Essex may be the best site for still wine grapes in England. The vineyards are concentrated in the Crouch Valley which is one of the driest and warmest parts of the UK.

Many of the vineyard sell their grapes rather than make their own wines, so often you may not be aware that the wine you are drinking is using grapes from Essex.

One of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, sparkling Blanc de Blancs to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak.

Depending on how ripe the grapes get, the flavour ranges from crisp, clean citrus and green apple, to ripe peaches and tropical fruit. Notable Chardonnays can be found in France, California, Australia, England, and beyond. 

The vineyard was established in 2017 by Umut and Katie Yesil. The idea began as a conversation around the kitchen table with Katie’s father Billy (a third-generation arable farmer).

The family converted 11 acres of their arable land into a vineyard. The Crouch Valley offers an incredible grape-growing microclimate, benefitting from its close proximity to the river.