The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Like most of the world, the Brits love to drink good wine. Not too long ago, it was perceived that good wines only came from Spain, Italy, and France as well as new world wines from Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. Well over the past two decades, Brits have begun finding treasures of the glass in their own backyard with a tidal wave of really good wines being produced in England such as you’ll find at the Toppesfield Wines and Vineyard Retreat in East Anglia.
It was a few factors that have led to the growth of excellent wines being produced in England. First and foremost was the demand for products that were produced and consumed locally. The next factor was that savvy entrepreneurs found grapes varietals that would thrive in the soil and local growing conditions. Due to England’s cooler weather, and level of rainfall, finding the right grape varieties such as the more resilient Bacchus. Viticulturists worked with other varieties that do well in similar climates and conditions such as you’ll find in Germany and other cooler climates. The last factor, unfortunately, was that global warming has raised temperatures making areas such as southern England, which was once too cold for growing grapes, a region that can now grow grapes.
The saying goes that wine is like bottled poetry. If that’s the case then you’ll find beautiful rhymes, prose, and stanzas strewn throughout the south of England in vineyards that are today producing wonderful wine.
In the rural countryside of north Essex, about a ninety minute drive from London, you’ll find yourself surrounded by forests, farmlands, and beauitful countryside. In these bucolic landscapes is the Toppesfield Vineyard which was founded by reformed urbanites Jane and Peter Moore in 2012. Toppesfield Vineyard is a lovely story about a city slicker couple who with grit and determination had followed their dream to produce good wines. This one-time fantasy has become their sun up to sun down and day-to-day reality. The fruit of their labor is a label that quickly became known for producing outstanding wine by wine lovers across England. Beyond their award-winning wines, the Toppesfield Wines and Vineyard Retreat experience offers a luxurious villa overlooking the vines along with wine-tasting experiences that visitors from London or around the world are sure to love.
The story of Toppesfield Vineyard is deeply intertwined with the lives of its founders, Jane and Peter Moore. The couple, originally from urban backgrounds, decided to pursue their shared dream of creating a vineyard. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, Peter brought a meticulous approach to managing the vineyard’s operations, while Jane’s love for horticulture and her background in consultancy became invaluable in nurturing the vines and promoting their wines.
The couple first moved to the area and purchased Bradfields, a gorgeous country estate with a homestead that was originally built in the late 1300s and continues to reflect the architectural styles and construction methods of its time. Inside the home is a lived-in space with creaky wood floors, exposed beams, and fireplaces along with original frescos from hundreds of years ago. There they found a peaceful and rejuvenating place surrounded by nature where they could exhale the tension of city living.
The estate and its extensive farmlands were once owned by a wealthy aristocrat, then passed down and sold over the centuries. Its most famous resident was Michael Ayrton, a renowned neo-romantic artist, sculptor, and writer, who lived there from 1951 until his death in 1975. He drew inspiration from the area where he created odd and mythic creatures including his most famous work, the half man half beast Arkville Minotaur, which he created in his studio there. The Minotaur is now situated in London Wall Place, in the heart of the City of London.
When the farmlands adjacent to the property became available in 2011, the couple decided to purchase them with the ambition of creating high-quality wines from East Anglia. But they didn’t do it by trial and error -far from it. The savvy duo brought in expert consultants to examine the soil, collaborate on what grape varietals would do best there, and narrow down the wines that they actually wanted to produce. From there, they figured out where to source their vines, how to plant them, and the best technology to bring on board. And with that, off they went.
As Peter shared, one has to be really passionate and committed to go into wine production. Beyond the initial investments, one has to wait for 3 – 5 years for the first harvest before even knowing if the wine will be any good or if there will be a market demand for it. Well luckily for all who have tasted their wines, their hunch was a good one. Their commitment, grit, and determination proved to be far from a fool’s errand. In fact, their wines have done extremely well, garnered a significant amount of accolades, and, most importantly, people love it. So much so, that they are now in the process of expanding the area under vine to keep up with the demand.
Toppesfield Vineyard is a boutique wine producer with four acres of under vine and produces around 12, 000 bottles per year. With this level of production, they’ve decided to mainly produce Bacchus and Pinot Noir Précoce grapes which thrive in the fertile chalk subsoil overlaid by clay loam. The vineyard’s layout is carefully planned to maximize sunlight exposure while the gentle slopes of the land help with drainage, while the rich soil provides the nutrients necessary for the vines to thrive. These factors in the vineyard’s unique terroir give their wines such a distinctive character.
