We love wine, we love The Bond, what’s not to like?!
The Food & Drink Events Company are once again teaming up with a number of exciting
UK vineyards to put even more English Wine on the tables of Birmingham this May.
After a successful festival in 2015, the English Wine Takeover (in partnership with trade association, English Wine Producers) is back on Sunday 15th – Saturday 21st May with even more producers, bars and retailers involved. Tickets start at around £15.
The week long celebration culminates in a wine festival at The Bond Company on Saturday 21st May. The festival will showcase English wines from around the country, giving discerning drinkers the chance to meet producers and experience a range of tastings, food pairings and innovative masterclasses.
Confirmed producers range from the multi-award winning sparkling wine makers Gusbourne, to local producers Halfpenny Green Vineyard (based just 25 miles away from Birmingham).
Clive Vickers (founder and Winemaker at Halfpenny Green Vineyard) commented on the event, “English wine is experiencing a huge surge in popularity and is winning accolades and awards in both national and international competitions. We’re excited to be involved in this year’s English Wine Takeover. It’s a fantastic opportunity to teach wine lovers about the virtues of the fantastic products which are being made here in England.”
Also returning to the festival is Astley Vineyards, whose delicious dessert wines proved to be a real hit with last year’s attendees.
Amy Seton (Managing director of The Food & Drink Events Company) shared this “The goal of the event is to encourage people to come and try new things. English sparkling has gained a great reputation but English wine is more than just bubbles. There are lots of producers and vineyards making some stunning red, white, rosé and even dessert wines. We’ve created the event to showcase fantastic English producers and to give attendees a great educational and enjoyable day out.”
As well as delicious wines, the festival will offer attendees a unique day out. With local food offerings from Jewellery Quarter favorite, The 8 Foot Grocer, and entertainment taking place throughout the day. Attendees have the option of starting the day with a VIP sparkling brunch by the canal or standard entry, which starts from just £15 (not including booking fee).
Tickets for the English Wine Takeover Festival go on sale on Tuesday 1st March at 12pm. For more information and to book a place, head to the ticket page. For other information about the partners, events and vineyards, head to our website.
Some attendees have now been announced:
a’beckett’s – Producer of predominately still varities, great harvests have meant that they do make some sparkling wine. Paul’s (vineyard owner) driving passion when establishing the vineyard was to produce red wine which may account for the 65% Pinot Noir planting.
Astley Vineyards – A favourite from last year, we’re very pleased to welcome Astley back for 2016. Try some delicious vintages from this small, but perfectly formed vineyard in Worcester. Since the first significant production in 1983 it has consistently won awards in every year. All their wines are Quality Wine status (PDO).
English Wine Producers – The EWP team will be bringing their expertise and knowledge of the wonderful world of English Wine. Sip, learn and find out more from the experts at the English Wine Takeover!
Gusbourne – “English Wine Producer of the Year” at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). Gusbourne will be bringing a beautiful selection of their sparkling wines for you to taste.
Halfpenny Green – It was the vision of farmer Martin Vickers 30 years ago to plant a vineyard that would one day match continental sites. Today, 30 acres of vines are managed by Martin and produce award-winning wines crafted by his son Clive.
Three Choirs – Three Choirs Vineyards produce a range of award-wining English wines – all grapes are grown on their two estates at Newent Gloucestershire and Wickham Hampshire and all wine making is undertaken at their modern purpose built winery at Newent.
Warden Abbey Community Vineyard – Nestled between the picturesque villages of Old Warden and Cardington, vines were first planted on this beautiful Bedfordshire field in medieval times by monks at the Cistercian Abbey of Warden. Centuries later, the Whitbread family re-planted the monks’ “Lyttel Vineyard” in 1986, and went on to produce award-winning wines right up to their last vintage in 2008. Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity now lease the vineyard in an ambitious project to provide a unique community and educational resource – and are carrying on the tradition of making medal winning wines.
Wiston Estate – We’re very pleased to announce that Wiston Estate are sponsoring our “VIP Bubbly Brunch” this year. The Wiston Estate has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743. It’s multi-award winning products are putting English wine on tables around the world.
With many more to be announced!
OUT IN BRUM 