Field Trip to Denbies Vineyard, Dorking, Surrey

FIELD TRIP TO DENBIES VINEYARD, DORKING, SURREY: A GEOVITICULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA ARRANGED FOR KINGSTON GEOLOGY ALUMNI LUXURY SOUVENIR PROGRAMME

Leader: Professor Dick Selley (Kingston 1958-61), Department of Earth Science, Imperial College & author of ‘The Winelands of Britain’

2 December 2006

Surrey, in general, and Dorking in particular, has a long association with wine. Several vineyards flourished in the county during the Little Ice Age of the 17th and 18th centuries, notably at Painshill Park, Albury and Deepdene. In the last century vineyards were planted near Dorking at Thorncroft and Denbies. Denbies covers some 104 hectares (260 acres) and is believed to be the largest vineyard in Europe. It is planted with 19 different cultivars, and produces a range of red, white and sparkling wines. It was established on the recommendation of a notorious local geologist, who, applying the French concept of ‘terroir’, recognised the favourable combination of topography and geology, coupled with the beneficial effects of global warming. The Cretaceous chalk, on which Denbies is largely planted, crops out in the Champagne area of France, and is noted for its dual pore system of fractures and intercoccolithic shelter porosity. The fractures ensure that the vines are always well-drained, but in the dry season they may obtain moisture from the microporosity between the fractures.

South to North cross-section through northern Surrey showing the location of vineyards, ancient and modern. Note their positions on well-drained south-facing slopes.

Resultant upon their appreciation of fine wines the inhabitants of Dorking required cellarage. To this end a series of extensive interconnecting caves were excavated beneath the private and public houses of downtown Dorking. These were cut into the Folkestone Beds of the Lower Greensand, and enable a fossil tidal sand body to be studied from the inside.

For further details on the winelands of Britain see: www.winelandsofbritain.co.uk ITINERARY

The maximum number of people allowed on the winery tour is 20, and on the caves tour is 12. First come, first served.

10.30 Assemble at Denbies winery car park, one mile north of Dorking on the A24 (TQ163511). The winery is reached from a roundabout with a brown tourist sign. Full details of location are on www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk. Condense into as few cars as possible. Drive into Dorking.

11.00 Tour of Dorking Caves to see inside a tidal sand body of the Folkestone Sand (Lower Greensand). Opportunity to admire wine vaults, abandoned well shafts and mystery chamber dating back to the late 17th century (Note: the cave tour is not epic. Hard hats are not required. Sensible shoes - no open-toed sandals). Most of the tour is on one level, but to reach the mystery chamber requires the descent and ascent of a 20metre staircase. This may not suit people with heart problems, pregnancy, claustrophobia or arachnophobia. Asthmatics please bring nebulisers.

12.30 Pay as you go lunch in the Conservatory Restaurant at Denbies Winery, where a table has been reserved. The restaurant is self service, and offers a selection of hot & cold food & a wide range of fine wines.

14.00 Tour of Denbies Winery. This includes a 20 minutes IMAX film on the geology of the vineyard starring a notorious local geologist, a ride in a ‘train’ through the winery (delicious aroma at this time of year) and into the cellars for a tutored tasting of three of Denbies fine wines.

3.45 Opportunity to buy wine and a diverse range of other items in the winery shop. Depart convivially into the bucolic Surrey countryside……….

COST: The cost for petraphobes will be £6.25 per person for the wine tour. For petraphiles coming on the cave tour the additional cost will be £4.20pp for the maximum party of 12 that is allowed, pro-rata more for less people

LEADER CONTACT DETAILS: email: [email protected] home phone: 01306 882026. Mobile 07714490725.