The vineyards in Essex benefit from similar chalky soil to the conditions that exist in the Champagne region of France. Essex is also known for their high sunshine hours and low rainfall which create ideal conditions for growing grapes in Essex vineyards.  

Many of the vineyards in Essex are accessible for families, dog walkers and those with disability needs. Some of the vineyards in Essex provide venue hire offering beautiful surroundings for a wedding.

What are some of the best vineyards in Essex? 

Some of the best vineyards in Essex have a range of extra facilities that visitors can enjoy. The vineyards in Essex each have their own unique characteristics and facilities. Some of the best Vineyards in Essex are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge: The vineyard has an average rating of 4.9 stars and is located in the North West of Essex close to Braintree. Guided tours of the vineyard and tastings are available midweek, May through to September at a cost of at least £15. The Bardfield vineyard produces sparkling white wine, still white wine and still rosé wine and their prices start from at least £13 per bottle or £70 for a case of 6 on their online shop. Self guided trail tours at the vineyard are also available without booking for at least £3. The facilities at Great Lodge include accommodation and venue hire for private events including weddings. 
2. New Hall Vineyards: The vineyard has an average rating of 4.7 stars and is located in Purleigh. New Hall Vineyard produces a variety of sparkling and still white wine as well as rosé and red wine. The prices at New Hall Vineyard start from at least £12.50 and are available to buy from their online shop.
3. Tuffon Hall Vineyard: The vineyard has an average 4.9 star rating and is located in Halstead. There are many tour and tasting events held at the vineyard. Tuffon Hall Vineyard produces many award winning wines including still and sparkling white as well as still and sparkling rosé. The prices of wine at Tuffon Hall Vineyard start from at least £15 a bottle. The facilities at Tuffon Hall Vineyard include a venue for wedding hire.
4. Toppesfield Vineyard: The average rating for this vineyard is 5 stars and it is located in Halstead. Toppesfield Vineyard produces sparkling and still white and sparkling and still rosé, some of which have won awards. The wines at Toppesfield Vineyard start from at least £13.95 and are available through their online shop and some selected retailers. The vineyard also has luxury accommodation suitable for between 2 – 4 adults.
5. Crouch Ridge Vineyard: The vineyard has an average 4.6 rating and is located in Althorne, Essex. Crouch Ridge Vineyards produce still and sparkling white wine and still red and rosé wine and are available from their online shop with prices starting from at least £25. The facilities at Crouch Ridge Vineyard include a wine bar terrace which serves brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Visitors can also stay overnight at the Crouch Ridge Vineyard in one of their self-catering two bedroom cottages. 
6. Dedham Vale Vineyard: The vineyard has an average rating of 4.4 stars and is located close to Colchester. The Dedham Vale Vineyard wine selection includes still and sparkling white and a still red and is available to buy on their online shop with prices starting from at least £17.50. The vineyard has a venue for hire that is suitable for weddings.
7. Mersea Island Vineyard: The vineyard has a 4.4 star average rating and is located on the island of Mersea, close to Colchester. The wines produced by the Mersea Island Vineyard include sparkling white, still white and still rosé and are available to buy at their store from at least £12.50 . Facilities at the vineyard include accommodation, a café and venue hire for private events including weddings. 

What grapes are grown in Essex?

Some of the grapes grown in Essex are the same used in traditional Champagne growing regions to make sparkling wine and Rosé. Some of the grapes grown in Essex are listed below.

1. Pinot Meunier
2. Ortega
3. Reichensteiner
4. Chardonnay
5. Muller Thurgau
6. Solaris
7. Orion
8. Rondo
9. Dornfelder
10. Phoenix
11. Dunkelfelder
12. Würzer
13. Bacchus
14. Pinot Noir
15. Albariño

What wines are produced in Essex?

Essex produces a wide variety of wines. The wines that Essex produces are listed below.

1. Still White Wine: Available for vegans
2. Sparkling White Wine: Available for vegans
3. Rosé Wine: Available for vegans
4. Sparkling Rosé Wine: Available for vegans
5. Still Red: Available for vegans

Which vineyards in Essex produce organic wines? 

Some of the vineyards in Essex produce organic wines. The list below shows some of the vineyards that produce organic wines.

1. Barnfield Vineyard at Great Lodge
2. Ollivers Farm Vineyard

What are some of the best family friendly vineyards in Essex?

