North 42 Degrees Estate Winery in Colchester is expanding and creating new jobs.
"Exciting and terrifying simultaneously," says Martin Gorski, winery partner and winemaker in describing the move to invest in the expansion.
He says tourism traffic is picking up in the south end of Essex County.
"It seems to be on the verge of the tipping point or a critical mass; it's impossible to not notice the wine industry here," says Gorski.
He thinks the region is set for a tourism boom.
"I think it's only a matter of time before we see many, many more tourists coming through this area on an annual basis," says Gorski. "I'm a firm believer in, 'build it and they will come.'"
There are five staff at the winery now and Gorski thinks the expansion will mean about another 10 hires.
Gorski expects to see construction of the new welcome centre space — set to have a 60-seat capacity — begin in April and hopes to have the work done by Christmas.
