English Wine Producers back first Midlands English Wine Takeover

A series of consumer events will be taking place across the city from 22nd May celebrating English Wine Week including food matching with a range of British and international cuisines, tutored producer-led tastings and a flagship event – the producers festival on Saturday 23rd May at The Bond, Digbeth.

• The first dedicated English Wine event takes place in Birmingham May 2015
• Registration for producers now open with first the wave already signed up
• Top restaurants back event with unique English wine and food matching events across the city
• English Wine Takeover is launching a new series of events in Birmingham during English Wine Week 2015
• The event is catering for an increased consumer demand for wine with provenance and a growing awareness and interest in English wine
• English wineries are already signed up to take part in the festival include Biddenden, Hush Heath, Three Choirs, Bolney and Sixteen Ridges

Phil Innes from Loki Wine said;

We’re seeing more customers coming into our tasting shop asking to try English wines, specifically the sparkling varieties. Consumers want to try a diverse range of wines and to be on top of the latest trends.

During English Wine Takeover we’ll be hosting a blind tasting sparkling masterclass, it’s really exciting to be able to run a purely English wine event.

Restaurant events include;

• Hotel Du Vin, Church Street, Friday 22^nd May:  Meet the producers evening hosted by TV presenter and English wine fan Gary Newbon
• Carters, Wake Green Road, Monday 25^th May: A truly English menu matching with English wine.
• Itihaas Indian Fine Dining, Newhall Street, Tuesday 26^th May: An evening of Indian food matched with a range of English wine including desert wines from Hush Heath.
• Loki Wine, Great Western Arcade, Wednesday 27^th May:  ‘Taste the Difference’ masterclass with six types of English Sparkling Wine.
• Loves Restaurant, Browning Square Thursday 28^th May: Five courses match with five wines. Hosted by English wine enthusiast and restaurant sommelier Claire Love

The Producers Festival taking place on Saturday 23^rd May includes masterclasses, bubbly brunch and a canal-side afternoon tea.

A special menu has been created by fine dining streetfood ensemble Fybin & Loin who will be making their debut on the Birmingham culinary scene.
The event is supported by English Wine Producers (EWP) the marketing association of the English Wine industry who will be promoting a range of events to celebrate English Wine Week 2015.

Julia Trustram Eve marketing director of English Wine Producers said;

The south of England is typically the hotbed of vineyards in the UK so it’s great to see events happening outside of the heartland. I’m delighted that Birmingham is embracing and celebrating English Wine and am even more excited about how the local trade have got behind it.

Sales of English Wine are up year-on-year and acreage in the UK has doubled in the last 10 years so it’s fair to say it’s an exciting time for the industry now and in the future.

I hope to see the Birmingham English Wine Takeover expand each year to incorporate more and more brilliant English wines. I would encourage any producers looking to connect with new consumers to get involved with the event.

Brands wanting to take part in English Wine Takeover are urged to get in contact with the organisers to book their place by 4^th May 2015.

For more information visit www.englishwinetakeover.co.uk