Here are the varietals you’ll find in their vineyard.
Often referred to as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus grapes thrive in the cooler climate of Essex. The wines made from Bacchus are typically crisp and aromatic, with notes of elderflower, citrus, and a hint of grassy undertones. Toppesfield’s Bacchus wine is celebrated for its vibrant acidity and refreshing finish, making it a perfect companion for a summer day.
A notoriously finicky grape, Pinot Noir requires careful attention and ideal conditions to flourish. At Toppesfield Vineyards, the Pinot Noir Précoce vines are nurtured to produce grapes that result in elegant, dry, light-bodied wines with notes of wild English strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant. The vineyard’s Pinot Noir is praised for its finesse and the way it captures the essence of the Essex terroir.
Additionally, their dedication to sustainability and minimal intervention practices was evident from the beginning, as they chose methods that would protect the environment and promote the health of their vines. One of the key practices is the use of organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods to maintain a healthy ecosystem within the vineyard. Beneficial insects and birds are encouraged to thrive, helping to control pests naturally.
Beyond the obvious, there is a certain energy that you’ll find in the vineyard. Guests are encouraged to take morning or afternoon walks between the rows, breathe in the air, and just enjoy being amongst the vines. You’ll see all manner of wildlife there from birds, hares, and the occasional deer. You’ll also probably be greeted by Jane and Peter’s lovely pets, Purdy a rust-colored and affectionate Hungarian Vizsla, Pinot, their British Blue and Fergus, their precocious Maine Coon which is more the size of a bobcat.
Toppesfield Vineyard’s passion for producing exceptional wines has not gone unnoticed. The vineyard has garnered numerous well-deserved awards. Here is what you can expect in the range of Toppesfield Wines:
The Toppesfield Bacchus Reserve is a delightful white wine known for its crisp, dry profile and vibrant flavors. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of gooseberry, nettle, and elderflower, which are classic characteristics of the Bacchus grape. The palate offers a burst of crisp, aromatic flavors with floral notes complemented by hints of green apple and elderflower. With its refreshing acidity that balances the fruitiness, it makes an excellent choice for a summer day.
In terms of color, the Bacchus Reserve is a pale straw, almost translucent, which hints at its light and refreshing nature. The wine has a clean, crisp finish with excellent length, leaving a lingering taste of citrus and green apple. With an alcohol content of around 11%, it is a perfect wine for casual sipping or pairing with light dishes such as salads, seafood, chicken or goat cheese.
The Toppesfield Rosé is a well-crafted Provençal-style rosé made from Pinot Noir Précoce grapes, which give it a delicate pale pink color. On the nose, it offers delightful aromas of English strawberries and citrus, which are both refreshing and inviting.
The palate is light and crisp, with flavors of red berries and a hint of citrus that provide a balanced and refreshing finish. The Toppesfield Rosé’s acidity is well-integrated, making it a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of foods, making it a great choice for barbecues, picnics, or any outdoor event. The wine’s light and refreshing nature also makes it an excellent aperitif. With an alcohol content of around 11%, it is an easy-drinking wine that is perfect for casual gatherings or enjoying on its own. For those who enjoy a well-crafted rosé, the Toppesfield Rosé is a delightful option that showcases the best of English winemaking.
The Toppesfield Classic Brut is a sparkling wine that exemplifies elegance and sophistication. Made using the traditional method, this wine boasts tiny, well-formed bubbles that dance in the glass, creating a visually appealing experience. The nose is greeted with aromas of crisp apple and red berries, which are both inviting and refreshing.
On the palate, the Classic Brut offers a harmonious blend of flavors, including green apple, citrus, and a hint of brioche. The wine’s acidity is well-balanced, providing a crisp and clean finish that is both refreshing and satisfying. The color is pale gold, which adds to its allure and elegance. With an alcohol content of around 12%, it is a versatile sparkling wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
One interesting fact about the Toppesfield Classic Brut is its production process. The wine is made using the traditional method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. This process is similar to that used in Champagne, and it contributes to the wine’s fine bubbles and complex flavor profile.
Toppesfield Vineyard produces around 12,000 bottles of wine which aremainly available in local area restaurants, select bottle shops, on-line delivery, and at their cellar door. Wine enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at Toppesfield Vineyard. The vineyard offers exclusive wine-tasting sessions for guests staying in their luxury accommodation, allowing you to savor the nuances of each varietal in an intimate setting.
