The Everyday Histories of Mole Valley’s vineyards over the last 2000 years

The Mole Valley Geological Society has researched the geology of Mole Valley and Wealden vineyards for many years. Everyday drinking of local wine has been common in Mole Valley for two millennia. Vineyards were widespread across Roman Britain. Clear evidence of viticulture has recently been discovered at Abinger Roman villa and oral history tells of another at Bagden. A vineyard flourished for 75 years at Deepdene.

Modern vineyards include Thorncroft Manor and the famous Denbies estate – founded on the research of the MVGS President. During the last 2000 years UK viticulture was closely related to climatic variations, though Deepdene vineyard was one of several that flourished during the Little Ice Age in Mole Valley and the surrounding country.

The talks on the history and geology of Mole Valley everyday viticulture are separated by a tasting of Mole Valley wine. To avoid disappointment the MVGS committee gives advance notice that only modern wine will be available.