Just a Train Ride Away: Why Essex is Your Next Wine Getaway | My Soho Times

Need a quick break from the city buzz? I recently joined a press trip hosted by Visit Essex that gave me a refreshing taste (literally!) of what the county has to offer – and let me tell you, Essex is not just about TOWIE and seaside chips…

Essex Emerges as a Hospitality Hotspot

According to Visit Essex — the county’s official tourism organisation — Essex has seen a boom in wine tourism, with vineyard visits across the UK rising by 55% in just two years. The county is now home to 58 vineyards, making it the largest wine producer in the East of England and the third largest grape-growing region in the UK. With its award-winning wineries, locally sourced produce, and imaginative events from jazz in the vines to forest bathing, Essex is fast establishing itself as a must-visit destination for food, drink, and hospitality just a short train ride from London.

From Stately Charm to Woodland Feasts

Our first stop was the picturesque Braxted Park Estate. After a guided stroll through its sweeping grounds, walled gardens and private golf course, we headed into the estate’s very own cookery school for a hands-on demo of Afternoon Tea treats. Think picnic classics — but with a twist. As someone who rarely cooks, I surprised myself with the results!

From there, we were whisked away to Dedham Vale Vineyard, where we gained valuable insight into the region’s grape varieties. It was fascinating… but I have to admit, my favourite part was sampling the wine! The setting to end it all off? A beautifully laid-out afternoon tea nestled in the woods, complete with a bonfire crackling nearby. Clotted cream or jam first? I’ll let you decide.

Raise a Glass: English Wine Week Shines a Spotlight on Essex

Timed perfectly with English Wine Week (21–29 June), our vineyard visit couldn’t have come at a better moment. Essex has emerged as a top-tier player in English wine production — and it’s not just talk. With 58 vineyards, Essex is now the third-largest grape-growing region in the UK and the biggest wine producer in the East of England.

Thanks to its dry climate and geology (chalky soils in the northwest mimic Champagne’s terroir), Essex is producing award-winning wines that are turning heads in London’s fine dining scene — including The Dorchester and Galvin Brothers restaurants.

Councillor Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, proudly notes:

“Essex has the perfect climate and geology to grow fine English wine… The future looks very rosé, white and red.”

Not Just a Sip – It’s a Whole Scene

Essex vineyards are going beyond traditional tastings. Many now offer jazz nights, floristry classes, forest bathing, and even weddings. Dedham Vale’s woodland pavilion is a dreamy spot for ‘I dos’, while Bardfield Vineyard’s historic Anne of Cleves Barn is a Grade I gem available for exclusive ceremonies.

Looking for a staycation with wine on tap? Crouch Ridge’s Hall Farm Cottages and Tuffon Hall’s six-bedroom farmhouse offer vineyard views and rustic-chic charm — ideal for a countryside escape just over an hour from London via Greater Anglia trains from Liverpool Street.

Top Essex Vineyards to Visit This Summer

• Dedham Vale Vineyard – Tours, tastings, woodland picnics, and summer events like Food Truck Fridays and Porsche car meets.
• Saffron Grange – Known for their award-winning sparkling wines and “Slowdown Sundays.”
• Crouch Ridge Vineyard – Self-guided tastings, private dining, and on-site cottages with river views.
• Tuffon Hall – Jazz in the Vines, weddings, and stylish farmhouse stays.
• New Hall Wine Estate – One of the UK’s oldest vineyards, with cellar door tastings and picnic-friendly Saturdays.
• Bardfield Vineyard – Monthly tours with ploughman’s lunches and a historic barn for weddings.
• Clayhill Vineyard – Light bites, coffee and wine with stunning views over the Crouch Valley.

The Verdict

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to swap concrete for countryside, Essex offers a vibrant blend of hospitality, sustainability and serious wine cred. And best of all? It’s just a short train ride away.

This English Wine Week, why not hop on a Greater Anglia train and explore what’s uncorking beyond the M25? www.greateranglia.co.uk

For more on what Essex has to offer this summer visit: www.visitessex.com

Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl | Images courtesy of Visit Essex

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