MALDON and the Dengie’s vineyards could be set to rival those in France and South Africa under plans to establish the district as an internationally-renowned wine region.

Wine buffs could soon be flocking to the district for tours and tastings after Maldon District Council revealed plans to seek the status.

The council plans to request a grant of around £300,000 from Magnox’s “socio-economic scheme”, which is funding improvements as Bradwell power station is decommissioned.

It is one of a number of schemes, set to cost millions of pounds, in the pipeline to boost the Dengie economy.

Initial ideas were given backing in March but have now been expanded to include wine region status.

If successful it could also lead to a “high-profile” wine festival being organised.

A report set to go before the council’s planning and licensing committee said: “The outcomes of this am- bitious project would be the district being recognised on a world stage for its grapes and quality wines.”

The £300,000 would be used for a feasibility study, business plan, skills development, accreditation and marketing.

The district has eight vineyards, including four which are open to the public, and grows 84 per cent of all the grapes produced in Essex.

Dale Symons, owner of Clayhill Vineyard, approached the council with the idea after a conversation with other owners.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • The scheme was put forward by Dale Symons, pictured with family, of Clayhill Vineyard.

He said: “Ten years ago we only had one vineyard, now we have eight or nine in the district.

“I approached Maldon District Council and said ‘I have got this mad idea, what do you think?’.

“They took it on board and are looking into the options.

“We have got London on our doorstep and easy access by train – we should be taking advantage.”

Samantha Lonergan, who runs Crouch Ridge Vineyards, in Althorne, has welcomed the bid.

She said: “Ten years ago there weren’t any vines along the River Crouch; now we have about 40 or 50 acres.

“It just shows you how climate change has made it possible to grown vines and produce some really good wine.”

Next year the vineyard will produce a sparkling white wine, a rose and another white wine with its second harvest.

Mrs Lonergan added: “If you go to France or South Africa or New Zealand and Australia you get fantastic wine routes.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

  • REGION: Samantha Lonergan at Crouch Ridge Vineyards first harvest.

"Most people go to visit a wine region and don’t want to just go to one. It is a great idea that tourists or locals can come along to the Dengie and stop off at three or four different vineyards.

"They can have tastings, go for a tour of the vineyard and have lunch.”

Mrs Lonergan said the status would boost the Dengie economy.

She added: “People will not only come to the vineyards, they will eat in our restaurants and they will do all the other highlights like sailing and the lovely walks that we have.”