Ten tempting vineyards to visit in East Anglia

East Anglia has lots to offer the wine tourist. With its natural beauty, North Sea coastline and one of the driest climates in the UK, it’s producing some fantastic wines and hosting fabulous events. When it comes to sparkling wine the East of England has one of the most diverse ranges available in one area, including traditional method made with classic champagne grape varieties, as well as with seyval blanc and phoenix, plus a couple made using the charmat method (visit Flint Vineyard or New Hall Wine Estate to find out more).

The region really knows how to do hospitality – in addition to tours & tastings there’s an exciting range of regular and special events plus accommodation in the vines. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening at some of East Anglia’s foremost vineyards.

Starting in north Norfolk, Burn Valley is just 4 miles from the coast and has some fabulous food-themed events – steak nights, secret suppers, Fizz & Oyster festival as well as a Summer jazz party.   

Near to Norwich, there’s Winbirri which offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy great wines and scenery in the Wine Garden. 15 minutes away is Chet Valley, host to a fantastic range of special events from seasonal one-offs like chocolate and wine pairing to more regular pizza evenings and mussels and frites Fridays. 

Not much further on is Flint Vineyard. Situated near Bungay, and only half an hour from popular seaside resort Southwold, their range of tours include a winery masterclass and vineyard walk and talk. Their events space, Camphill, hosts monthly live music (Friday at Camphill) and a more chilled out vibe with DJ (Sundays at Camphill). Enjoy street food and a great atmosphere.  

Over the border in the heart of the Suffolk countryside is Burnt House Vineyard where visitors can prebook picnics to enjoy in the vines. They host events for special occasions like Mother’s Day afternoon tea and run evening events with local artisan food providers.

Continuing in Suffolk, about 20 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, is Giffords Hall which offers wine flights at the Cellar Door shop and their programme of special events have included a Summer festival and a Christmas fair.  

As you head into Essex there’s also an abundance of options. Sparkling specialist, Saffron Grange, is located close to Saffron Waldon, recently voted the best place to live in the UK. Visitors can enjoy seasonal Friday sundowners, wine flights and a range of special events. 

Tuffon Hall in north Essex, has a supper club, jazz in the vines, a wellness & wine day retreat and some unique accommodation.   

Head beyond Colchester and Thorrington Mill near the Essex coastline hosts food themed events and live music evenings, including an annual country music and line dancing night.

In Essex’s Crouch Valley wine region, New Hall Wine Estate offers tasting experiences including a mini masterclass with the head winemaker, Cellar Door Socials where you can bring your own picnic, buy wine by the glass and get barrel top samples and on some dates there will be food ‘pop ups’.

With these and many more vineyards open to the public it’s the perfect time to plan a wine lovers mini-break or staycation in East Anglia. 

photo credits left to right: Chet Valley, Burnt House Vineyard, Tuffon Hall