OK so unfortunately these aren’t all on offer every day (just imagine. . .) but Denbies has more going on than we ever realised.

Firstly, the wine: incredible, a stack of international awards are testament to that, which gives us an excellent excuse to pay a visit (you can also buy online but where’s the fun in that?). Then, the tours: as a standard level you can go on an indoor winery tour (6 a day and more on Saturdays) or around the vineyard, riding a dinky train while taking stunning photos.

However, what OUT loves is the additional services that can turn your experience into an adult dream day out. Fancy combining a wine tour with cheese making? Tick. Want to pay a visit to a gin kitchen and enjoy a G&T before your lunch and wine tour? Tick. Afternoon tea? Running a marathon around the vineyard while dressed us as a bunch of grapes? Riding the aforementioned vineyard train while it’s covered in fairy lights and finishing up in a Christmas grotto? TICK TICK TICK.

The more conservative among us may like to know that there is a choice of restaurants (we particularly recommend the Brunch with a View on weekend mornings), loads of free parking, a huge gift shop and 7 miles of public footpaths amongst the vineyards.

Finally, while you’re there, pay a visit to the Village Green Farm Shop: open 7 days a week, the shop offers masses of fresh local produce and groceries, including veggies grown on the Denbies estate. The shop also has regular Food Fairs – farmers market style events jampacked with local producers selling their wares. Handily the next one is on Saturday 28th September from 10-4, what more of an excuse do you need?

For more info and full details of the Bacchus Marathon and Santa’s Cellar Grotto, visit denbies.co.uk

Words by
Hannah Watts