Tanhurst Vineyard

https://tanhurstestate.co.uk/

Birketts Farm, Tanhurst Ln, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking RH5 6LZ Get directions

Nearest station: Dorking West (6.4 miles).

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

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

What's the vibe

Tanhurst Vineyard offers a tranquil, family-run escape nestled on the beautiful slopes of Leith Hill, within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. It's a place designed for visitors to unwind, explore nature, and enjoy fine English wines in a setting that values both winemaking and wildlife.

Visiting information

Can you pop in for a drink or do you need to pre-book a tour?
Tanhurst Estate welcomes visitors to its charming cafe barn, the Hither Barn, where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed setting. For organised wine tastings or tours, it is advisable to check their website or contact them directly, as some events require pre-booking.

Does it have regular or irregular tour dates?
Tour and tasting dates are typically associated with specific events or are announced seasonally. The vineyard aims to expand its offerings with "curated tastings and guided experiences" that showcase its unique landscape and winemaking process.

Is it open year-round?
While the vineyard offers accommodation year-round, specific opening times for the cafe and tours vary seasonally. The cafe has been open during summer months.

Is there a restaurant or cafe on site?
Yes, there is a cafe barn on site, which celebrated its opening in April 2025.

What kind of special events are there?
Tanhurst Estate hosts a variety of special events, including "Cheese, Wine & Live Music" evenings and "Live Jazz" sessions. These events often include wine and food pairings, sometimes with live performances.

Is there accommodation on site?
Yes, Tanhurst Estate offers on-site accommodation in four delightful holiday cottages and converted barns. Two of the cottages are dog-friendly, while the barns are not. Can dogs/children come?
Dogs are welcome in the dog-friendly holiday cottages and the cafe area caters to dog walkers. Children are permitted at some events, such as the Cheese & Wine Tasting, where non-alcoholic options are provided for under 18s.

The Wine

Tanhurst Vineyard cultivates a variety of grapes suited to the English climate, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir Précoce, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Cortis. The first vines were planted in 2020, and the vineyard produced its first vintage in 2022: a delicate rosé. They are now bottling their first white wine for an autumn release and plan to launch a sparkling rosé in the future. The focus is on producing high-quality English still and sparkling wines.

The vineyard has a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Grass grows naturally between the vine rows, reducing soil erosion and providing vital food for pollinators. The estate also manages its woodlands under a countryside steward scheme, fostering a haven for diverse wildlife like buzzards, kestrels, and various farm birds. Their on-site winery, converted from an old barn, was built with sustainability in mind, contributing to a low carbon footprint by producing wine locally. Tanhurst Estate is a member of the 'Vineyards of the Surrey Hills', an organisation that champions environmental sustainability within the region's wine industry. The vineyard does not currently list any specific wine awards.

The vineyard boasts its own fully equipped winery on the estate, where all their fine English wines are expertly cared for, developed, blended, and bottled under the guidance of winemaker Salvatore Leone. This on-site winery ensures that the wines truly reflect the unique terroir of Leith Hill.

Getting here

By Car Tanhurst Vineyard is located at Birketts Farm, Tanhurst Lane, Holmbury St Mary, Surrey RH5 6LZ. The estate offers an EV charger for electric vehicles.

By Public Transport The nearest train stations are Dorking and Ockley. From Dorking, a taxi ride to the vineyard would take approximately 15-20 minutes. From Ockley, a taxi ride is slightly shorter, around 10-15 minutes. A walk from either station is not practical.

What's nearby

Notable Restaurants:
- The Plough Inn, Coldharbour - A classic country pub with a focus on local produce, located deep within the Surrey Hills.
- The Merry Harriers, Hambledon - A charming 16th-century inn offering boutique bedrooms and a menu centred on local, seasonal ingredients.
Notable Hotels:
- Barnett Hill Hotel, Guildford - An elegant 4-star luxury boutique hotel set in 26 acres of gardens, offering views of the Surrey Hills.
- Wotton House, Dorking - A historic country house hotel surrounded by landscaped gardens, offering a blend of heritage and modern luxury.
Notable Attractions:
- Leith Hill Tower - The highest point in South East England, offering panoramic views across the Surrey Hills and beyond.
- Silent Pool - A renowned beauty spot known for its clear spring water and nearby Silent Pool Gin Distillery, offering tours and tastings.