Greyfriars Vineyard

Greyfriars was originally planted in 1989 and was one of the first vineyards in England to plant traditional Champagne varietals. Since 2011 the vineyard was expanded by planting an additional 40 acres of the three classic Champagne grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Today it covers 50 acres over 3 sites.
The family run winery has most recently focused predominantly on making high quality sparkling wines, using the 'traditional method'. The 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. The chalk geology of the North and South Downs is the same as one finds in Champagne and is particularly good for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Surrey North Downs Region

The North Downs are a ridge of chalk hills in the south east of England. Its rolling chalk slopes, warm climate and south facing escarpment make The North Downs a fantastic place to grow wine. Grapevines are just one of several plant species that are able to survive in this unique environment, which are scarce or not found elsewhere in the British Isles.