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Events

  • UK Vineyard Visits

    UK Vineyard Visits

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine tourism is rapidly becoming a major trend in UK travel, with over 1.5 million visits to vineyards and wineries recorded in 2023, marking a 55% increase from 2022. In response, WineGB has released the Visit a Vineyard Guide 2025 (pdf), a comprehensive resource promoting the diverse and distinctive experiences available across the country. There are 300 vineyards and wineries in the UK currently open to the public, offering everything from tours and tastings to fine dining, cellar door shops, on-site accommodation and vineyard picnics. Unique attractions include winery slides, wine trains, festivals, and wildlife walks, showcasing the variety of…

  • Wine-Tasting Experience Day

    Wine-Tasting Experience Day

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine Unearthed invites you to a fun and educational Wine-Tasting Experience Day in London, held at Browns Covent Garden. You’ll sample 15 quality wines, enjoy a three-course food and wine-matching lunch, and learn how to taste wine like a professional in a relaxed setting, perfect for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by Wine Unearthed, this event takes place on Saturday, 18 January 2025, from 11:00 to 16:00, priced at £125.

  • Big London Christmas Wine Fest

    Big London Christmas Wine Fest

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    Simon Judge

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    The Big London Christmas Wine Fest is set to take place at Lindley Hall from Friday, 22nd November to Saturday, 23rd November 2024. Hosted by wine experts Oz, Olly, and Tim, the event features a wide selection of over 600 wines from around the world for attendees to taste. Visitors will have the chance to explore various wine styles including red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet and fortified. In addition to the main walk-around tasting, the event includes three themed masterclasses for those keen to deepen their wine knowledge. There will also be special show offers from exhibitors, making it a…

  • Celebrate English Wine Week with The Uncommon at Waitrose King’s Cross

    Celebrate English Wine Week with The Uncommon at Waitrose King’s Cross

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    Simon Judge

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    The Uncommon, a pioneering English winemaker, is set to take over the Waitrose Bar at its King’s Cross store during English Wine Week from 15th to 23rd June. Their canned English bubbly wines will be featured alongside a series of vibrant activities, including tastings and an English Wine Masterclass led by Phil Norman on June 20th. The event will also offer chances to win exclusive merchandise and a luxurious picnic basket from Coco & Wolf worth £650. Founded in 2018 by Henry Connell and Alex Thraves, The Uncommon has become the UK’s leading producer of English wine in cans, with…

  • Co-op Online Rioja Tasting

    Co-op Online Rioja Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    Co-op has introduced an innovative online wine tasting series, granting members exclusive opportunities to engage directly with the winemakers responsible for their own-brand wine range. This initiative is designed to spotlight the exceptional talent behind Co-op’s wine selection and to educate members interested in expanding their wine knowledge. Each session, taking place monthly, will explore two seasonally selected wines, led by the winemakers themselves alongside a Co-op wine buyer. The forthcoming session on April 24th will feature Co-op’s Irresistible Rioja and Irresistible Rioja Blanco, with insights from Javier Murua and Chema Ryan of Muriel Wines. This initiative builds on the…

  • Dorset Wine Festival 2024

    Dorset Wine Festival 2024

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    Simon Judge

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    The inaugural Dorset Wine Festival is set to dazzle wine aficionados and epicureans alike on the 5th and 6th of October 2024. Hosted within the historic grounds of Highcliffe Castle, this premier event promises an exploration of the globe’s most exquisite wines. Over 50 esteemed wine exhibitors will be making their way from every corner of the world, each bringing a slice of their unique viticulture and heritage to the heart of Dorset. But it’s not just the wine that will be drawing crowds. The festival is a celebration of culinary excellence, featuring a mouth-watering array of food from some…

  • Real Wine Fair

    Real Wine Fair

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    Simon Judge

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    The Real Wine Fair is at London’s Tobacco Dock on Sunday, April 28th 2024, open to both consumers and trade, and continue into Monday, April 29th 2024, exclusively for trade visitors. This year’s fair promises an impressive showcase of 180 producers who are at the forefront of organic, biodynamic and low-intervention winemaking. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to sample a selection of 900 natural wines. In addition to the wine tasting, the fair will also feature street food stalls, providing a variety of culinary delights to complement the wine sampling. A pop-up Real Wine Shop will offer guests the…

