HUNDREDS of people headed along to a vineyard to sample some of the finest wine and walnuts in Essex.

The Wine and Walnut Festival is one of Dedham Vale Vineyard’s final events of the year and once again drew in a big crowd.

Some of the vineyard’s best, locally produced wine was on offer along with some of the their own fresh walnuts.

There was also plenty of cake and coffee available as visitors were able to enjoy a walk through the vines and explore the grounds.

Tom Bunting, who helped to organise the festival, said: “It was great, there was lots of interest in both the walnuts and wines.

“We probably had several hundred few people come through the door.

“The day was all about trying to introduce a younger audience to the appeal of walnuts.

“The ones we have here are unique because they are some of the largest in the UK and they’re something Colchester should be proud.

“People usually think of dry nuts when you say walnuts but ours are fresh, wet walnuts and have a different flavour.

“Everyone seemed to really like them and it was a good fun day.”