Newcastle Wine Week returns with venues signed up

Newcastle Wine Week, first launched last year, will run from June 19 to 28 and promises exclusive discounts and events at top venues across the city.

The scheme allows people to purchase a wristband, unlocking half-price wines by the glass and bottle at participating bars and restaurants.

Leah Newman, the East Boldon-based wine expert behind the idea, said: “The whole idea was about making great wine more accessible.

Leah Newman, the East Boldon-based wine expert behind Newcastle Wine Week (Image: Supplied)

“It means that people can really experience wines at a price that isn’t often available and hopefully discover a whole new world.”

Her company Whispering Wine organises the event, and Ms Newman is among the few in the UK to hold a prestigious Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) diploma.

This year’s line-up of venues includes Michelin-starred House of Tides, The French Quarter, Kaltur (both Dean Street and High Bridge Street), Dobson and Parnell, Gino D’Campo, Victor Indigo November, Dood, and Blackfriars.

Wristbands also unlock offers at Cavavin, Osters at Gosforth High Street, Lovage in Jesmond, Pique, Gosforth Traders, Colonel Porter’s, Hotel du Vin, Jesmond Wines, Angels Share, and Las Casa Delicatessen.

Ellie Pearson Graham, general manager of Blackfriars, said: “We had new customers who had never been to Blackfriars, we were absolutely mobbed on the weekends.

“This year we will put in more outdoor seating to accommodate Newcastle Wine Week participants and look to offer a selected menu for those customers also.

“Financially it was definitely a success and we look forward to being involved again.”

In addition to discounted wines, wristband holders will have access to a variety of special events, including half price tasting flights and specially curated pairings.

Ms Newman, who also organises wine tasting tours in Europe, launched Newcastle Wine Week last year to make high-quality wine more accessible.

She said the positive response to last year’s event inspired her to bring it back for a second year.

Wristbands are priced at £14.99 and are available from the official website at www.wine-week.co.uk.