Skylark at Prettyfields Vineyard

Closed Mon-Tue. From the Terrace page opening hours table (checked 21 Sep 2026); the site says bank holiday and festive hours may vary. Food is served in windows within these hours (lunch Wed-Thu 9-3, brunch Fri-Sun 9-12:30, wood-fired pizza Fri-Sat 1-8:30 and Sun 1-3). Tours and tastings are booked separately (from £32pp, minimum 10 people).

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Skylark is a vineyard terrace first and a tasting room second. Most people come for brunch, a wood-fired pizza or an evening drink, and the vines are what you look out over while you have it. Evenings there are known for the sunset.

It was set up in 2022 by two brothers-in-law, Matthew and Dan, with a focus on local and sustainable produce. Wine comes from grapes grown on site, and they brew beer on site too, so a group that splits between wine and beer drinkers is well catered for.

The terrace is covered and heated in winter, so it works year round. Dogs on leads are always welcome.

Tours and tastings are booked ahead. The kitchen serves lunch Wednesday to Thursday, brunch Friday to Sunday, and wood-fired pizza on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Menus and times can change for private events, so check before a long drive.

Each needs at least 10 people, so this suits a group rather than a couple wanting a table for two. If numbers fall short, they reschedule your booking.

• Vineyard tours (spring and summer): £40 a person in 2026. A guided walk through the vines, then a tasting of five wines and a wood-fired pizza buffet with bruschetta and salad. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. Daytime tours start around 10:30am, and there is a Thursday evening tour at 6:30pm once a month from June to September.
• Tastings (autumn and winter): £32 a person in 2026. The same five wines and pizza buffet without the walk, in 1.5 to 2 hours.

They can cater for most dietary requirements if you say so when booking. Skylark is in Ardleigh, just off the A12, with a car park on site.

The wine is sold under the Prettyfields name and made from grapes grown right next to the terrace. The range covers red, white, rosé and an English sparkling.

Jackrabbit beer, brewed on site, is on the menu for anyone who wants something other than wine.