Bardfield Vineyard

Bardfield Vineyard at Great Lodge is a historic Essex vineyard that has been producing award-winning wines for nearly 30 years. Nestled behind a magnificent Grade I listed brick and tile barn, the vineyard is part of Great Lodge, a tranquil rural estate in North Essex with a remarkable history stretching back to medieval times.

Bardfield Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties

The estate was originally a medieval deer park, given to Anne of Cleves by Henry VIII when their marriage was annulled. This Tudor connection is celebrated in the vineyard's wines, including their Anne of Cleves medium dry white. The 2-acre vineyard has been restored to full health and optimum yield, now growing Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Seyval Blanc.

The wines produced include still whites and a sparkling wine, with the aim of expanding their traditional method sparkling production. Bardfield Bacchus is a dry white wine with character similar to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, reflecting the cool-climate growing conditions of North Essex.

Personally guided tours take visitors through the Great Lodge estate and Bardfield Vineyard, explaining the work throughout the seasons that leads to award-winning wines. Tours conclude with the opportunity to taste four wines while learning about the broader English wine industry and the estate's fascinating history.

The combination of historical significance, beautiful countryside setting, and quality wine production makes Bardfield Vineyard a unique destination in the Essex wine scene. The estate also features a farm shop where visitors can purchase wines directly.