Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Crouch Ridge Vineyard represents the best of Essex viticulture, planted on gentle south-facing slopes overlooking Althorne Creek and the River Crouch. Established by fifth-generation Essex farmers Ross and Samantha Lonergan, this 10-acre vineyard has transformed traditional farmland into a thriving wine estate that showcases the county's excellent potential for premium wine production.

Crouch Ridge Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties

The Lonergans' agricultural heritage informs every aspect of their viticulture. With qualifications in agriculture, business, and sustainable tourism, they've overseen the farm's evolution from dairy to beef to arable, and finally to viticulture. The vineyard is planted exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the classic Champagne varieties, specifically chosen because they're ideally suited to the terroir at Althorne.

Essex's growing conditions prove excellent for viticulture: the clay soils with mineral deposits, combined with long hours of sunshine and relatively low rainfall, create grapes with naturally high acidity and optimal sugar levels – perfect for producing top-quality sparkling wine. The first vines were planted in May 2012, with subsequent plantings in 2015 and 2016 bringing the vineyard to its current 10-acre extent.

Visiting and Staying at Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Crouch Ridge has developed into a complete wine tourism destination. The estate offers year-round visits with tours available by booking, while a self-guided vineyard trail allows visitors to explore at their leisure. A café provides refreshments, and three beautifully converted barn apartments offer self-catering accommodation for those wishing to extend their stay. One apartment meets high accessibility standards, ensuring the vineyard welcomes all visitors.

The estate is also available for weddings and events, with membership programmes and experience days deepening engagement with this Essex success story. Open Friday through Sunday and on bank holidays, Crouch Ridge proves that Essex deserves recognition as one of England's premier wine regions.