FOR many people, the dream of one day getting away to the sunny rolling hills of Italy or France and starting their own vineyard remains just that – a dream.

However, one family has gone above an beyond to make that dream a reality, and they’re doing it right here in north Essex.

Tuffon Hall vineyard is based in Sible Hedingham and is run by the Crowther family.

Family patriarch Angus opened the vineyard in 2011 after he and his wife, Pod, visited vineyards in Tasmania.

The Crowther family has farmed their land for more than 100 years and grew malting barley for whisky, beer and wheat.

However, inspired by their trip, Angus and Pod decided to turn a small 15 acres plot of their overall land, which was poor for growing wheat, into a new vineyard.

Despite naysayers saying it would never work, it turns out the south facing plot with its poor soil, which includes a mix of gravel, clay, chalk and sand, was perfect for vines.

Starting with just 6,000 vines, the vineyard was a long-term project and didn’t provide any yield for the first three years.

But the pair persevered with their experiment with wine at Tuffon Hall seeing them scoop numerous awards since opening 11 years ago.

Most recently, the vineyard's Pinot Noir Rose has been awarded a silver at the 2022 Wine GB awards with its Single Estate Bacchus dry white wine getting bronze.

Previously the vineyard has also scopped gold at the Independent English Wine Awards and has also seen success at the Wines of Great Britain Awards, Wine GB East Anglia and London Wine Competition.

“The challenges mainly came from others doubting that what we were doing would be successful,” Angus said.

“It was tough learning what we needed to know about looking after the vines but also launching the wine business itself. 

“The weather obviously brings its challenges but having the same terroir as the Champagne region.

“Frost is our major issue and last year we lost all our Chardonnay.

“We knew Tuffon Hall would be a success when those buying our wines for the first time came back for more. 

“A cherry on the cake moment was when our Pinot Noir Rosé was selected for the wine list at the Dorchester in London. 

“We now sell our wines in Essex and some London branches of Waitrose.”

Along with the wine business, Tuffon Hall makes gin and has also become a successful venue for hire.

Angus added: “After an extensive restoration project on our 16th century threshing barn we started the weddings and events side of the business just as the pandemic started. 

“Despite that we now have a full diary of wedding and event bookings so this contributes significantly to the business.”

“As with all small family run businesses it was tough.

“We have a wide selection of bars and restaurants who are trade customers, so with their forced closure, a large percentage of our revenue disappeared overnight. 

“That said we got creative and offered online wine tastings where groups of families and friends connected with us via Zoom and felt like they were still having fun during difficult times."

The pair, who hope to share their vineyard with children Amelie, Charlotte, Beatrice and Hamish, hope to now see their pride and joy continue to grow. 

Angus added: “We have four children and have named three of our wines after our three daughters. 

“We would be overjoyed if the children joined the family business.

“That said, they are only aged between three and 12 so we'd rather they enjoy following their current interests and obviously choosing their own career paths when the time comes.

"We planted another 3,000 vines last year so in two years time we will look to produce a new wine for our range. 

"Our farmhouse accommodation and glamping pods are now hosting regular guests who love the rural relaxation and waking up within the vineyard. 

"We have some tour and tasting dates on July 17 and August 7, plus our popular Jazz in the Vines event is back on  August 20, so we'd love those who haven't yet visited an vineyard to come along and see for themselves. 

"We have plenty of plans to continue all sides of the business and are excited about the future of Tuffon Hall."

To see more at tuffonhall.co.uk.