![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Silvia-Cackova-from-Simpsons-Wine-Estate-in-Kent-scaled.jpg\")
\nThere will be more than 100 different wines to try from producers around the world, built around four core themes:<\/p>\n
Liverpool\u2019s set to celebrate the launch of its first ever major wine festival.<\/p>\n
The Northern Wine Festival is being organised by Bacchus School of Wine and is being held at the Metropolitan Cathedral\u2019s Crypt Hall in March.<\/p>\n
Bacchus boss Johnathan Garry is hoping it will go on to become one of the most iconic celebrations of wine in the North of England and a highlight in the city\u2019s calendar.<\/p>\n
But for now, he says: <\/p>\n
\u201cI want to bring the uniqueness of a trade event tasting to the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can enjoy a huge variety of wines, meet producers, and even participate in a masterclass.\u00a0 Quite simply, they can have the most amazing time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnathan adds: <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been lucky to host the Bordeaux Wine Festival for many years and, like other cities, we\u2019ve had events where merchants and online retailers have hosted their own wines.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Northern Wine Festival is different, because it doesn\u2019t champion one region or seller and, after six years in the industry, I realised there was a need for something more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a wine festival that truly celebrates global wine, that everyone can enjoy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The festival will run for one day on Saturday, March 7, with a four-hour session in the afternoon and one in the evening.<\/p>\n
\nThere will be more than 100 different wines to try from producers around the world, built around four core themes:<\/p>\n
* English Spotlight \u2013 focusing on English wine producers with representatives from Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Devon<\/p>\n
* Classic Regions \u2013 with producers from France, Italy, Argentina, Chile and California<\/p>\n
* Discovery \u2013 looking at wines off the beaten track from places like Mexico, Uruguay, China and Japan<\/p>\n
* Education \u2013 there\u2019ll be blind tasting tables which, says Johnathan, might sound intimidating to the average wine lover. But typical of his approach in all things wine, he adds that they\u2019ll be fun and relaxed: \u201cYou can take the hints and tips from the educator and have fun with it or, if you\u2019re an aficionado, you can go it alone and geek it out to the max.\u00a0 Just remember to grab the results at the end.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea is that you don\u2019t need to know a lot about wine,\u201d smiles Johnathan. \u201cJust have fun and enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event will cost \u00a335 for a standard ticket per person, which will give them a wine card for their first 12 wines along with a branded tote bag, a branded tasting glass and a booklet giving them a full guide to what\u2019s there.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople can choose what they\u2019d like to try. You don\u2019t have to have so many reds or so many whites, you try what you want to.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the pour will be generous, with 60ml per tasting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additional tasting cards can be purchased by those who want to try more wines, and there are two masterclasses which can be booked (with advanced booking discounts available online).<\/p>\n
Led by Johnathan, people can choose This Is England, for which he\u2019ll be joined by Silvia Cackova from Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent and Paddy Gaunt from Sandridge Barton, Devon, looking at eight premium English wines. \u201cThe masterclasses will include exclusive wines not exhibited generally during the day,\u201d says Johnathan.<\/p>\n
![\"Northern](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Northern-Wine-Festival-1.png\")
<\/p>\n
And 8,000 Years of Wine, looking at its origins in Georgia through to classic old world and new world countries, and concluding with the future of emerging wine countries. For that he\u2019ll be joined by Henry Rymill from Domain Sainte Rose in the South of France; Rafael Lijtman Gorella from BBS looking at wines from Argentina and Chile, and Olga Salazar Torres representing MX Wines from Mexico.<\/p>\n
\u201cApart from the Masterclasses, it\u2019s a walk around tasting tour, but you get the chance to talk to the producers, the experts, as much as you want.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis event is for everybody, from the beginner just getting into wine and wanting to know more, to the long-standing wine lover who gets a kick out of new discoveries.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother nice aspect is how many premium wines are available to try.\u00a0 For many, these won\u2019t be their average go-to wine, so they may find a new favourite \u2018treat wine\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
To complement the wine, there\u2019ll be food from local independents Crosby Cheese and Charcuterie; Bone & Block, based at Duke Street Market; Kelp Oyster Bar, and Spanish Caravan.<\/p>\n
The ambition is that the festival will become an annual event that could be held over more days and become as significant for the city as the annual beer and gin festivals.<\/p>\n
Johnathan says:<\/p>\n
\u201cNorthern Wine Festival will be another event that celebrates culture for our city to proudly host.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a cultural aspect to wine.\u00a0 Coupled with the food and music, it\u2019s a social event that\u2019s perfectly on brand for Scousers across the city region, as well as being an attractive draw to those further afield.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we believe this could well be Liverpool\u2019s event of the year!!\u201d<\/p>\n
Find out more about the Northern Wine Festival here<\/a>. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
\nFind out what\u2019s on across Liverpool in 2026 here<\/a>. <\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n