Essex is strengthening its position as one of the United Kingdom’s leading wine tourism destinations as visitor numbers to vineyards continue to rise ahead of English Wine Week, which runs from June 20 to June 28.
Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, is promoting the region’s growing collection of vineyards, accommodation, dining experiences and events as interest in English wine tourism accelerates. New figures from WineGB show tourism-related visits to UK vineyards increased 55% to 1.5 million, with travellers seeking cellar door sales, guided tastings, vineyard tours, dining experiences and overnight stays.
Essex has emerged as a major player in the country’s wine industry. The county is now the third-largest grape-growing region in the UK and the largest wine producer in eastern England, with 58 vineyards spread across its countryside. Vineyard plantings have expanded rapidly, reaching 469 hectares, up 60% since 2020.
The region’s geology and relatively dry, sunny climate have helped drive that growth. In north-west Essex, chalk soils similar to those found in France’s Champagne region support the production of sparkling wines, while the clay soils of the Crouch Valley have become known for Pinot Noir and Bacchus varieties.
“Essex is now the third largest grower of grapes in the UK, and it shows. People from all over are visiting our fantastic county to get the authentic experience, from vineyard tours and tasting sessions to venue hires and cellar door sales,” said Councillor Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage at Essex County Council.
The expansion of wine tourism has encouraged vineyards to diversify beyond wine production. Many now offer restaurants, cafés, weddings, music events and accommodation among the vines, creating year-round visitor experiences.
Among the most distinctive stays is the converted Grain Silo at Tuffon Hall Vineyard, where guests can spend the night overlooking the vines. The vineyard also offers luxury glamping options, including a Poacher’s Hut and Bothy, each equipped with private hot tubs. Elsewhere, visitors can stay in converted barns at Bardfield Vineyard or enjoy vineyard-view cottages at Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooking the River Crouch.
“Tourism is booming in the vines. We have some of the most amazing stays among the vines,” said Lisa Bone, Tourism Manager at Visit Essex. “Our vineyards are also running events from music nights to picnics. Of course, they also offer cellar door sales, tours and tastings, but have also become popular venues for hire.”
Summer events are becoming a major attraction. Tuffon Hall will host its annual Jazz in the Vines event on August 23, combining live music, local food and wine. Crouch Ridge will stage its own Jazz in the Vines celebration on June 28 featuring the Essex Jazz Collective performing among the vineyards.
Dedham Vale Vineyard is expanding its appeal beyond wine enthusiasts with Food Truck Friday on July 17, pairing live music from Electric Ladyland with street food, local beers and wines. New Hall Wine Estate is celebrating English Wine Week with an open estate event and vineyard tours, while its new Beats & Eats evening on August 14 will combine food, DJs and wines from across the Crouch Valley.
At Saffron Grange, visitors can enjoy Slowdown Sundays and Seafood Sundays, featuring local street food and sparkling wines, while Friday evening Sundowners events invite guests to relax among the vines with food trucks and wine by the glass.
Food and drink have become an increasingly important part of the vineyard experience. Clayhill Vineyard’s café overlooks the Crouch Valley and serves coffee, light lunches and wines, while Crouch Ridge’s wine barn and terrace offer sharing boards, afternoon teas and vineyard views. Dedham Vale Vineyard complements its tours with picnic experiences featuring locally sourced produce paired with estate wines.
The rise of vineyard tourism has also created demand for weddings and private events. Dedham Vale Vineyard hosts ceremonies among woodland and vines, while Tuffon Hall offers weddings beneath a cedar-wood gazebo overlooking the north Essex countryside. At Bardfield Vineyard, the historic Anne of Cleves Barn, a Grade I-listed building linked to the former wife of King Henry VIII, hosts a limited number of weddings each year.
Leading producers including Dedham Vale, Crouch Ridge, Bardfield, Clayhill, New Hall, Tuffon Hall and Saffron Grange have helped raise Essex’s profile among wine lovers. Their wines are now featured at some of London’s most prestigious hospitality venues, including The Dorchester and Michelin-starred restaurants operated by the Galvin Brothers.
As English wine continues to gain international recognition, Essex is positioning itself not only as a wine-producing region but as a destination where visitors can stay, dine, celebrate and explore among the vines.