Christopher White, Denbies General Manager commented, ‘the optimum conditions for botrytis occur vary rarely in the UK so it is very exciting when this situation occurs. The volumes are also exceptional there is also an additional plot (2 tons) which has been left out potentially for noble rot to set in.’

In addition, 2014 was a year with very little frost damage so areas of the vineyard are expected to produce some excellent award winning smaller parcels of vineyard select varietals from the 2014 vintage.

‘2014 will be an interesting year for English wine producers as, it is an exciting time for this evolving industry,’ added Chris White.

Denbies Wine estate is located in Dorking, in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Denbies currently produces a range of 14 wines, sparkling, still, white, red and rose.

 

Contact:
Jeannette Simpson – Assistant General Manager (Marketing)
Denbies Wine Estate – DL: 01306 734651
Email: [email protected].

September 2014 - Denbies increases Sauvignon Blanc acreage

September 2014

Denbies increases Sauvignon Blanc acreage

Denbies is very pleased to announce the imminent release of its first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were planted four years ago on a three acre trial plot and this is the first year they have been in production, following the excellent 2013 harvest.
Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France, but changing weather patterns means it can now be grown successfully in England. Based on the success of the first harvest, Denbies have decided to expand the acreage of the sauvignon in 2015.

‘This first release of the sauvignon has been eagerly awaited by Denbies and this once again pushes the boundaries of English wine making. Many years ago English vineyards were told that it would be challenging to grow pinot noir, chardonnay and yet we now produce internationally award winning wines from these grape varieties,’ commented Christopher White, Denbies General Manager, ‘Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular wine and it’s fantastic to think it can now be produced in the UK and sold on a commercial level.’

The 2013 vintage is a limited release of Bacchus/Sauvignon blanc, pale straw in colour with green tinges. The fresh and pungent nose of gooseberry, lime, elderflower and subtle hedgerow leads to a zesty and lively palate consisting of more lime and elderflower with a persistent crisp apple and herbal finish. This is an elegant wine with great complexity and integrity.

Denbies Vintage winemaker Mathieu Elginza has carefully crafted the wine with each component fermented in French oak with one barrel of Sauvignon Blanc going through malolactic fermentation.

Denbies Wine Estate has an excellent reputation for producing award winning premium still wines. In 2011 Denbies was awarded an IWC Gold ‘Best Rose in the world’ for its Chalk Ridge Rose 2010. Last year Denbies achieved a first multiple gold award for its Noble Harvest Dessert wine 2011, an unprecedented achievement for an English dessert wine.
Following the excellent 2013 harvest , 2014 is also looking to develop into an even better year for English Winemakers. There was relatively little frost at optimum bud burst followed with record temperatures through July. Denbies are expecting to commence harvest ten days earlier than normal.

The full range including the Bacchus/Sauvignon Blanc and Denbies Redlands, premium red wine will all be available from the end of September, a total of 10 still premium and 4 sparkling wines.

Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate is family owned and run. It currently has 265 acres under vine. Denbies produces a range of internationally award-winning still white, red, rose and sparkling wines. The Visitor Centre is open to the public daily with both indoor and outdoor wine tours.

 

Contact:
Jeannette Simpson – Assistant General Manager (Marketing)
Denbies Wine Estate – DL: 01306 734651
Email: [email protected].

March 2014 - World’s Elite Cyclists to race through Denbies vineyard

Thursday 20th March 2014

World’s Elite Cyclists to race through Denbies vineyard

The routes were announced today (Thursday 20 March) for the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey events taking place throughout London and Surrey on Sunday 10th August.

It has been confirmed that Denbies vineyard has been chosen as a key part of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic route, with the Surrey part of the race centred on Dorking and the surrounding Surrey Hills, including Ranmore Common (Denbies vineyard), Leith Hill, Staple Lane and Box Hill (which was the pinnacle of the 2012 Olympic race).

Keen to embrace the legacy of this nationwide participation event, Denbies have agreed to donate the use of the Estate for the event which features 150 of the world’s top professional male riders racing through the vineyard.

The Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 is aiming to become one of the biggest charity fundraising events in the world and it is felt that the impact on the area can be outstandingly positive. The introduction of rolling road closures wherever possible in Surrey for the professional men’s event in 2014 and the use of private land rather than public roads will help limit the impact of road closures on local residents.

The organisers have set a target of raising £12 million for charitable causes and Denbies are delighted to be associated with Prudential RideLondon.

Following the collaboration with Surrey Hills and the success of the Surrey Hills Road Race Festival which celebrated the 2012 Olympic Cycling Road Race, a family day out is currently being planned to ensure that the Denbies part of the race is accessible to all.

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills AONB Board Director comments; The Surrey Hills are delighted to be working with Denbies Wine Estate and Mole Valley District Council to celebrate the Prudential Ride London/Surrey coming to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Surrey Hills and our local food and drink producers.

Denbies vineyard regularly hosts sporting and charity related events as the hill climb to Ranmore common represents a huge challenge to participants. The private stretch of road measures around two-and-a-half kilometres long, and has an average gradient of six per cent. It is reported to be tougher than Box Hill.

The major annual event hosted by Denbies is the Bacchus Marathon and Half, organised by local events company Events to Live, in association with Dorking council, which takes place in September. Now in its fifth year, the race attracts in excess of 1,500 participants from all over the globe. This year’s charity benefactor is Princess Alice Hospice. The Bacchus half marathon was voted the 2nd best half marathon in the UK last year by Runner’s World with Mole Valley voted the best place in the country for organised running events, according to the readers of Runner’s World magazine.

Contact:
Jeannette Simpson – Assistant General Manager (Marketing)
Denbies Wine Estate – DL: 01306 734651
Email: [email protected].

February 2014 - Its official! Mole Valley is the best place in the country for organised running events

February 2014

Its official! Mole Valley is the best place in the country for organised running events

Its official! Mole Valley is the best place in the country for organised running events, according to the readers of Runner’s World magazine.  The magazine in their February 2014 issue, has awarded eight local events in their ‘Races of the Year’ for 2013.

Event organisers Events to Live and Trionium, both based in Ashtead, organise several events in the area.  Featuring local beauty spots such as Polesden Lacey, Box Hill and Denbies Vineyard as their headquarters.

Events to Live owned by Alan Burrows and Nicky Donbavand, organise three of the events commended.  Their largest, the Bacchus Half Marathon, scooped second in the best half marathon in the country category.

The Bacchus Half Marathon, held in September, attracted runners and walkers from all over the globe in 2013. People from Canada, Oman, Australia and the USA travelled to the county to take part.  Over 1000 participants enjoyed the beautiful Mole Valley scenery as they passed along Ranmore common and the North Downs Way.  All runners had the opportunity to sample award winning Denbies Wines at the seven feed stations around the 13 mile loop.  This event is unique in the country.

Alan Burrows race director of Events to Live said, ‘We’re thrilled to have scooped this accolade.  We have worked really hard over the last few years to establish Bacchus as one of the best events in the race calendar.  The fact this is voted for by the race participants makes it really special’.

Jeanette Simpson, Assistant General Manager at Denbies said, ‘Last year was the 4th year of Bacchus and it has developed into a fantastic day event.  The organisation by Events to Live is faultless and the energy and enthusiasm by all participants’ is tremendous.  This is a great event that showcases the Surrey Hills perfectly and at the same time, the volume of new visitors the race attracts to the area cannot be underestimated.’

Events to Live also collected third most scenic event for the Surrey Badger Half Marathon, also based from Denbies Vineyard in July and eighth best 10k for the Polesden Lacey 10k in June.  Events to live have

helped raise over £100,000 for various local charities.   The Events to

Live website is www.eventstolive.co.uk.

Trionium Events, organise events that are challenging and scenic.  So, it was no surprise their events scored three of the top ten positions in the scenic category.  First overall was the Knacker Cracker 10k.  Held on New Years’ Day this race features fabulous scenery, runners in fancy dress and a massive four ascents of Box Hill.

