Bardfield Vineyard

Opening Hours: The vineyard shop is open weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, all year round, during which you can taste wines before purchase. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tours & Tastings:

• Self-guided trails: Available during shop opening times; pick up an information sheet in the shop for a self-guided vineyard trail. The ticket price can be redeemed against wine purchases. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Guided tours: Held mid-week between April/May and September in the Grade I listed barn. These include wine tastings and can be followed by a ploughman’s lunch or afternoon tea by appointment; contact Great Lodge for dates, pricing and booking. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Wine Tasting: You can taste wines in the vineyard shop during opening hours. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Food & Drink: There is no dedicated public restaurant or cafe listed; group tours by appointment can include a ploughman’s lunch or afternoon tea. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Visitors may bring a picnic to enjoy in garden areas. *(Group picnics not explicitly stated but implied from event format.)*

Special Events: The estate operates occasional vineyard tours, tastings and open days; check with Great Lodge for current event listings. *(Open day events are indicated in local visitor guides, not in Great Lodge’s main site.)* :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Accommodation: Converted barns on the Great Lodge estate offer stylish bed & breakfast or self-catering accommodation; contact the venue for details. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Children & Dogs: The official site does not list a detailed general policy for children or dogs, although local guides note the estate is dog-friendly. *(Not directly on vineyard pages.)* :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Bardfield Vineyard cultivates grapes used to produce four main wines: Bacchus (still white), Bardfield Bacchus (dry white), Anne of Cleves (medium-dry white) and Bardfield Blush (rosé). The vineyard also produces a Sparkling Brut made by the traditional method from a blend including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Seyval Blanc. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

The wines are sold through the vineyard shop and online. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

The vineyard manages the vines with minimal sprays to protect the environment. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

By Car: Great Lodge, Braintree Road, Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4QD. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

By Public Transport: The official site does not provide specific public transport guidance; local visitor information suggests train to Braintree then onward taxi or bus. *(Bus and taxi details not on the official site.)* :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

• Other Vineyards:
  
  
  • Crouch Ridge Vineyard: A vineyard in the Crouch Valley offering tours and tastings. *(Not on Great Lodge site but part of local vineyard network.)*
  • Saffron Grange Vineyard: Family-run vineyard near Saffron Walden producing premium English wines. *(General local knowledge.)*
• Notable Restaurants:
  
  
  • The Vine Eno Gastro Pub: A gastro pub in Great Bardfield.
  • The Fox Inn: Traditional pub near Great Bardfield.
• Notable Hotels:
  
  
  • The White Hart Hotel, Braintree: Hotel in nearby Braintree.
• Notable Attractions:
  
  
  • Hedingham Castle: Norman keep historic site.
  • Great Bardfield Cottage Museum: Village museum highlighting local history.