  • Virgin Wines London Wine Tasting

    Virgin Wines London Wine Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    Virgin Wines is set to host a wine tasting event in London on Saturday, 5th October 2024. The event is scheduled from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at Lindley Hall, located on Elverton Street in London, SW1P 2QW. This event will be featuring an exclusive range of hand-crafted, boutique wines. In addition to these unique selections, attendees will also have the opportunity to taste some of the top customer favourites, as well as a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines. For those seeking guidance or looking to expand their knowledge of wines, Virgin Wine’s personal wine advisors will be on…

  • Wines for Your Christmas Table

    Wines for Your Christmas Table

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    Simon Judge

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    On 15th December 2023, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, the Wine Society is hosted a free online event. Hosted by Emma Briffett and Catherine Housden, this festive session guided attendees on the best wines to pair with Christmas meals, from the rich Christmas pudding to the Boxing Day ham and even sprouts. The session aimed to provide solutions to festive food and wine matching dilemmas. The Wine Society presented a range of wines and dishes for demonstration, inviting participants to join in with their chosen selections. A YouTube recording is available to members and non-members.

  • Feliz Rioja, November 2023

    Feliz Rioja, November 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    This November, the UK will have Feliz Rioja, a month-long event set to highlight the prominence of the Rioja wine-producing region across various outlets in the UK. Independent retailers, restaurants and wine bars throughout the country have registered their participation. With over 100 outlets involved, the event aims to provide a comprehensive exposure to Rioja wines. The Rioja region in Spain is distinguished for its diverse wine production. The wines range from reds to whites, each with specific characteristics attributed to the region’s unique terroir and winemaking techniques. In-store tastings will be organised across participating outlets, allowing consumers to directly…

  • Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

    Lidl’s Chateaux Noir Returns, Challenging Wine Etiquette and Preconceptions

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    Simon Judge

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    Four years after its sell-out success, Lidl (UK) has once again launched its wine tasting event, Chateaux Noir. This unique experience, designed to democratise wine and challenge traditional wine etiquette, aims to change perceptions this festive season. Recent research indicates that more than a quarter of people still believe that pricier wine labels guarantee better quality. In fact, 27% of participants admitted to buying high-end labels under the assumption of superior quality. Additionally, one in three individuals perceives wine etiquette as ‘snobbish’. Chateaux Noir aims to debunk these notions. Launched nationwide, this event pits Lidl against renowned drinks brands, intending…

  • Champagne Masterclass with Nicolas Jaeger

    Champagne Masterclass with Nicolas Jaeger

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    Simon Judge

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    On 11th December 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, there’s an online Champagne masterclass for Wine Society Members. This session features Alfred Gratien’s chef de cave, Nicolas Jaeger, who will be joined by the Wine Society’s Champagne buyer Sarah Knowles MW and Ewan Murray from the Tastings Team. Together, they will discuss the various Champagne styles and its production methods, especially focusing on Gratien’s approach. The class aims to enlighten attendees about the differences between NV and Vintage, Blanc de Blancs and prestige cuvée. Additionally, Nicolas will share some insights and details about the wines he produces, which are also…

  • The Ultimate Christmas Drinks Workshop

    The Ultimate Christmas Drinks Workshop

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    Simon Judge

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    On 11 Dec 2023 7:00 – 08:00pm, for Wine Society Members, Emma Briffett and Catherine Housden from the Tastings Team will offer an online comprehensive guide on hosting the perfect Christmas drinks party. They’ll address challenges like determining the right amount of food and wine for various event styles. Additionally, they’ll recommend simple canapés and six popular wines to delight your guests. There’s an open access YouTube recording of this event.