Box Hill is also the feature in the second placed scenic event, the Midsummer Munro.  Also organised by Trionium, the climb and loss of 3000 feet on this savage course adds up to the equivalent of a Munro, the name given to a Scottish mountain that peak at this height.

Trionium organiser, Dr Rob McCaffrey said ‘we are delighted to be featured in the Runner’s World awards.  Trionium events have raised

£35,726.78 for charity since the first Trionium race, the Knacker Cracker on 1 January 2004’.

Trionium also had the Ashtead 10k, eighth in the scenic category; the Greensand marathon in October, fourth in the Marathon category and the Leith Hill Half Marathon in March, third in the half-marathon category.

Both are based from the Priory School in Dorking.  For more information see www.trionium.com

ENDS

Notes to editor

Events to Live was set up by Alan Burrows and Nicky Donbavand in 2011 after running their events initially through the specialist running shop Run to Live.  They have been organising events for seven years.  Events to Live was set up primarily to raise money and the profile for various local charities.  This year, they are supporting Princess Alice Hospice; First Touch Neonatal Unit at St Georges Hospital; National Trust; Surrey Wildlife Trust; Down’s Syndrome; Children’s Trust; Girl-Guiding Surrey East and British Red Cross.  For more information contact Nicky Donbavand, [email protected]

 

Trionium was established by Dr Rob McCaffrey in 2004.  The first running of the Knacker Cracker in 2004 attracted 18 brave runners. The race was ‘organised’ in less than a month. One gentleman arrived at the start 20 minutes late, reeking of booze, and asked if there was a race on.  They pointed him in the right direction, and he eventually came sixth.  Today Trionium organise eight events, at least a year in advance, including the world famous UK Wife Carrying race.  Last year the race was featured on ‘Good Morning’ with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby http://www.trionium.com/wife/.

For more information contact Dr Rob McCaffrey, [email protected]

February 2014 - Denbies Bacchus Marathon celebrates 5th year

February 2014

Denbies Bacchus Marathon celebrates 5th year

If you are looking for an organised event that raises money for a fabulous charity and is full of fun, then this one is definitely for you.

Events to Live in association with Dorking Council and Denbies Vineyard (the largest vineyard in England) are delighted to announce the 5th Bacchus Festival.  Including a marathon, half-marathon and 2.5k fun run taking place on Sunday 14th September 2014.  This year’s charity benefactor is Princess Alice Hospice.

The Bacchus half marathon was voted the 2nd best half marathon in the UK last year by Runner’s World.

The Bacchus festival is unique in the UK.  Held just before the grape harvest in September, entrants are invited to sample Denbies award winning wine as they run or walk the event.  The course follows paths and bridleways through the spectacular North Downs. The emphasis of this race is fun and so participants are strongly encouraged to wear fancy dress.  The best outfit wins a prize!  Family fun runs and a space hopper time trial also add to the fun.

Race director, Alan Burrows, said ‘Participants get a chance to sample the best wines on offer from the Denbies Estate.  Water stations are provided every two miles and will host the wine tasting and nibbles.

Although the course is undulating, the last mile is all downhill, with glorious views overlooking Denbies Wine Estate and the beautiful Mole Valley’.

Participants are greeted at the finish with a bespoke medal, technical tee shirt, hot drinks, water or juice, fresh fruit, cake and a hog roast BBQ, all washed down by a glass of Denbies fine wine.  Event sponsor, Powerbar UK www.powerbar.co.uk also provide energy products at the water stations.  Race prizes are donated by local running specialist store, Run to Live based in nearby Ashtead Village www.runtolive.co.uk, Mizuno Running, Yurbuds and Gore Running Wear.

There is also a team of sports masseurs from locally based Fine Fettle Multi-Health Care to ease those aching muscles before and after the event.

