Breweries and vineyards
Discover a flourishing rural drinks scene where award-winning vineyards and traditional artisan breweries offer memorable experiences in the heart of the Essex countryside.
From vineyard tours, wine tastings and luxury stays among the vines to weddings, special events and locally crafted ales, these unique destinations combine outstanding produce with beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and warm hospitality.
Whether you're looking to sample exceptional English wines, celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a countryside escape or explore local brewing traditions, these venues showcase the very best of Essex's food and drink heritage.
Aerocraft Brewery
Enterprise court, Braintree, CM7 3QS
Aerocraft Brewery is an innovative independent craft brewery based in Braintree, where engineering expertise meets a passion for great beer.
Founded by an engineer with a love of science and flavour, the brewery produces small-batch craft beers and operates its own taproom.
Serving freshly brewed beer and food, it has quickly become a popular destination for beer lovers.
Bardfield Vineyard
Great Lodge, Great Bardfield, Braintree, CM7 4QD
A vineyard on a rural estate with established and new vines, Grade 1 listed barn conversion and accommodation, vineyard shop, walled gardens, woodland and alpacas.
The venue is open to wine tours and tastings, weddings and events.
Bishop Nick Brewery
33 East Street, Braintree, CM7 3JJ
Founded by the sixth generation of the historic Ridley brewing family, Bishop Nick Brewery brings more than 180 years of Essex brewing heritage to Braintree.
Producing a range of award-winning ales inspired by local history and tradition, the independent brewery has become a respected name in the county's food and drink scene, blending time-honoured craftsmanship with modern brewing innovation.
The brewery sells a range of craft ales at its shop.
Toppesfield Vineyard
Bradfields, Harrow Hill, Toppesfield, Halstead, CO9 4LX
A vineyard offering award-winning wines and luxury accommodation overlooking the vines. The venue hosts corporate events, film shoots, sculpture exhibitions and wine festivals, with wines available to purchase by appointment at the cellar door.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard
High Street Green, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3LL
A modern, boutique vineyard producing elegant and award-wining wines. Over the summer months, the vineyard opens its doors to tours and tastings.
There is 16th Century threshing barn for events and weddings and accommodation for visitors.
