The Althorne Estate

The Althorne Estate, a private English vineyard, crafts a Chardonnay that in blind tastings often leaves even the most discerning palates convinced they're sipping a top Burgundy.

https://www.althorneestate.com

Althorne Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6EW. Get directions

Nearest station: Southminster (2.3 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

The Althorne Estate is a small, family-owned boutique vineyard nestled in the picturesque Crouch Valley, Essex, focused on crafting high-quality wines. Their dedication to excellence means visitors can expect to discover wines often compared to prestigious French counterparts.

Visiting information

The Althorne Estate welcomes visitors to its cellar door for tastings and sales. The vineyard also offers structured tours and tasting experiences. For details on tour dates, availability, and to make a booking, it is recommended to check their official website.

The estate features on-site accommodation for those wishing to extend their visit, and also hosts special events throughout the year.

The Wine

The Althorne Estate cultivates a variety of classic grape vines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Gris. From these grapes, they produce a diverse range of English wines, including still whites, reds, and rosés, as well as sparkling wines. Their Chardonnay has been praised by reviewers, with its 2022 vintage described as having a "fine" nose and being able to stand against high-quality white Burgundy in blind tastings. Similarly, their Pinot Noir has been noted for tasting "surprisingly like Burgundy." The vineyard proudly states it produces award-winning wines, reflecting their commitment to quality.

Winery: The Althorne Estate operates its own winery, allowing for meticulous control over the winemaking process from grape to bottle. Their Pinot Noir, for example, is vinified in steel and aged in French oak, contributing to its refined character.

Getting here

By Car: The Althorne Estate is located in Althorne, Essex, with the postcode CM3 6EW.

By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Althorne (Essex), served by Greater Anglia trains on the Southminster line. The vineyard is within walking distance of the station.

What's nearby

The Althorne Estate is situated in a charming part of Essex, with several attractions and establishments worth exploring in the vicinity.

Other Vineyards:
- Crouch Ridge Vineyard, also located in Althorne, offers a cafe, restaurant, tours, tastings, and accommodation, with stunning views of the Crouch Valley.
Notable Restaurants:
- Ye Olde White Harte Hotel in Burnham-on-Crouch is a historic pub and hotel on the quay featuring a restaurant, offering meals with views over the River Crouch.
Notable Hotels:
- Ye Olde White Harte Hotel in Burnham-on-Crouch provides historic accommodation with river views.
- Creeksea Place Barns in Burnham-on-Crouch offers stylish self-catering accommodation set on a picturesque farm with a cafe, gym, and spa facilities.
Notable Attractions:
- Burnham-on-Crouch, a historic maritime town known for its picturesque waterfront, sailing heritage, and scenic Riverside Promenade.