Families are welcome at some of the vineyards in Essex. Some of the best family friendly vineyards in Essex are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge
2. New Hall Vineyards
3. Tuffon Hall Vineyards
4. Clayfield Vineyard
5. Crouch Ridge Vineyard
6. Dedham Vale Vineyard
7. Mersea Island Vineyard 

Are there any dog friendly vineyards in Essex?

Yes, there are some dog friendly vineyards in Essex. Some of the dog friendly vineyards in Essex are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge
2. New Hall Vineyards
3. Tuffon Hall Vineyards
4. Clayhill Vineyard
5. Dedham Vale Vineyard
6. Mersea Island Vineyard 

What are some of the best vineyards in Essex that have disabled accessibility?

Some of the vineyards in Essex have disabled access. Some of the best vineyards in Essex that have disabled access are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge
2. New Hall Vineyards
3. Clayhill Vineyard
4. Crouch Ridge Vineyard
5. Dedham Vale Vineyard
6. Mersea Island Vineyard

What are some of the best wineries for wine tasting in Essex?

Crouch Ridge Estate and Saffron Grange Vineyard are among the best wineries for tasting wine in Essex. 

Crouch Ridge Estate has wine tasting sessions ideal for those that like Champagne and sparkling wines. The wine tasting experience is informal and friendly and visitors will learn the differences within the variety of sparkling wines and what food compliments them. The wine tasting lasts at least one hour and costs £50 per person. Visitors need to book the wine tasting in advance by telephone or email.

Saffron Grange Vineyard is a family-run vineyard that produces premium quality English sparkling wines. Their wines are well complemented with their cheese and charcuterie boards. Tasting sessions start from at least £9.50 per person and should be booked in advance.

What are some of the best wineries in Essex for English Sparkling wine?

English sparkling wine is available in many of the wineries in Essex. Some of the best wineries in Essex are listed below.

1. New Hall Wine Estate
2. Great Whitmans Vineyard
3. Martin’s Lane Vineyard
4. Clay Hill Vineyard
5. Mersea Island Vineyard
6. Tuffon Hall Vineyard 
7. Dedham Vale Vineyard
8. Crouch Ridge Vineyard

What are some of the special events that are hosted at the wineries and vineyards in Essex?

There are a number of special events run by the vineyards in Essex. Some of the special events at the Essex vineyards and their description are listed below.

1. Jazz on the Vines at Tuffon Hall Vineyard: Jazz on the vines is a family afternoon event. Jazz music is played at the event and visitors can enjoy oysters, gourmet burgers and free face painting. It is a yearly event that is suitable for families.
2. Gold Grand Vineyard Tour at Crouch Vale Vineyard: Visitors on The Grand Tour will learn about the growing season of the vines and the wine making process. The tour is held once a year and families are welcome.

Are there any vineyards in Essex that are available for venue hire?

Yes there are vineyards that are available for venue hire in Essex. The Vineyards available for venue hire in Essex are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge
2. Dedham Vale Vineyard
3. Chilford Hall Vineyard

What are some of the best wine tours that are offered in Essex?

Some of the best wine tours in Essex offer visitors a chance to learn about the unique growing conditions in the county and the chance to sample the selections of wines that the vineyards produce. Some of the best wine tours that are offered in Essex are listed below.

1. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge: Bardfield Vineyard offers group tours by appointment from May through to September. Prices for the Bardfield Vineyard tours start from at least £15.
2. Crouch Ridge Vineyard: The vineyard has tours available to book on selected dates between May and September. Prices start from at least £35.

What is the best time to visit the vineyards in Essex? 

The best time to visit the vineyards in Essex is May through to September, during the English summer months.

Are there any vineyard stays in Essex?

Yes, there are vineyard stays available in Essex. The list below contains some of the vineyard stays available in Essex.

1. The Shepherd’s Hide
2. Mersea Island Vineyard
3. Tuffon Hall Vineyard
4. Crouch Ridge Vineyard
5. Bardfield Vineyard at Great Ridge

Do the vineyards in Essex have restaurants?

Yes, some of the vineyards in Essex have restaurants. Many of the restaurants at the vineyards in Essex use locally sustainable wine and food that is served in a relaxed setting. Some of the restaurants at the vineyards in Essex offer al fresco dining for when the weather is good. Meal prices at the restaurants in Essex vineyards cost around £8.