Visit Essex champions local food and drink scene in countywide celebration

11th June 2025

Visit Essex, the county’s leading tourism organisation, is celebrating the county’s thriving food and drink scene.

Visit Essex is shining a light on the county's top hospitality players, plus food and drink producers. It is also encouraging visitors to explore the county’s food and drink offer, from vineyard tours to gourmet experiences.

Councillor Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, said: "Essex is fast becoming a destination of choice for food and wine lovers. We’re proud to champion venues like Braxted Park Estate and Dedham Vale Vineyard, who showcase the best of what Essex has to offer."

As part of this drive, Visit Essex is highlighting  Braxted Park Estate, the county’s premier event venue. The exclusive venue recently hosted an event to showcase its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced foods. 

Guests were treated to a cookery demonstration using the finest of fresh ingredients. Led by Braxted Park's Executive Chef, visitors were taught how to create picnic dishes with a twist. Braxted Park also gave a guided tour of their exclusive wedding venue, private golf course and impressive walled gardens.

Adam O’Sullivan, Executive Chef, Braxted Park Estate is proud of their sustainable credentials. He says: "We're passionate about connecting people with the origins of their food. Our commitment to sourcing our produce locally allow us to create authentic, seasonal menus with flavourful local Essex produce from farmers such as Wicks Manor, Dingley Dell and rare breed specialist Blackwell and Co along with fish and seafood from Lambton & Jackson and fresh produce from Donald Freeston. We’re committed to sustainable practices; we deliver farm to fork practices where possible and maintain a foot footprint that is local to Braxted Park".

In another highlight, Visit Essex explored the county’s booming wine tourism industry with a visit to Dedham Vale Vineyard. Attendees enjoyed a vineyard tour and Tiptree tearoom afternoon tea in the vines. 

Visit Essex also shared insights into the growth of the local wine scene. Wine tourism in the UK has seen a remarkable 55% increase in just 24 months. Essex is now home to 58 vineyards and has become a major player in English winemaking.

Michael Beeching, Vineyard Manager Dedham Vale Vineyard, said: "We’ve seen a huge rise in people wanting to enjoy wine tours and tastings. We’ve also grown our events business to offer painting classes, classic car events and weddings." 
He added: "The climate in Essex is ideal for producing quality still and sparkling wines. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s putting Essex wine on the map.” 

For more information on food and drink experiences across Essex, go to www.visitessex.com.

ENDS
Notes to editor:
STATS
1 Wine GB Industry report 2023, p. 4
² Wine GB UK Wine Tourism in 2024 report based on Wine GB Industry survey 2024. Wine tourism report launches and vineyard visits soar - WineGB 
VISIT ESSEX
Visit Essex is the official tourism organisation and the only body specifically marketing the whole of the county to the visitor market. We work with visitor attractions, leisure/activity providers, accommodation establishments and other tourism related businesses (including the travel trade, media and wider partners), to ensure that the county remains a leading visitor destination.

Our work encompasses major marketing campaigns, high profile PR work, business support, and the management and promotion of the official Visit Essex brand. Visit Essex will ensure that the county gets the recognition it deserves as a desirable place to visit in the 21st century. We will work closely with partners to develop a sustainable tourism offering for the future, identify new markets and harness visitors at the county's major gateways of Stansted, Harwich, Southend and Tilbury.

BRAXTED PARK
Braxted Park Estate is a hidden gem that offers a unique and luxurious setting steeped in history and natural beauty. From its Grade II* listed Georgian mansion to its walled gardens and serene lakes, the estate provides a truly unforgettable backdrop for any occasion.

Located in the heart of the Essex countryside, Braxted Park Estate is a privately owned historic estate offering exclusive use venues for weddings, private celebrations, corporate retreats, and filming. With award-winning catering, versatile event spaces, and a reputation for excellence, Braxted Park is one of the UK’s premier destination venues.  www.braxtedpark.com 

Media Contact:
Sophie Spicer, PR & Communications: sophie@braxtedpark.com

FIND OUT MORE
•    Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk, 01206 231807