The history in Essex spans more than just the landscape, it is also predominant in the food and wine produced throughout the county.

Colchester may only have enjoyed a brief spell as capital of Britain under the Romans, but the impact on the history of Essex and our food and wine has stretched through the millennia.

As well as leaving a wealth of artefacts, the Romans who ruled from Colchester, or rather Camuldunum as it was then known, from AD 43 to AD 60/61, brought a touch of European cuisine to the county, setting up vineyards and cultivating Colchester Native oysters.

There are now more than 20 vineyards in the county, ranging from the well established Dedham Vale estate and New Hall vineyards, to new grape on the block at West Street vineyard in Coggeshall.

Dedham Vale Estate stretches across 40 acres on the edge of the beautiful Stour valley producing six styles of award-winning wines. Visitors are welcome to enjoy pre-booked tours with expert winemakers or follow a trail through the immaculate vines for just £5 including wine tasting.

New Hall vineyards at Purleigh, near Chelmsford, is another popular vineyard both for visiting and their wines and West Street Vineyards at Coggeshall offers wine tastings and regular vineyard walks and wines for those keen to learn more.

With 350 miles of coastline, it is no surprise that Essex is known for its shellfish, Mersea Island, in particular, is renowned for its oysters with local restaurants specialising in this cuisine.

For those with a sweeter tooth drop into Tiptree, still the home of Tiptree jams. Their afternoon tea can also be enjoyed nearer Wivenhoe House at Dedham, the picturesque village, where Tiptree afternoon tea is served in the 16th century Essex Rose Tea House.