5 of the best Norfolk wines and beers to break Dry January

Here are some of the best alcoholic beverages made in Norfolk for you to try.

1) Bullards Gin

Bullards Gin can be found across Norfolk (Image: Archant 2021)Bullards has been well-known for supplying beers, wines and spirits in the city since the mid-19th century, spanning six generations.

Richard Bullard founded The Anchor Brewery, Bullards and Sons which became established across East Anglia.

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The brewery closed in 1966 but the company was revived as Bullards Spirits in 2015 through Russell Evans.

The award-winning gins come in a range of flavours including pineapple, ginger and lime, and strawberry and black pepper.

2) Ampersand Brewery

Ampersand Brewery is based in south Norfolk (Image: Ampersand Brewery)

The brewery, based in south Norfolk, was started by a family team of Amy, Andy and Adrian Hipwell in a converted barn on their family farm before expanding to their new site in Diss.

They create small batch beer under a simple philosophy "we make what we want to drink".

Ampersand also has a dedicated taproom area directly adjacent to the brew deck giving great views of the tanks while you enjoy the freshest beers right where they are made.

3) Flint Wine

Pinot noir wine at Flint Vineyard in Earsham, near Bungay. (Image: Archant)

Ben Witchell started Flint Vineyard in Earsham in south Norfolk in 2015.

The company now has more than 26,000 vines covering six hectares and a state-of-the-art winery.

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The firm was crowned the best vineyard in the UK by Countryfile magazine in 2022.

It said that Flint has "proven" that East Anglia is a "great spot to grow grapes" due to having "one of the UK's driest climates".

4) Woodforde's

Woodforde's brewery's Wherry beer (Image: Archant 2021)

Woodforde's was founded in 1981 by friends Ray Ashworth and David Crease in Drayton using converted lemon juice vessels from Colmans.

The brewery, which claims to be the biggest in Norfolk, is known for its flagship Wherry ale and produces more than 20,000 barrels a year.

Brewery tours are held at its base in Woodbastwick and finish at the brewery tap called The Fur & Feather.

5) Norfolk Rum

Ben Crisp with his business partner Theresa Robinson (Image: NewsQuest)Started by airline pilot Ben Crisp at The Norfolk Spirit Companies, Norfolk Rum has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2020.

Its dark spiced rum has seen national recognition after gaining an esteemed two-star Great Taste Award in 2023.

The firm also offers three other flavours including honey spiced, premium white, and navy strength, as well as a selection of liqueurs.