The UK's wine scene is going from strength to strength, and so, if you're looking for ideas on somewhere to enjoy a special day out, have a romantic dinner or even plan a mini break, a scenic vineyard like Denbies Wine Estate could be just the thing.
Found in the Surrey countryside, Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is proudly one of England’s largest single estate vineyards and since establishing in the late 1980s, has continued to be independently owned and run. Guests of the vineyard can book onto an outdoors tour around the grounds, try a wine tasting session inside and top off their day with a delicious dinner at The Vineyard Restaurant.
The Vineyard Restaurant is open every evening for dinner (though timings vary ever-so-slightly from week to weekend) and known for its stunning orangery, which offers views out over the vineyards, which of course makes it one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a meal in the region. Other USPs include bespoke, hand-crafted wooden furniture and calming interiors rooted in a natural colour palette, as well as all-weather cabana-style seating areas providing an extra-special setting.
The menu is seasonal and changes every three months with swaps here and there depending on the best produce at the time. You can find a sample menu online which at the moment includes options like wild mushroom velouté with goats cheese cream and artisan bread, alongside chicken and black pudding terrine with apricot gel and balsamic pearls to start.
For mains, guests might tuck into pan-fried chicken supreme with potato pavé and roasted vine tomato with caramelised shallots and red wine jus or perhaps the fish of the day with charcoal mash, sautéed clams, Beurre Blanc and rock samphire. While the dessert selection sounds delicious, particularly the rhubarb frangipane tart with rhubarb compote. Of course, each dish comes with a wine pairing suggestion, which is the best way to do it.