ENGLISH WINE EVENTS FOR 2024: DATES FOR YOUR DIARY.
The summer of 2024 looks set to be one of the biggest in for English Wine Events. Throughout England, there are many wine events that you can get involved in. From low key to premium, there’s something for everyone in the English Wine Event calendar this year.
Here’s my guide to all the big summer events, so make sure you don’t miss out!
I’ll keep updating this list as new dates are announced. If I’ve missed your wine event and you want it to be featured – please get in touch!
1. English Wine Week
English Wine Week is a big bash celebrating English wines. Vineyards, shops, and restaurants all over England throw parties, with tastings, vineyard tours, and wine-pairing dinners.
When: Typically the last week of May to the first week of June. In 2024, the event will run from 15th June to 23 June.
English Wine Week Events
London
In the bustling capital, English Wine Week kicks off with a grand tasting event at the iconic Vintners’ Hall, where attendees can sample a curated selection of the finest English wines.
Throughout the week, several top restaurants will offer special wine-pairing menus featuring exclusively English wines. Additionally, educational workshops on the rise of urban winemaking in London are scheduled at various wine schools across the city.
Kent
Kent hosts vineyard tours and open-house events at some of its premier wineries such as Chapel Down and Biddenden. Visitors can enjoy guided vineyard walks, wine tastings, and meet-the-winemaker sessions. Special “Grape to Glass” workshops, which detail the winemaking process from harvest through bottling, are particularly popular. See also the Wine Garden of England summer celebration.
Surrey
In Surrey, the focus is on the educational aspects of viticulture. The Surrey Wine School hosts a series of masterclasses featuring local wine producers. For a more immersive experience, Denbies Wine Estate offers a combined vineyard and winery tour, culminating in a tasting of their award-winning wines.
Sussex
Sussex, a county renowned for its contribution to English sparkling wine, celebrates with exclusive “Fizz and Food” evenings. These events are hosted in collaboration with local chefs who create dishes designed to complement the unique profiles of Sussex sparkling wines. Additionally, estates like Rathfinny and Ridgeview offer behind-the-scenes tours focusing on sparkling wine production.
Essex
Essex explores its maritime wine heritage with a series of coastal vineyard tours that highlight the influence of the sea on viticulture. The tours are complemented by tastings of seafood paired with local wines, emphasizing the natural synergy between the region’s food and wine offerings.
2. London Wine Fair
Hosted at the Olympia London, the London Wine Fair features over 14,000 wines from around the world, including a significant selection of English wines.
This event is essential for industry professionals and offers masterclasses and educational seminars. Probably not one of your diary if you’re just a casual sipper however!
When: Annually in May, with the next event scheduled for May 20-22 2024.
More information can be found here.
3. Three Wine Men Tasting Events
Led by wine experts Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW, and Olly Smith, these events are informal yet informative, allowing attendees to taste a wide range of wines and engage with knowledgeable experts. Although these events are not exclusively about English wine, they will no doubt be fun & informative.
When: Various dates throughout the year across different cities.
We aim to demystify wine and make it fun and accessible to all. Our events are about discovery and enjoyment.
Oz Clarke
More information can be found here.
4. Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest
Celebrate Hampshire’s finest wines at this festival that features tastings, live music, and local cuisine. It’s a summer highlight for wine lovers and a great way to support local vineyards.
When: 23 June 2024 in The Grange Vineyard and Winery. This year is the 10th anniversary and also part of English Wine Week.
More information can be found here.
5. Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration
Every June, the Garden of England Summer Celebration brings a vibrant festival to the heart of Kent, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage and its status as one of the UK’s most prolific areas for growing fresh produce and fine wines.
Held during the lush, vibrant early summer season, this event showcases the best of local craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture in a festive atmosphere perfect for families and individuals alike. This includes a day time event and an evening party.
Visit to try wines from some of the top eight vineyards in Kent.
When: The next event is on 8 June 2024 in Chilham Castle.
More information and tickets can be found here.
6. Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival
This year will see the first ever Great Yorkshire Wine & Fizz Festival, a celebration of wine produced in Yorkshire. The event will be hosted at Yorkshire Heart vineyard, one of the wonderful vineyards in the county.
When: 25 August 2024
7. Castlewood Vineyard Festival
Castlewood Vineyard in East Devon is bringing together wine producers from around the county to host a wine festival like no other. The one day event, includes great music, wine and feasting – plus you can camp!
When: 8 June 2024
Find more information and tickets on the Castlewood Winery website.
8. Grape Harvest
Many vineyards offer the public a chance to participate in the harvest, which is a hands-on way to learn about viticulture and winemaking.
When: The grape harvest season in England starts in late September and can extend into October.
Look out for opportunities at your local winery.
9. Shropshire Wine Festival
I love love love these independent wine festival events that are starting to pop up in counties across the UK. Shropshire Wine Festival is an event running in May. Details are not yet released, but it is looking set to be a celebration of all things wine grown in the county of Shropshire.
Follow the Shropshire Wine Festival instagram for more information.
When: 16 to 27 May 2024.
Side note – these are all big national events. Keep an eye out on your local vineyard social media for smaller occasions throughout the year.
Check out my English Vineyard Directory here.
Where to next?
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