If taking the train, start your journey around 8.30am from London Liverpool Street to North Fambridge (in the Southminster direction). Pre-book your taxi from here to New Hall Vineyard - do not rely on taxi’s being at a rank! Alternatively, you can catch a train to Chelmsford or Wickford and take a longer taxi ride (££).

I will say, it is far far easier to do this day trip with a car, and there is plenty of parking at all sites. Taxis need to be pre-booked, and trains turn into buses on a regular basis.

Stop 1: Walk The Vineyard Trail At New Hall Vineyard

Arriving around 10am, start at Essex’s oldest commercial vineyard – New Hall – and soak up the country air as you walk the 1km trail around the estate. You’ll discover vines that are over 50 years old, a covey of energetic grouse, resident sheep and horses, plus a captivating view of a 14th century church perched on a hill (maybe the closest you’ll get to Tuscan views in Essex?)

After your walk, rehydrate at their brand new cellar door for your first drink of the day. The variety at New Hall is impressive – from their quintessential Bacchus (some of the first in the country to be planted) to their showstopping Barons Lane range. The latter was created to showcase the very best of New Hall’s microclimate and winemaking style. I particularly love the Barons Lane Red – a perfect field blend of varieties you may never have tasted before.

You’ll be hungry after all that walking and tasting, so travel less than 15 minutes by car (if via taxi pre-book this!) up the road to your next stop….

Stop 2: Enjoy Lunch At Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Crouch Ridge Vineyard has a sunny terrace overlooking the River Crouch. I last visited in November, and even then, it was warm enough to comfortably sit outside. Aim to arrive here around 12.30, and book a table if visiting during the summer months.

The restaurant here has an extensive menu of local produce designed specifically to complement their sparkling and still wines. I always order the Ridge Board, which pairs exceptionally well with their Pinot Noir. Most of their wines are available by the glass, or you can pre-book a guided tasting with their in-house sommelier.

The vineyards are strategically planted with three traditional, cool-climate grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Walk through the vines and you’ll be at the River Crouch, a haven for wildlife.

After lunch, hop back in the car for your next stop (or pre-booked taxi). You’re not travelling far its literally a couple of minutes, but do not walk along the main road as the path disappears, and it is not safe! Especially if you have been enjoying the wine…

Stop 3:  Relax At Clayhill Vineyard

Arriving around 3pm, Clayhill Vineyard is the perfect spot to close your day of wine tasting. Much like Crouch Ridge, you’ll find a viewing terrace and rows of perfectly kept vines on south facing slopes. Many of these grapes are sold to wineries around England who have all recognised the quality of grapes being grown in Essex. The warm climate in the Crouch Valley means they can ripen better than other regions, and suitably ripe grapes mean better wine.

As well as a small wine offering (available by the glass), you’ll see an abundance of beautiful cakes at the counter, and if you’re lucky, you may get to try one of their homemade Essex ‘huffers’. These thick, doughy triangular bread rolls are historically said to sustain farmers out in the field, and you can build yours with comforting fillings.

Perfect for soaking up all that wine before your journey home.

home time

To return home, pre-book a taxi to Althorne station, or to Chelmsford or Wickford for more frequent trains. Head back to London Liverpool Street, then home for a night watching TOWIE.