Wine festival returns to London

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UK's largest wine Festival returns to London this May

On Friday 17^th & Saturday 18^th May, the UK’s largest and oldest Festival for wine lovers takes place at London’s Olympia – offering wine drinkers the rare chance to taste over 350 wines from around the world under one roof.

Hosted by The Sunday Times Wine Club and Laithwaites, the Wine Festival 2024 is led by wine writer, Oz Clarke OBE alongside Sunday Times wine columnist and VP of the Sunday Times Wine Club, Will Lyons. These two powerhouses of wine knowledge be there each day giving talks, tasting tours and generally sharing their extensive wine expertise with festival-goers.

“Introducing customers to winemakers and producers is at the heart of what we do at Laithwaites. The annual wine festival is an important part of that,” explains festival organiser Libby Woolcock. “We have longstanding relationships – some for over 50 years – with a network of independent and family wineries around the world. Around 450 at last count. Through our wines we hope to bring the stories and passion of these winemaking rockstars to our customers, but nothing quite beats meeting them in person and drinking their wines with them. It really is special.”

“The Festival has a long history,” Libby adds. “It was where the UK was first introduced to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, over 30 years ago. And it’s great to have it bigger than ever before in London’s Olympia. We’re able to host more wine lovers, showcase more wines and generally have an amazing weekend. Last year, 5500 people joined us in Kensington across the two days. The atmosphere was buzzing and this year promises to be every bit as good.”

Offering a world of wine under one roof, the range available at this Sunday Times Wine Club and Laithwaites event marks it apart from your average wine tasting. An impressive lineup of 350 wines awaits, including everything from premium English sparkling, classic regions such as Spain and France, big producers such as Moët Hennessy and Journey’s End, through to independent breweries. Lesser-known regions will also be there to discover and explore, from Portugal to Eastern Europe.

On the day ticket holders can taste through the wines at their leisure, but for those looking for a more immersive experience, the Taste Theatre provides the perfect way to dive even deeper into the stories behind the wines. Included in the entry price, visitors can embark on a tutored tasting journey, guided by wine experts.

Have you ever wondered about the winemaking process? How to taste like a pro? The history of your favourite winery? Well, this is your chance to find out. You won’t just be sipping and savouring, you’ll be developing your wine knowledge in a fun, interactive and informal setting.