Decades ago, Peter and Jane created a home for themselves away from the manic world of city living, opting instead for a country lifestyle surrounded by nature. Part of their vision when creating Toppesfield Vineyards was to offer the same experience for those who love wine just as they do and who also wanted to combine it with a stay in the serene beauty of the north Essex countryside.
Beyond the wonderful wine tasting, Toppesfield Vineyard offers a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends contemporary design with the tranquility of nature. The location allows guests to be surrounded by the vines in a retreat located just three meters from the edge of the vineyard. The vineyard retreat is surrounded by mature gardens and the rolling countryside on one side with a large pond on the other.
The villa at Toppesfield Vineyard is a masterpiece of Scandinavian-inspired design. Its exterior is characterized by clean lines and large glass windows that flood the interiors with natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere. As you step inside, you are greeted by an expansive open-plan lounge and dining area. The living space features a large nickel-plated bar, that overlooks the vineyards. The villa is equipped with high-tech amenities, including Alexa-controlled services, a 75-inch televsion, and a Sonos sound system for streaming your favorite music.
The focal point of the room is the large acrylic print of Michael Ayrton’s mesmerizing Arkville Minotaur which was created in his studio in the building just a few meters away. The space is also dominated by a giant picture window that frames breathtaking views of the vineyard, allowing guests to feel connected to the surrounding nature at all times.
The accommodation features two luxurious bedrooms, each with a super king-size bed and en-suite bathroom. The bedrooms are designed with comfort in mind, offering plush furnishings and stunning views over the vineyard. The bathrooms are equally impressive, with high-end fixtures and finishes that create a spa-like atmosphere. The centerpiece of the bathroom is a silver roll-top bath that begs their guests to luxuriate in a bubble bath while drinking a glass of their sparkling wine.
Back downstairs, the lounge area is designed for both comfort and style. Full-height glass sliding doors open onto a private patio, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. The patio is furnished with a large dining table, a comfy sofa, sun loungers, and an outdoor cooking area equipped with a Webber BBQ. This setup is perfect for al fresco dining and enjoying the vineyard’s peaceful ambiance.
Beyond the patio are the carefully curated grounds and English gardens. Here, you’ll find a diverse array of plants including roses, lavender, and hydrangeas, each chosen for their beauty and contribution to the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. Amid the carefully manicured hedges and flower beds, a variety of contemporary sculptures are thoughtfully placed. Pathways wind through the gardens, inviting strolls and offering numerous spots to pause and take in the scenery from strategically placed benches. If you are looking for a workout beyond a stroll, guests are welcome to play a game on the tennis court.
On the other side of the main house is a picturesque pond with its menagerie of residents and migrating waterfowl. An indulgent way to take in all that this glorious place has to offer is at night. The clear dark skies above are dotted with twinkling stars while guests enjoy a relaxing soak in the four-person jacuzzi, of course with a glass of wine shared with your loved one.
The Toppesfield Vineyard Retreat offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. The accommodations at Toppesfield Vineyard are perfect for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend escape with friends where guests are ensured to enjoy a quintessential vineyard holiday.
Beyond luxuriating in the Toppesfield Vinyard’s world of wine, guests can visit some of the nearby quaint villages of the north Essex and Suffolk regions. Just a short drive away is Finchingfield which is often touted as one of England’s most picturesque villages. At the heart of Finchingfield is its scenic Village Green, a postcard-perfect setting complete with a duck pond and a lovely humpback bridge. This idyllic spot is surrounded by colorful cottages, traditional pubs, and tearooms, offering a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and picturesque photos. Adding to the village’s charm is the Finchingfield Windmill, a historic landmark dating back to the 1700s.
Finchingfield is also home to several delightful pubs and tearooms, with The Fox on the Green being a standout. This former 16th-century coaching inn offers a cozy atmosphere with a mix of rustic beams, cozy nooks, and tasteful decor that pays homage to the inn’s storied past. The menu at The Fox on the Green is a celebration of local produce and traditional flavors. One of the inn’s standout features is its selection of local ales and fine wines, including Toppesfield Vineyards.
Toppesfield Vineyard is more than just a place to enjoy exceptional wine; it’s a destination that offers the complete country living holiday. With its exquisite wines, luxurious accommodations, and a range of activities, Toppesfield Vineyard provides the quintessential English wine destination.
