Fizz Feast, Scotland's only sparkling wine festival, will make a welcome return to the capital this month after taking a break due to Covid restrictions over the last two years.
The festival brings together 18 diverse producers, offering up to 100 sparkling wines from all over the world, including Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Italian Franciacorta, Crémant, South Africa’s Cap Classique and more, to try as well as buy.
On arrival, every visitor receives a Riedel Champagne flute (worth £15), for the day’s tasting and to keep, while anyone who signs up for one of the Fizz Masterclasses receives a second glass. There will also be a host of special offers on the day.
The festival was founded by award-winning wine event organiser Diana Thompson, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the wine and hospitality industry, and is a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certified tutor.
Thompson launched parent company, Wine Events Scotland, in 2016, during the first Fizz Feast, and holds workshops and tastings across Scotland and online.
Speaking of the festival's return, Diana said: "After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we can’t wait to open the doors, pop a few corks, share some wonderful sparkling wines and see people enjoy themselves again.
"One of the reasons for starting Fizz Feast was that I felt there were lots of opportunities for people to try new still wines, but it was much more difficult for people to try different sparkling wines.
"It is often expensive to experiment with different Champagnes and there is less opportunity to try them first.
"Most people are reluctant to buy an expensive bottle if they haven’t tasted it, which is why Fizz Feast came about. I wanted more people to have the opportunity to try something new.
"Because the wine producers themselves and those working with the sparkling wines on a daily basis are at Fizz Feast, it is also a great opportunity to find out more about the wine you try from the experts.
"It’s a real insight into different sparkling wine styles, what to look for when tasting, or find out what works better as an aperitif or with food."
As well as fabulous fizz, the festival showcases a range of interesting artisan food producers, all based in Scotland. The feast hall will feature organic chocolate, cheeses, honey, pickles, charcuterie, and other surprises.
Diana added: "It’s a great way to buy for Christmas celebrations, or to find presents that are a bit out of the ordinary, but above all, Fizz Feast is meant to be good fun and a great day out."
Fizz Feast takes place at The Edinburgh Academy, 42 Henderson Row, Edinburgh on Saturday 19 November.
There are two sessions to choose from: 12-3pm and 4-7pm. Tickets start at £25 per person and are available from the Wine Events Scotland website.
