Vineyards in Essex: English Wine Week 2025

Celebrate English Wine Week by visiting one of the many beautiful vineyards in Essex!

Great Lodge & Bardfield Vineyard

Enjoy a tranquil day out at Great Lodge & Bardfield Vineyard in North Essex. The vineyard is open for insightful guided tours and wine tastings in the Grade I listed barn every year between May and September. Book your group visit and enjoy a delicious ploughman’s lunch or afternoon tea with your experience! Alternatively, explore the vineyard's estate on a self-guided trail, taking in the scenery and greeting the resident alpacas (feeding them is an option too!). Great Lodge also makes for a beautiful wedding venue; built when the estate was owned by ex-wife of Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves, the brick and tile barn can seat up to 150 for ceremonies and 200 evening guests. Stay in the Great Lodge Barns – luxurious converted barns offering bed and breakfast or self-catering options. Prices start at £60 per night.

Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Welcoming visitors to the vineyard and tasting room all year round, Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch from its position in Althorne. Planted back in 2010, their variety of grapes are used to produce delicious still and sparkling wines. They also produce a unique dry gin! Choose from a range of different tours and tastings, from a self-guided visit with a wine flight of 3 wines to a Private Vineyard Tour led by the owner. To accompany their fine wines, treat yourself to some nibbles or a full meal – their menu features fantastic dishes concocted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For the full Crouch Ridge experience, stay in the Hall Farm Cottages – exquisite self-catered accommodation with breathtaking views. Prices vary by season, starting at £150 per night.

Clayhill Vineyard

Take in the views of the River Crouch & Valley while savouring delicious wines at Clayhill Vineyard, not far from the city of Chelmsford. Relax either inside or on the glazed balcony with stunning river views and enjoy a light lunch, coffee and cake, or a glass of wine. Keep the little ones entertained with binoculars provided by the cafe – what wildlife can you spot amongst the gorgeous countryside scenery? Tastings and tours are available during the summer months for a memorable experience. Dogs are also welcome!

Saffron Grange Vineyard

This beautiful family-run vineyard in Essex is a must-visit for those looking for great wine and outstanding scenery. Situated on sloping hills just outside of the market town Saffron Walden, their top-quality English sparkling wines do not disappoint. Tours and tastings are available throughout the season, with spring and summer tours taking place from May to October, and winter tours from November to March. Sample their Classic Cuvee 2019 and Pinot Noir Rose 2020, both winners at the 2023 Wine GB Awards. During tours, you will also learn more about the local land and its incredible history, previously home to Woolly Mammoths!

New Hall Wine Estate

With 65 acres of vines, New Hall Wine Estate is one of the oldest and largest English wine producers in the country. First established in 1969 in Purleigh by the Greenwood family, the vineyard is now run by second and third generations. Throughout the summer and on one day in December, New Hall host their Open Estate Days – no need to book, simply turn up for the opportunity to discover what goes in to running an Essex vineyard! Enjoy a tour in their Winery Building, and Barrel Top Tastings in the Cellar Door shop, as well as pop up food and drink vendors. These events are family and dog friendly! During the spring and summer, you won’t want to miss New Hall Wine Estate’s Cellar Door Social Saturdays – wine is served by the glass whilst you sit amongst the vines. Don’t forget to bring your own picnic!

Tuffon Hall Vineyard

This family run and owned vineyard in Essex has been producing award-winning wines since 2011. The farmland has been in the family for 100 years, and today is used to make many outstanding products. Did you know their sparkling white wine is made using the same three grape varieties found in Champagne? Their tours and tastings take place on selected weekends throughout the spring and summer and last an hour and a half. During this experience, you can expect to learn about the lifecycle of a vine and the process from harvest to bottle before then sampling 3 wines and 1 gin in their breathtaking 16th century threshing barn. Enjoy live music, delicious street food, and fantastic wines at their annual "Jazz in the Vines" event on 23^rd August. To really make the most of this beautiful setting, stay in the Tuffon Hall Farmhouse, a six-bedroom farmhouse accommodating up to 12 guests. Prices start at £1128 for a two-night stay.

Dedham Vale Vineyard

Set in 40 acres of enchanting vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the beautiful Dedham Vale in Essex, Dedham Vale Vineyard may be small, but they don’t let that stop them producing a wide range of outstanding wines. Their guided tours take place on selected dates throughout the spring and summer – join Vineyard Manager, Mike, for a tour around the vines and learn about the work involved in producing their wines. Before heading home you’ll get the chance to sample four of their wines! Spaces are limited, so be sure to pre-book online. Take the experience to the next level with a delicious picnic box at just £15 per head.

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