Crouch Valley
Clay slopes above the River Crouch, in one of the warmest, driest corners of the UK. Home of The Althorne Estate.
The Crouch Valley runs east from Chelmsford towards Burnham-on-Crouch. The Althorne Estate describes it as a part of the UK that "regularly benefits from the warmest temperatures and lowest rainfall" (The Althorne Estate). The soils here are mainly clay rather than chalk, which gives the region a riper, fuller style of fruit.
New Hall at Purleigh, established in 1969 by Bill and Sheila Greenwood, pioneered the Crouch Valley vineyard movement (New Hall). Today you can visit several estates within a few miles of each other. It's a perfect day out from London.
Vineyard guides
The Althorne Estate
Nick's favourite English sparkling comes from a single south-facing slope above the River Crouch. Hand-picked, estate-grown fruit, a first harvest in 2019, and wines that sit happily alongside the Champagne houses.
Crouch Ridge Estate
A destination estate near Althorne with a Wine Barn, a terrace, tastings, food and somewhere to stay overlooking the vines.
New Hall Wine Estate
The pioneer. New Hall was planted in 1969 and is still family-run, with 120 acres under vine and its own winery at Purleigh.
Map
Vineyard details come from the WineGB producer directory and each vineyard's own website. Opening times change, so always check before you travel. Spot a mistake? Let us know.
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