Wine enthusiasts in Sheffield are in for a corker this November as the renowned Laithwaites Wine Festival makes its way to the city for the first time. Set for Friday 15 November at Trafalgar Warehouse, this event promises an evening brimming with a diverse selection of wines from around the globe, where attendees can explore and sample more than 100 wines from 20 different producers.
Laithwaites Wine Festival has a long-standing tradition of bringing exceptional wines to the public, with roots tracing back to the 1980s when the first festival was held in London. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the most anticipated wine events in the UK, known for its broad range of offerings and a fun, engaging atmosphere. This year, the family-run company have decided to take the festival on the road, with Sheffield being one of the key stops on its northern tour, alongside Manchester and Leeds.
“We’ve been running events since the 80s, starting with our wine festival in London. It’s our way of bringing all of our producers together and offering the public a chance to taste a wide array of wines, from sparkling champagnes to rare reds, from all around the world,” Laithwaites representative Rachel Kemp told Exposed.
“This year, we’re excited to bring the festival to Sheffield for the first time, and we’ve chosen the Trafalgar Warehouse for its cool, urban, industrial feel – and there’ll also be the opportunity to enjoy cocktails and food pairings from local producers.”
Attendees can expect an impressive lineup of wines from France, Italy, Spain, Australia and South Africa. The festival is not just about tasting; it’s a personable experience where guests can learn about the wines and the stories behind them directly from the producers.
The event will also feature Laithwaites’ famous half-price champagne offer, just in time for the festive season, making it an ideal opportunity to stock up on bargains for Christmas.
One of the unique features of this year’s festival is the introduction of ‘Merlot on the Dance Floor’ – an immersive experience that blends music with wine tasting. “The idea is that music can alter your perception of the wine you’re tasting. We’ve set up silent disco headsets so that people can enjoy the music while exploring the different wines. It turns into a bit of a party as well,” Rachel added.
Laithwaites is committed to supporting family-run wine producers, many of whom have had relationships with the company for over 50 years. In addition to the vast selection of wines, the festival will include a cheese and wine masterclass, pairing some of the finest cheeses with the wines on offer. Local food producers have also been invited to participate, adding a Steel City flavour to the event.
The Trafalgar Warehouse, located on Trafalgar Street in Sheffield city centre, is the perfect spot for the festival, combining accessibility with an edgy, industrial charm. The venue, already known for hosting the Indie Beer Feast and Sheffield Beer Week, will be transformed into a wine lover’s paradise for one night only.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly. Priced at £35 per person, the ticket includes all wine tastings, the cheese and wine masterclass, and access to the Merlot on the Dance Floor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just looking for a memorable night out with pals, scan the QR code below to book your ticket.
EVENT: LAITHWAITES WINE FESTIVAL
DATE: FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER
TICKETS: £35pp visit laithwaites.co.uk
SOCIALS: @LAITHWAITES.WINE