Nicky Donbavand, Managing Director of Events to Live said ‘We are really excited to be able to organise this event once again.  As well as raising money for Princess Alice Hospice we are also hoping the event will generate a lot of interest and boost visitors to the area’.  This event has sold out every year since the race’s inception, so this year entries have been increased to 2000.

Jeanette Simpson, Denbies Marketing Manager commented: “Denbies is England’s largest vineyard producing a range of 12 award winning wines, all of which can be sampled en-route.  This is designed to be a really fun event – fancy dress is to be encouraged and there will be a post-race BBQ to add to the party atmosphere”.

In the past, Denbies Vineyard has been awarded the ‘Best wine in the world’ accolade for their Chalk Ridge Rose in the International Wine Challenge Competition and featured on BBC1’s ‘The Apprentice’ as a market leader in the production of English Sparking Wine.

There is a generous eight hour cut off for the marathon and seven hours for the half-marathon.  The event is suitable for walkers as well as runners and so walkers are most welcome.

All Events to Live events have strong links with charities in the local area.  They assist with fund raising as well as helping to raise the profile of the fabulous work the charities do.  The nominated charity for the Bacchus is Princess Alice Hospice.  A charity dedicated to helping the terminally and seriously ill.

A portion of the entry fee will go to Princess Alice Hospice and (although not compulsory), participants are encouraged to raise money either for this or their own nominated charity.

Groups of ten or more attract a 10% discount on application.  Contact Alan at [email protected].

Further details of the Bacchus festival can be found at www.eventstolive.co.uk

January 2014 - A Day of Horticulture in the heart of the Surrey Hills’ NEW FOR 2014

January 2014

A Day of Horticulture in the heart of the Surrey Hills’ NEW FOR 2014

Following the success of Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard and Mayfield Lavender’s ‘A Day in Provence’ group joint tour. Denbies Wine Estate are very pleased to announce another unique day out in the Surrey Hills commencing in June 2014.

Denbies and Village Greens Farm Shop (located on the estate adjacent to the main building) have introduced ‘A Day of Horticulture’. Visitors are invited to explore the wildlife and outdoor beauty of Denbies Estate which traverses 600 acres, 265 under vine. Village Greens Farm Shop, also located on the estate is currently cultivating the original walled Kitchen Garden.

This day combines outdoor vistas followed by choice of talks from Village Greens Head Horticulturist.

As spring spreads rapidly through the vineyard, Denbies Outdoor Train is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the estate. Available from the first bud burst of Spring to the blazing colours of the autumn harvest, this 45-minute vineyard tour takes visitors at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard. A recorded commentary enhances the trip making it an informative and comfortable way to experience the magnificent panoramic views of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. Throughout the seasons the changing scenery captures the imagination, from the first bud burst of spring to the opulent vines of the autumn.

Followed by a visit to Denbies Village Greens Farm Shop with a choice of:

Talk 1 – Gardening for Wildlife

A one hour talk that will guide you through simple and effective ways to encourage wildlife to visit your garden, even if you only have a window box. Includes wildlife friendly gift to take home.

Talk 2 – Growing your own Cut Flowers

A one hour talk that will guide you through the simple steps needed to get started in growing beautiful, natural, environmentally friendly blooms for your home, as gifts and for special occasions. You will also receive a gift to take home.

‘We are delighted to be offering this new tour,’ comments Kelly Walsh, Denbies Wine Estate Events Manager, ‘the dynamic between the two businesses is perfect and really does offer visitors an informative day out.’

The duration of the tours is approximately 2 hrs. Minimum group x 10/ £15 per person

Contact:
Jeannette Simpson – Marketing
Denbies Wine Estate – DL: 01306 734651
Email: [email protected].

Denbies Wine Estate
▪ Restaurants – A la Carte & Servery Style/Denbies of Dorking Wine & Gift Shop/Kitchen Garden Farm Shop/Winery & Vineyard Tours/Free Admission & car/coach parking on-site

Located off M25, J 9/10

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Denbies Wine Estate
Denbies Wine Estate