West Fisher Winery: A New Home in the Surrey Countryside
A New Chapter for a Small Surrey Winery
West Fisher Winery has begun an exciting new chapter in its story. After years of operating from Clacket Lane, the small but determined English wine producer has relocated to The Courtyard at Elm Farm on Old Farleigh Road in Farleigh Common, Warlingham, Surrey. The move, completed on 4 June, marks the start of a multi-year renovation project that the team estimates will take around two years to complete, followed by another year of finishing touches before the site reaches its full potential.
The winery has been granted a 33-year lease on the new site by Merton College, securing its long-term future in the Surrey countryside. The new location offers more than double the square footage of the old Clacket Lane premises and provides a concrete courtyard, ample outside seating, parking for up to four camper vans with water and power hook-up available, and crucially, 16 acres of adjacent land for dog walkers and visitors to explore.
Why Move?
The team's time at Clacket Lane, while formative, was not without its challenges. As the owners candidly admit, the previous site kept the dream alive but has not been the easiest of roads. Rather than dwelling on past difficulties, the team has focused firmly on the future, taking the bold step to relocate and invest in a long-term home for the business.
The new site at Elm Farm places West Fisher alongside the Surrey Wildlife Trust, which controls the majority of the farm, including the larger barns, the old milking shed, a lovely listed farmhouse, and the surrounding land. West Fisher occupies the original courtyard buildings with parking to the rear. The team is currently renovating four buildings, two of which are reportedly on the verge of falling down. Despite the scale of the work, the team is determined to press on, and there is clearly a lot of interest in the new site from local wine enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Renovation Plans and Infrastructure
The renovation work is extensive and will be carried out in phases. New gates, fencing, drainage, power supplies, security cameras, and security lighting are all on the to-do list, alongside fitting out a modest tasting room with toilets. Importantly, there will be no industrial use on site. West Fisher is classified as an agricultural business, a key factor in Merton College's decision to grant the lease and a reassurance to local residents concerned about traffic or disturbance.
Only sporadic deliveries, typically small trucks during harvest or in the early months of the year when contract wines are shipped out, will visit the site. The majority of grapes are delivered by car or small van, keeping traffic and disruption to a minimum. Surrey Wildlife Trust is reportedly happy to have West Fisher on site and is looking forward to the courtyard and the surrounding buildings being sorted out, as well as the security of having an active neighbour right on their doorstep.
The team has already developed a great working relationship with the Trust and looks forward to strengthening that relationship as the renovations progress.
The New Tasting Room and Facilities
The new tasting room is approximately 20% larger than the previous one and, importantly, is single-story, making it disabled-friendly. Outside seating will be available directly adjacent to the tasting room, with additional seating on the other side of the courtyard. The site will also feature a dedicated office - a luxury the team has clearly missed - plus a workshop and outside toilets.
Visitors can also look forward to a range of new refreshment options beyond wine. The team has introduced a charcuterie option to accompany tastings (which has proven very popular), and future plans include pizza, bacon rolls, cakes, and - for those who prefer something non-alcoholic - coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Beer, cider, and spirits will also be available, positioning West Fisher as a destination not only for wine lovers but also for dog walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horse riders looking for morning coffee and cake.
The new premises is much more accessible than Clacket Lane, with a concrete courtyard and ongoing improvements to the car park. Up to four camper vans will be able to park in the courtyard, with outside toilets and the option of water hook-up and power available (for an additional fee). One delightful quirk of the new location is that Spitfires from the historic Kenley airfield fly over the new winery quite often, meaning the team can proudly keep the Spitfire imagery that has long featured in their literature and banners.
Wine Tasting Experiences and Prices
West Fisher offers two main tasting experiences, both designed to showcase the breadth of their wine range alongside local produce. A 50% deposit is required to secure all bookings.
Classic Cheese & Biscuit Tasting
The classic tasting pairs any six wines of the customer's choosing with a cheese and biscuit platter. Prices are structured per group:
- For 2 people: £50
- For 4 people: £90
Cheese & Charcuterie Tasting
For those wanting a more substantial offering, the cheese platter can be upgraded to include a charcuterie board, providing a light lunch option:
- For 2 people: £70
- For 4 people: £120
All tastings allow guests to try any six of the wines currently available, in any order they like. The team is happy to answer questions about UK wine production, the winery's story, and future plans, and can show visitors around the winemaking equipment if there is an interest in the production process. There will be a selection of cheeses and biscuits available, and guests are welcome to help themselves throughout the tasting. If the charcuterie option has been ordered, the platter will be delivered to the table.
