Maldon MP John Whittingdale joined the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, on a visit to Danbury Ridge Wine Estate on Friday 9 July.

Mr Whittingdale OBE, who is also the Minister for Media and Data, and Mrs Tolhurst were shown around the recently completed winery by owner Michael Bunker and winemaker Liam Idzikowski.

Mr Whittingdale said: "This part of Essex is rapidly becoming one of the best wine-making areas in the country. Danbury Ridge are now producing wines of a quality on a par with France and California.

"This is great news not just for wine lovers but for the District as a whole as it is yet another reason for visitors to come in order to enjoy our wonderful produce, heritage and environment."

Danbury Ridge was founded by two generations of the Bunker family: Michael and Heather Bunker and their daughters Janine and Sophie.

Since planting its first vines in 2014, the well-equipped winery has broken new ground. Its 2018 wines, released in March, are now included on the wine lists of eight Michelin starred restaurants. According to wine critic Jancis Robinson, they are changing the face of the still wine industry in the UK.

John Mobbs, founder of Great British Wine, said: "Essex is the most exciting region in England right now. The area has been supplying some of England's best-known producers for a long time, while names like New Hall have been quietly making a vast array of wines for over fifty years.

"However, upon arriving at Danbury Ridge, I couldn't help but feel this place will be a game-changer. Not just for Essex, but for the English Wine Industry as a whole."

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For more information you can visit the Danbury Ridge Estate website using the link here.