High Clandon Vineyard

Imagine a wild flower meadow on a perfect summer’s day in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Add to this a collection of sculptures by a variety of contemporary artists set amongst the flowers, which in turn are juxtaposed to the slopes of a successful English vineyard.

The occasion was a charity event hosted by the owners of High Clandon to raise funds for Cherry Trees, a respite home for disabled children. The day could not have been more perfect to view the sculptures and to taste the exquisite sparkling wine. Crafted from a trio of champagne grapes, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, and with a maturation of over five years, the end product has won a number of coveted awards.

Amidst the wild flowers stood pastel coloured beehives and ponds covered with water lilies, alive with tadpoles and newts. Many of the sculptures took their inspiration from nature and included the most handsome fox to the classic hare and tortoise.

Ordinarily, High Clandon can be visited by appointment only for a tour, talk, and tasting. There is a permanent exhibition of “art of the moment” in the atmospheric Glass Barn and, on a clear day, views from the main terrace take in London and beyond. For more information go to www.highclandon.co.uk