  • Big Christmas Wine Fest

    Big Christmas Wine Fest

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    Simon Judge

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    The Three Wine Men ‘Big Christmas Wine Fest‘ is will be on at The Royal Horticultural Halls, Lindley Hall, London on Friday 17th November and Saturday 18th November 2023. This year, there’s an impressive line-up of wine producers from around the world ready to share their wines with attendees. The event includes a main walk-around tasting, three masterclasses for those keen to dig deeper and on-stage features. Attendees can expect to taste over 600 wines, ranging from reds, whites, rosés, sparkling, sweet and fortified wines. The event also offers a chance to interact with the experts, discuss wines with the…

  • 1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting

    1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Society have a 1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting in London on 11 September 2023 6:00 – 08:30pm. There are also similar events in Lancaster on 19 September and Leamington on 20 September . Based on the Wine Society’s 1874 magazine’s Autumn edition, this tasting will encompass a series of brief walkaround sessions featuring a variety of themes. They will cover South Africa’s dynamic wine scene, pairing tradition with sustainability and showcasing an array of wines from emerging young producers, following Jo Locke MW’s recent trip there. Twelve selected wines will illustrate the old and new facets of this…

  • Wine Escape Murder Mystery

    Wine Escape Murder Mystery

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    Simon Judge

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    Maidstone, Kent is set to host an immersive dining experience that blends the excitement of escape room games. This special event, organised by Wine Escape, is scheduled for September 30, 2023 and promises to transport guests to the opulent era of the 1920s at the Hawker Wine Estate. The setting for this thrilling evening is The Village Hotel on Forstal Road. Attendees are invited to an exclusive party by the affluent Von James family. However, the atmosphere quickly turns tense due to a whirlwind of vengeance, lies and deception. To make it out of Hawker alive, participants must collaborate, stay…

  • ‘Back to Basics’ – Cheese and wine pairing

    ‘Back to Basics’ – Cheese and wine pairing

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    Simon Judge

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    Online ‘Back to Basics’ – a Cheese and wine pairing event free for Wine Society members. Nick Bayne from The Fine Cheese Company will join the Wine Society’s Tastings Team for an evening exploring wine and cheese pairings. Nick will introduce a selection of four English cheeses, each to be paired with one of our favourite wines. This session will provide a fundamental understanding of wine and cheese matching, looking into the production process of each cheese, the reasons for their selection, and how to ideally match them with the perfect wine. Post event update: There’s a freely available recording…

  • Wines of Vesevo & Fantini Tasting – Campania & Puglia, Italy

    Wines of Vesevo & Fantini Tasting – Campania & Puglia, Italy

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    Simon Judge

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    The Vesevo & Fantini wine tasting events at Morrish & Banham (M&B) will showcase Italian wines created by Valentine Sciotto. The events will be hosted at M&B’s Dorchester and Bridport locations on 28th and 29th September 2023. The evenings will include an aperitif, canapés and a guided tasting of six wines. Tickets are £25 and wines tasted will be offered at a 10% discount. I’ll be reporting back on this event.

  • Discover Greek Wine

    Discover Greek Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    On 16th August 2023 at 7pm, Cellar Magnifique in Woking is hosting a wine discovery event. This month’s focus is on Greek wines, guided by the Events Manager and winemaker, Sam. The wines will be paired with authentic Greek food from the local restaurant, Elia. I’ll be reporting back on this event.

  • Decanter’s London Fine Wine Encounter 2023

    Decanter’s London Fine Wine Encounter 2023

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    Simon Judge

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    Priority booking is open for Decanter’s members’ only London Fine Wine Encounter 2023, set for Saturday, 11th November at The Landmark London. The Landmark London will provide an ideal setting for respected wineries to showcase their offerings. Attendees will be immersed in an all-day Grand Tasting event where they can sample over 1,000 exquisite wines from around the globe, chosen by Decanter’s experienced team. The event also offers the rare opportunity to taste Gold, Platinum and Best in Show wines from this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). Additionally, experts behind the labels will be available for interaction and discussion.…

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Did You Know?

Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More

Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More

People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More

In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More

UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More

For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More

Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More

Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More

A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More

Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More

In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More

In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More

In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More

In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More

Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More

Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More

In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More

Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More

8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More

Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More

Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More

Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More

Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More

During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More

In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More

In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More

In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More

In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More

In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More

In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More

In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More

Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More

In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More

In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More

In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More

The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More

Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More

Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More

In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More

The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More

90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More

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