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Eat, Drink and Be Merry

 

9.30am Travel to Mersea Island
Oysters were cultivated in the tidal estuaries around Colchester even before the Roman invasion. After the Romans arrived, the ‘Colchester Native' oyster, which is not pearl bearing, was exported in bulk to Rome and the oyster industry which still thrives today was founded. A visit to Mersea Island should include a chance to taste our most famous local product. The Colchester Oyster Fisheries (01206 384141) offer a tour and a talk followed by oysters and wine for groups in excess of 30, or they can deliver oysters to a venue of your choice, with someone to open them and give a short talk on the subject (NB two weeks notice required).

If you wish to spend more time discovering Mersea, Cudmore Grove Country Park at the eastern end of the island is an excellent option. It's coastal location makes it ideal for walking the sea wall, exploring the shore and watching wildlife. The site is managed by the Essex Ranger Service with Rangers available to lead walks and give talks for organised groups.

1pm Lunch
The Dog and Pheasant (01206 852427 - book in advance) on the outskirts of Colchester on the A134 en route to Boxted. For details of other places to eat and drink check out the Colchester Food & Drink Guide.

3.00pm Travel to Carter's Vineyard at Boxted
Continue the food and drink theme in the afternoon with a visit to Carter's Vineyards in Boxted. This exciting environmental project turns our East Anglian sunshine into wine. Using only renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly processes Carter's Vineyard produces wines named to celebrate Colchester's history. ‘King Coel' is an exciting English Red and ‘St Helena' a popular medium dry white. Visitors can take time to enjoy the various habitats that exist around the vineyard, such as the woodlands and wildflower meadows, and the lakes that offer a chance to see resident kingfishers. Groups can enjoy the beautiful landscape in which the vineyard is set combined with an informative wine tasting session!

Both the oyster and wine tasting can be arranged for any reasonable time of day and make an excellent evening excursion for local groups and those staying in the area. As mentioned The Colchester Oyster Fisheries are also happy to give talks and tasting at restaurants and hotels within the area - as long as the resident chef is happy to prepare the oysters of course!