Missing Gate Vineyard

Where Essex farmers once wrestled with stubborn clay, a unique microclimate now coaxes exceptional still wines from the very same soil.

https://www.missinggatevineyard.co.uk

Woodham Lodge, Bicknacre, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4HG. Get directions

Nearest station: South Woodham Ferrers (2.6 miles).

Public tours

Tasting room

Dog friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

Open year-round

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

What's the vibe

Missing Gate Vineyard offers a warm and welcoming family-run experience in the picturesque Crouch Valley of Essex. Visitors consistently praise the exquisite quality of the wines and the friendly, knowledgeable staff, creating a truly memorable and engaging atmosphere.

Visiting information

Can you pop in for a drink or pre-book a tour?

You can visit the vineyard's "Try & Buy Wine Trailer" or the new Bar/Wine Tasting Room to sample wines by the glass. The trailer is typically open weekdays from 10 am to 3 pm and on occasional weekends, so checking their social media for current detailed opening times is advisable. Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting Experiences require pre-booking.

Tour Dates:

Guided vineyard tours are available for booking any day between Thursday and Saturday each week, with tours starting at 11 am. The tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about 1.5 miles.

Restaurant or Cafe:

While there isn't a full restaurant, charcuterie boards can be pre-ordered to accompany wine tastings during tours. "Late Opening Thursdays" also feature complimentary nibbles with your wine.
Special Events:

Missing Gate Vineyard hosts special events, including "Late Opening Thursdays" where the vineyard remains open until 9 pm. They also use a unique safari tent for events and wine tasting.
Accommodation:

There is no accommodation on site.
Dogs/Children:

Well-behaved dogs on a lead and babes-in-arms are welcome on vineyard tours. However, due to the alcoholic nature of the products, bringing children on the tour is not advised.

The Wine

Missing Gate Vineyard focuses on producing world-class still English wines from their clay-based farm in the Crouch Valley. They cultivate grape varieties including Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, producing sophisticated white, red, and rosé wines.

Their wines have quickly garnered critical acclaim. The Missing Gate Pinot Blanc 2020 was heralded as "the best Pinot Blanc ever made in England" by Tom Hewson in Tim Atkin's English Wine Report and was named "White Wine of the Year" in the England 2022 report. Their Bacchus 2021 also achieved recognition as the highest-scoring Bacchus in the same report.

The vineyard operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, striving for no compromise between quality and environmental responsibility. They have adopted a long-term approach to viticulture, experimenting with disease and climate-resistant grape varieties and employing green technology solutions, drawing on their background in food processing. The family has farmed this land for generations with an environmentally and economically sound philosophy.

Missing Gate Vineyard handles its own winemaking operations, producing wines from grapes grown entirely on their estate.

Getting here

Missing Gate Vineyard is located at Woodham Lodge, Bicknacre, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4HG.

By Car
The vineyard is accessible by car within the Essex countryside.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is South Woodham Ferrers, approximately 2.5 miles away. Alternatively, from London Liverpool Street, a train journey to Chelmsford takes about 35 minutes, followed by a 20-minute taxi ride to the vineyard. The Chelmsford bus station is approximately 7 miles away.

What's nearby

Other Vineyards:
- Crouch Ridge Vineyard – Also in the Crouch Valley, offering tours, tastings, and dining options.
- Saffron Grange Vineyard – Known for its premium sparkling wines and sundowner evenings.
Notable Restaurants:
- The Lion Inn (Chelmsford) – A highly-rated establishment offering a refined dining experience.
- The Swan Hotel Bar and Grill (Maldon) – A well-regarded option offering good food and a comfortable setting.
Notable Hotels:
- The Lion Inn (Chelmsford) – Also provides comfortable accommodation with excellent reviews.
- Greenwoods Hotel & Spa (Stock) – A luxury option featuring spa facilities for a relaxing stay.
Notable Attractions:
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall – A stunning RHS garden offering beautiful displays and horticultural inspiration.
- Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre – Ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and enjoying the Essex landscape.