Denbies Vineyard Hotel, designed with long-term environmental benefits in mind, continues to pave the way for sustainable green tourism. Further to the opening of a new Wine Library in May 2022, the solar generated power at Denbies has been doubled, enabling the hotel to run on its own independent energy source around the clock.

New for 2022 – Investment in PV solar generation
At a time where climate friendly solutions are in the greatest demand, Christopher White, Denbies CEO, has pledged to offset the investment in future projects with a percentage investment in green initiatives.

The hotel extension was added to Denbies Wine Estate in 2019 and was built adopting the best measures available to achieve carbon neutral status. This reduces the impact on the environment and blends the hotel building into the natural surroundings of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the North Downs.

When the establishment fully reopened in mid-2021 – running at near full occupancy – the existing solar was struggling to meet the demands of the hotel. By doubling the power generated from PV panels feeding into 15KW of Tesla batteries, the hotel now runs self-sufficiently, 24 hours a day.

Outside the hotel, electric car charging points and cycle parking facilities have been installed to encourage visitors to use sustainable transport methods.

Christopher White comments: ‘As one of the UK’s major wine producers and one of the largest wine tourism destinations in the south-east, we feel it is important to make major changes when the opportunities present themselves. The development of the hospitality side of the business has presented a perfect opportunity. This latest investment will be a big draw for eco-friendly tourists looking to stay in the area.’

New for 2022 – Denbies Wine Library
The latest addition to the hotel is the Wine Library lounge, adjacent to the restaurant. With clever use of shapes and materials, the design of the Wine Library reflects all aspects of the wine making process. The curvature of the building replicates a wine barrel, together with a wall lined with antique riddling racks. The main feature of the Wine Library is the magnificent floor to ceiling wine wall, displaying a range of Denbies vintages dating back to 1993. An enomatic wine machine is the central focus of the wall, where customers can select from a choice of wines to taste by the glass.

The Wine Library is the perfect spot for hotel residents to unwind and generally enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the estate. It can also be hired for exclusive use for tastings and private dining.

Denbies Vineyard Hotel opened in September 2019. The hotel offers an oasis of calm with its prime location in the heart of the Surrey Hills wine country, just one hour from Central London.

Views overlooking the 265 acres of vines, North Downs Way and the iconic Box Hill set the scene for this hidden gem. The vineyard itself offers seven miles of public footpath, which includes part of the North Downs Trail, making this a perfect destination for those seeking a serene stay.

Further announcements will be released shortly on Denbies’ next phase of eco initiatives that will positively benefit the environment in Surrey and the surrounding areas.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Vineyard Hotel:
• 17 en-suite bedrooms
• Orangery Vineyard Restaurant
• Wine Library lounge
• All weather outdoor dining facilities
• Landscaped gardens
• Built to achieve carbon neutral status

About Denbies:

  • Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards. With 265 acres currently under vine it has a production capacity of 1 million bottles. The first vines were planted on the estate in 1986.
  • The award winning Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking was founded by White family in 1984.
  • The estate continues to be owned and managed by the next generation. Christopher White, Denbies CEO, has been at the helm for over 20 years. Under his leadership, Denbies has become one of the largest and most successful wineries in England.
  • Carbon neutral:
    Denbies is committed to establishing the best practice in green-tourism.
    Denbies’ proximity to Dorking mainline train station (London Waterloo/Victoria/Gatwick) also makes it an attractive destination for those travelling from further afar.
    Denbies Vineyard Hotel was designed to blend into the natural surroundings of the North Downs and fit the specific Surrey Hills AONB criteria for aesthetics and functionality. The estate holds a Green Tourism Gold status and back in 2016, was awarded Green Business of the Year Award.

For press enquiries, or to request images, please contact Jeannette Simpson 01306 734651
jsimpson@denbiesvineyard.co.uk or visit www.denbies.co.uk