Until about two years ago, my knowledge of Essex was limited to the hit reality show ‘The Only Way is Essex‘, pearly white teeth and the eastbound end of the Central line. That was until the summer I was whisked away on a sailing trip in Mersea. This opened up another world I would expect in Italy or Spain, yes, not Essex England? No.
Then more recently, cue in another surprising visit. An invitation to experience the Essex winary scene… well, wine not?
With its charming countryside and historical sites, Visit Essex shines a light on the county’s stunning vineyards, award-winning wines, and the growth of its independent liquor trade.
Wine & Essex
Essex has become the fifth-largest grower of grapes in the UK and the largest producer in the Eastern region. Wine is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries and last year saw a bumper crop, thanks to warmer climes, a wet summer and a hot September. Vineyards have also become a place for tourism, accounting for 32% of total vineyard income in the East. The rise of cellar door sales, wine tastings, plus the use of venues for weddings and events has seen the sector soar.
Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager at Visit Essex, explains; “In Essex we have the perfect climate and geology to grow vines. Vineyards are popping up all over the county, it’s transforming our rural landscape and making it even more attractive to visitors. It’s great to see how entrepreneurial our winemakers and distillers have become to enhance our tourism offering.”
Saffron Grange vineyard visit organised by Visit Essex, June 2024 | Photos: Kai Lutterodt
5 Wine tastings and tours in Essex
Saffron Grange Vineyard
Saffron Grange is a family-run vineyard in Saffron Walden, benefiting from the same chalk seam as the Champagne region of France. The unique soil, climate, and topography create perfect conditions for producing award-winning wines. They won a 2023 Wine GB Silver award for their Classic Cuvee 2019 and a Bronze award for their Pinot Noir Rose 2020. Tours and tastings take place regularly, priced from £25 per person for the 2024 season, running on Thursdays and Saturdays from April to September.
Crouch Ridge Vineyard
Crouch Ridge Vineyard offers a variety of tours and tastings from May to September 2024, including self-guided wine tastings, detailed tastings with a sommelier, a Grand Tour & Tasting, private vineyard buggy tours with a sparkling picnic, as well as party packages and guided or self-guided tastings. Prices range from £15 per person for a self-guided tasting to £300 for a private vineyard buggy tour and sparkling picnic for two people.
Clayhill Vineyard
Also benefiting from its location overlooking the River Crouch and the valley, Clayhill Vineyard takes advantage of sunny climes, modest rainfall, and its proximity to the river to cultivate flavorful wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the vineyard during the summer months. To make arrangements, get in touch with the vineyard directly at booking@clayhill.co.uk.
Bardfield Vineyard
Bardfield Vineyard, located in north Essex, offers vineyard tours, tastings, and lunches on the first Thursday of the month from May to September. The £30pp experience includes a guided tour, information about the vineyard’s work, a tasting of their four wine varieties, and a ploughman’s lunch. Group visits can be arranged by appointment, and self-guided trails are also available for independent exploration of the estate.
New Hall Wine Estate
One of the oldest commercial vineyards in the UK, New Hall Wine Estate has been growing vines and producing wines since the 1960s. Their Barons Lane range won Silver and Bronze awards at the Independent English Wine Awards in 2023. To try New Hall’s award-winning wines, visit their cellar door shop, where you’ll get complementary samples and special offers.
Hedingham Castle visit organised by Visit Essex | Photos: Kai Lutterodt
Things to do
Liquire Tasting in Essex: DeVere Finest Gin at Hedingham Castle
Tourist attractions are diversifying into the liquor trade, with Hedingham Castle launching DeVere Finest Gin, made with linden flowers from the castle’s ramparts. Owner Jason Lindsay collaborated with Thames Distillers in London to bring the unique creation to life, reflecting a trend of tourist attractions capitalising on the growing popularity of gin.
Saffron Grange Vineyard
Saffron Grange will be presenting Seafood Sundays in collaboration with Saffron Fish Co this year. Guests can indulge in exquisite seafood platters, crayfish rolls, and locally sourced oysters. The esteemed sparkling wines of the vineyard will also be on offer for sampling at the Saffron Grange Tasting Room. Seafood Sundays are scheduled for 30th June, 28th July, 25th August, and 29th September. Reservations are not required; visitors can simply visit Saffron Grange vineyard between 11am and 4pm on these dates.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard
This family-run vineyard in the heart of East Anglia was awarded Wine GB’s still rose of the year in 2023. The modern, boutique vineyard produces wines that are used in top London hotels and the vineyard thrives with activity during the summer months. The vineyard’s annual ‘Jazz in the Vines‘ event will return on Saturday 24 August. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, a variety of street food, plus locally sourced oysters, and artisan ice cream, and don’t forget to sample their award-winning wines!
Clayhill Vineyard
Enjoy views of the River Crouch at Clayhill Vineyard. The glazed balcony offers a stunning vantage point, providing a panoramic vista of the vineyard as it slopes down to the estuary. It’s an ideal spot for families to relax over coffee and cake, or savour a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Visitors are can explore the vineyard, as well as use the binoculars provided in the café to spot the local wildlife.
Getting there: Greater Anglia operates regular train services between London Liverpool Street and Essex. For the cheapest fares, book directly at www.greateranglia.co.uk or via the Greater Anglia app.
For more info on activities in Essex, to plan a day or weekend break visit www.visitessex.com
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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