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- 10th Apr 2024
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Wine not? 8 great wine experiences in the North East
Get ready to unleash your inner Sommelier.
When it comes to wine we all have a preference, but for the novice that doesn’t often go much past red, white, or rose (ice cold pale rose in the Summer, ftw).
From wine tastings to pairings, these eight bars, restaurants and shops across the North East will help you sort your New Zealand from your South African, your dry from your fruity, and your natural from your traditional.
Natural Wine Tastings at Kork Wine and Deli, Whitley Bay.
Independent Natural Wine shop and Deli, Kork, is an HLN favourite for a reason. Delicious natural wines, paired with cheeses and meats in a super cosy, dog-friendly environment. What more could you want?
Well, the team at Kork regularly schedule Natural Wine tasting events with different themes. The next event takes place on 19 April and will explore British Natural Wines. Each ticket is £40 and includes a cheese board.
Sunday Wine Socials at Long Friday, Jesmond
Brentwood Avenue favourite, Long Friday, have just announced their monthly wine event – Sunday Wine Socials.
Join them for an informal mix of talks, tastings and get togethers every month. Tickets are £40 and you’ll get to sample 6 different wines – with snacks from the restaurant menu included. Delicious…
Their first event is this Sunday – 14 April – and they’ll be joined by Dynamic Vines, from London, who will take you through some great wines sourced from the Loire Valley. Tickets are available via the Long Friday booking system. Keep an eye on their Insta for future events.
Wine Tasting at Grape and Grain, Morpeth
Wine, beer and spirit merchant, Grape and Grain, prides itself on its selection of specialist products, paired with friendly and unintimidating service.
They’ve just announced their Spring wine tasting events – and they’re taking us on a tour of sunnier climes.
Join them on Friday 19 April for a taste of California, or on Wednesday 4 May and head down under to meet winemaker Seifreid Winery and taste some of their delicious wines from NZ. Tickets are £25 for each event.
Wine Tasting at VIN, Gateshead
VIN is a wine shop and tasting room in Gateshead specialising in wine, cheese and charcuterie from France. It’s the mouthwatering, picky bits, stuff of dreams.
Perfect for date night or lunch with the girls, pop in to sample some of their delicious delights, where the staff will be more than happy to give you some friendly recommendations and advice.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more formal, join them for one of their many tastings, where the experts will teach you everything they know. There’s a full calendar of events to look through on their site, but we’re really excited about the Intro to France session on Thursday 25 April. Tickets are £30.
Wine and Cheese at Fourteen Drops, Yarm
Fourteen Drops is a gorgeous wine shop and bar in Yarm, boasting a warm and friendly atmosphere where customers can enjoy exciting new and artisan wines.
Pop in and shop for a bottle of something a bit different for your next dinner party – the expert staff will be more than happy to advise. Or, sit in and enjoy a glass or two (or three) paired with tasty treats from their food menu. Is there anything finer than dunking crusty bread into a whole baked cheese, and washing it down with a delicious glass of red? No, no there isn’t.
They often host tastings and events too. There’s nothing on their calendar right now, but keep checking their website for the next session.
An Evening of Northern Cuisine and Wine Pairing at The South Causey Inn, County Durham
For something a little bit special, join Northern Chef, Shaun Murray, on Friday 28 June for an evening of modern techniques paired with traditional flavours.
The 8 course menu is £90 a head, and comes with carefully selected and paired wines for each course, and a Sommelier will be on hand to talk you through them, and answer any questions you might have. You’ll even get a glass of champagne on arrival to make your evening super special.
If you’ve got an occasion to celebrate, you could even book one of their hot tub suites and make a night of it. Dreamy!
Come Wine with Me at Blackfriars, Newcastle
Blackfriars in Newcastle is believed to have the oldest dining room in the UK, and is the perfect venue for fine dining in an atmospheric setting. Their menu is always delicious and it’s a stalwart for special occasions.
But did you know they regularly host food and wine events as well? Here at HLN we’re really excited for their “Come Wine With Me” wine and cheese matching evening on Saturday 20 April.
For £39.50 per person, enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, and sample 5 different wine and cheese pairings. By the end of the evening you’ll be creating charcuterie boards that are as balanced and delicious as they are Insta-worthy.
Bottomless Wine at Vineyard 1972, Whitley Bay
Wine, cheese and meat – if you ask us, they’re the cornerstones of any great get together, and Vineyard 1972 is the place to be for the ultimate combo.
What if we told you there was an option to go bottomless? For £39.95 per person, enjoy bottomless French reds, whites and roses for 2 hours, served with a 2 item cheese board each. The perfect afternoon if you have something to celebrate, or if you’re just getting together with your pals.
Vineyard 1972 specialise in fine wines both local and from around the world – so you can be sure you’re in for a delicious experience.
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