Don’t miss out on the very first Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke

The Capital’s exciting new summer event offers a wonderful wine tasting experience in the company of one of the world’s most-popular wine critics

Shaking off the last of winter, it’s time to make plans to get out and about again, and the best place to start is the launch of Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke on Saturday June 3rd at the city’s prestigious Assembly Rooms on George Street. This one-day only wine tasting experience is the Capital’s newest wine event and the only summer wine fair on the calendar. And it’s going to be a fantastic day out! I feel excited and nervous in equal measure to be involved in a project as ambitious as this. Bringing together 35 diverse wine makers and producers, with a fascinating programme of masterclasses, plus world-renowned wine expert Oz Clarke joining us for the day in the sumptuous surroundings of the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh is going to be quite an experience.

Sister tasting event to Edinburgh sparkling wine festival Fizz Feast

I launched Scotland’s only sparkling wine festival Fizz Feast in November 2016, which has run annually since - aside from a recent pandemic intervention! – growing in audience and exhibitor numbers every year. From visitor feedback, I know how relaxed guests find this sparkling wine event and how much they enjoy trying new wines in the company of friends and family, so I’ve always wanted to offer a summer fair too. Many of the guests who regularly attend Fizz Feast have often asked about a wine fair for all the other delicious wines available as well as sparkling under one roof - I just never imagined the first event would be something on the scale of the Assembly Rooms with Oz Clarke in attendance…

Why did I launch Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke?

The starting point for this new wine event came from the idea behind our Edinburgh Uncorked Facebook group, where wine lovers share recommendations of lovely wines they discover across the Capital that are both delicious and well-priced. I kept coming back to the idea of ‘Great Wines at Great Prices’, quality wines that are not prohibitively expensive, being able to share that with as many wine lovers as possible, and recreate the relaxed family-party atmosphere of Fizz Feast. And the idea for Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair was born.

Is wine tasting for experts only?

It is a question I frequently hear and my answer is always, ‘Absolutely not’! As much as I enjoy introducing fantastic new wines and great producers, I’m also keen to remove any hesitancy or uncertainty about the wine tasting experience. You don’t have to be an ‘expert’ to taste wine – it is just as much fun tasting wine as a complete beginner, learning what to look for and discovering something new that you love, as it is for someone with masses of experience to do the same. It should simply be enjoyable. Wine tasting is for everyone. And it should be fun. Whether you are a novice or have a good deal of wine-tasting experience already, Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke will have something for you. I’m a great believer that there should never be anything stuffy about wine – it’s made to be enjoyed and this is the event to do that.

A chance to learn from the wine experts

Regardless of your level of wine knowledge, everyone who attends Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke will have direct access to many wine experts – the kind of experts who are passionate about wine, love talking about it and like nothing more than helping others understand just what there is to like and learn. They are happy to guide beginners to try something new, as well as experienced wine tasters to discover something they may not come across themselves. Oz Clarke, OBE, is an internationally acclaimed wine writer, TV presenter and broadcaster, and one of the most-recognised wine critics in the UK. He is also enormous fun and loves talking all things wine. Oz will attend the event in person and will share his views on some of the offerings on the day.

What can I expect from Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke?

The summer event will welcome a host of exhibitors from small independents to larger retailers and well-known producers, all of whom will have a diverse range of wines for tasting. Many of the wines will be available to buy or order on the day and you can expect lots of special offers too. In addition to the main walkaround tasting, there will be masterclasses to enjoy more in-depth knowledge of some of the wines. There are two sessions to choose from, 12-3pm or 4-7pm. The aim of Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke is for visitors to sample Great Wines at Great Prices at an event that is all about enjoying yourself, discovering something new and having a great day out! I do hope you will join us! Diana

Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair with Oz Clarke, Saturday 3rd June 2023; 12-3pm or 4-7pm;

The Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR.

Tickets cost £30 per person (masterclasses, which will be announced nearer the time, must be booked separately).

Book your tickets here