Buffet Service for Larger Groups
For larger gatherings, West Fisher offers a buffet service at £20 per person with a minimum of 10 people. The team is happy to tailor offerings where possible for those with specific requirements.
Guests with dietary requirements (such as gluten-free options) are asked to note these in the special comments box when booking. Gluten-free biscuits are stocked as standard, but the team recommends giving advance notice to ensure sufficient stock is on hand during busy periods.
The Wines and Liqueurs
West Fisher remains committed to the production of quality wines and supporting small producers in the UK. Production from the 2025 harvest has been completed, and the team is also reintroducing their liqueur range in 2026, time permitting. The business also produces contract wines for other small producers, shipping these out in the early months of the year.
While the focus in 2026 is on direct bookings and contract winemaking, all wines are available to purchase from the winery, either for collection or with free local delivery. Orders can be placed by phone, and visitors passing by are welcome to drop in. The online shop is being rebuilt after the move, so customers are encouraged to call ahead to check current stock if there is any doubt about availability.
All wines are available to purchase on the day of a tasting, either to enjoy on the premises or to take home. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. The winery stocks a range of liqueurs in addition to its wines, adding extra variety to the cellar door experience.
One important note from the team: West Fisher is not a vineyard. The winery sources its grapes but does not have its own vineyard.
Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly
West Fisher is firmly child and dog friendly, with the team welcoming families and four-legged visitors alike. Dogs must be kept on a lead for the safety of other guests, but with 16 acres of land behind the car park and numerous public footpaths nearby, there is plenty of space for dog walking before or after a tasting. The relaxed, rural setting makes West Fisher an ideal weekend destination for Surrey families looking for something a little different.
Show Dates and Markets in 2026
Given the demands of the upcoming move and the renovations it entails, West Fisher is not planning to attend many markets or shows in 2026. The team will still attend Warlingham Market, at least in March, April, and May, but has no immediate plans to attend larger events during this transitional year. Energy and resources are focused on getting the new tasting room operational.
Customers wanting to check weekend opening times at the new site are encouraged to call the mobile number, while deals are also available via Groupon and Wowcher. Mention the Groupon price when booking directly to receive the equivalent discount.
Returns and Refund Policy
West Fisher offers a no-quibble refund policy. The team is proud to report that their returns rate is less than 0.2% of total sales, an impressive statistic that speaks to the quality and consistency of the products on offer. The business never shares or stores personal customer information with any third party.
Practical Information for Visiting
West Fisher's new home is at The Courtyard, Elm Farm, Old Farleigh Road, Farleigh Common, Warlingham, CR6 9PE, United Kingdom. The location can also be found via the what3words address ///turns.brush.goal, or by using this Google Maps link. Plenty of public footpaths lead to and from the site, making it easy to combine a visit with a countryside walk.
The opening policy is refreshingly simple: if the gates are open then the winery is open. Once fully operational, the site will cater to drop-in customers throughout the day, with the team aiming to attract dog walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horse riders for morning coffee and cake, possibly with a bacon roll or two.
Booking Your Visit
Bookings are now being taken for the end of August / September 2026 onwards, once the tasting room is fully operational. Customers can book directly through the West Fisher bookings page, or take advantage of deals available via Groupon and Wowcher. Wines can be purchased through the West Fisher online shop (currently being updated post-move).
For any queries, customers can:
- Call: 07760 437 185 (the current mobile number - note that the old landline 01959 561 372 is no longer in service and will not divert)
- Email: info@westfisher.co.uk
- Visit: The Courtyard, Elm Farm, Old Farleigh Road, Farleigh Common, Warlingham, CR6 9PE, United Kingdom
West Fisher is active on Facebook and Instagram, where the team shares progress on the renovations and updates on opening hours and stock availability.
A Winery With Heart
West Fisher is more than just a business producing wine. It is a small team passionate about UK wine, sustainable agriculture, and building relationships with neighbours and visitors alike. The team's openness about the new site and willingness to discuss plans with anyone who calls by demonstrates a refreshing transparency that is rare in any industry.
With Surrey Wildlife Trust as their neighbour, a 33-year lease secured, and a clear vision for the future, West Fisher is poised to become a beloved destination for wine lovers, foodies, dog walkers, and anyone seeking a peaceful slice of Surrey countryside for the foreseeable future. The team's previous press, which they describe as a death trap sold to them as working, has been replaced and a new one is on the wish list for next year's harvest, while old labels are being upgraded to reflect the new location.