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Helping you discover the best of Britain’s vineyards
Litmus Wines Ltd photo

Litmus Wines Ltd

Uncork a bottle from a winemaker whose 'Element 20' still wine range pays homage to the ancient chalk soils, formed by millennia of tiny coccolith sea creatures.

globe icon https://www.litmuswines.com

Address icon London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA. Get directions

Train icon Nearest station: Dorking (0.5 miles).
Approx walking time: 10 minutes.


Online shop
Winery on site
Award-winning
Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Litmus Wines is a serious English winemaker focused on crafting complex and balanced cool-climate wines, moving beyond traditional fruity styles. Their approach centers on quality and innovation within the English wine scene.

Visiting information

Litmus Wines is located within the expansive Denbies Wine Estate. As an independent producer, Litmus Wines does not appear to offer separate public tours or a cellar door on their website. Visitors interested in experiencing Litmus Wines products may do so through Denbies Wine Estate's tasting rooms and shop, or by contacting Litmus Wines directly for specific inquiries.

The Wine

Litmus Wines produces a range of still wines, notably red, white, and orange. Their portfolio includes a distinctive Orange Bacchus, which received a score of 90 from Decanter. They also produce a Red Pinot Noir and a White Pinot (from Pinot Noir grapes), reflecting a focus on creating wines that highlight the best of English winemaking. The winemaker, John Worontschak, aims for balance, complexity, and length of flavour in his wines, having been involved in English winemaking since 1988. Litmus Wines has also received Bronze Ribbons in The Real Review awards.

Regarding viticultural practices, the Litmus Red Pinot Noir is explicitly noted as "Organic No." While located at Denbies Wine Estate, which is UKCCC Net Zero certified, Litmus Wines does not explicitly detail its own specific organic, regenerative, or sustainability certifications on its website. Litmus Wines is known for its winemaking expertise, having been founded by John Worontschak who established a contract winemaking company in 1988 before creating the Litmus range. Their wines are produced with meticulous attention to detail, often using grapes from specific vineyards like Martin's Lane in Essex for their Pinot Noir.

Getting here

Litmus Wines is located at Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA.

By Car
From the M25, exit at Junction 9 and follow the A24 south towards Dorking. At the Denbies roundabout, take the third exit onto Bradley Lane and follow it to the main building.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Dorking Station, which is approximately a 15-minute walk to Denbies Wine Estate. Bus services such as the 465 (Kingston – Leatherhead – Dorking) and 21 (Epsom – Leatherhead – Dorking) also serve the area. A taxi from Dorking Station to Denbies Wine Estate takes about 1-3 minutes and costs approximately £5-£8.

What's nearby

  • Other Vineyards:
    • Albury Organic Vineyard
    • High Clandon Estate Vineyard
  • Notable Restaurants:
    • The White Horse – A historic pub and hotel in Dorking offering a dining experience.
    • The Running Horses – A highly-rated pub and restaurant in Mickleham, close to Dorking.
  • Notable Hotels:
  • Notable Attractions:
    • Box Hill – Part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning views and walking trails.
    • Polesden Lacey – An elegant Edwardian house and gardens managed by the National Trust.

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