Laithwaites Wine Festival Is the Ultimate Day Out for Wine Lovers - And Tickets Are Half-Price Right Now
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Fancy getting to know your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais? Laithwaites London Wine Festival is the best place to discover something new - and tickets are BOGOF right now with this code...
As we get older, we all flirt with the idea of hobbies. You know the ones. A dalliance with sourdough baking (and an ill-fated starter that smells like an old sock). A brief, guilt-fuelled romance with the gym, only to ghost it after two weeks. Or perhaps a doomed attempt at learning guitar, where the closest you get to Brian May is butchering the opening bars of “Wonderwall”. Now, we're not saying you should give the Padel courts a miss but, the truth is, the hobbies that stick are the ones that build on what you already love. If you’re a natural foodie, it makes sense to take a cooking class. If you’ve always enjoyed music, picking up an instrument has legs. And if you’re someone who already enjoys a glass of wine - why not make wine itself your next pursuit?
Because wine isn’t just about drinking. It’s about discovering - learning the grapes, the notes, the regions, the craft, the makers. And the best way to start your deep dive? The Laithwaites London Wine Festival 2025.
Is Laithwaites London Wine Festival worth going to?
Laithwaites is the UK’s most trusted name in wine discovery so if you want to learn more how your favourites are made, and even find a new favourite, this is definitely worth your time. From 31st October to 2nd November, they're bringing together over 350 wines to Westminster, along with more than 80 winemakers from every corner of the globe, and a series of expert-led tastings and masterclasses that will open eyes (and palates) to wines you’d never find on your supermarket shelf. You don’t need to be a sommelier-in-training to enjoy a Wine Festival - all you need is curiosity, a taste for exploration, and maybe a friend who’s up for an afternoon of sipping and swirling.
What can you expect from Laithwaites London Wine Festival 2025?
Winemakers are flying in from every corner of the globe, with newcomers from Greece, Lebanon and Uruguay offering a rare opportunity to taste regions that remain under the radar. The festival’s wine theatre will feature appearances from founder Tony Laithwaite himself, joined by TV’s “Mr Wine” Oz Clarke and a host of other experts ready to share their knowledge. And because wine should always be fun, expect a few playful twists too: Halloween-themed activities, a silent disco for those who fancy a dance between pours, and artisan food stalls to keep things balanced. Tickets for the Saturday sessions are already running low, so securing your spot sooner rather than later is essential.
The deal you can't miss
Here’s the real clincher. Right now, Laithwaites is running a buy one, get one free offer on all tickets. Instead of the usual £50 a head, you and a friend can each go for as little as £25. Simply enter the code BOGOF at checkout, and the extra ticket will be added to your basket automatically. The offer runs until 2nd November, but with demand already high, this is one hobby investment worth acting fast on.
Feeling fancy? Why not upgrade to the ultimate luxury experience for an extra £35 with access to the Fine Wine Room, where the bottles are so posh they probably have their own security detail.
Buy one get one free on tickets
Discover the Best Laithwaites wines to try ahead of the big day
Fancy a bit of research ahead of the day? The best way to get stuck in to your new hobby is with bottles that teach you something. The below best-selling Laithwaites wines below aren’t just delicious - they each introduce a style, region or grape variety that opens a door into the wider world of wine. Think of them as your pre-festival training plan.
Laithwaites
The Black Stump Reserve Shiraz Red Wine
£16.99
A cult Laithwaites favourite and one of the UK’s most re-ordered reds, this bold Aussie blend is all about power and plushness. Expect deep blackberry fruit, a hit of spice, and a smooth finish that makes it dangerously drinkable. For anyone suspicious of Shiraz, this might convince you why this grape dominates Down Under.
Laithwaites
Il Papavero Pinot Grigio White Wine
£10.99
If Pinot Grigio is your go-to, this bottle shows you why it became so popular in the first place. Crisp and refreshing, it’s the kind of wine that works just as well with a bowl of pasta as it does on its own.
Laithwaites
Château La Clarière Red Wine
£30.00
From founder Tony Laithwaite’s own vineyard in Castillon, this might be the best Bordeaux you've ever tried. Rich in dark fruit and layered with tobacco and cedar, it’s a brilliant introduction to one of the world’s great regions.
Laithwaites
Château de l'Aulée Crémant de Loire
£18.99
Sparkling wine doesn’t always mean Champagne, and this Crémant from the Loire Valley proves it. Made in the traditional method, it delivers fine bubbles, crisp orchard fruit, and a hint of brioche at a fraction of Champagne’s price. It’s the perfect introduction to France’s sparkling alternatives and a reminder that exploration should be joyful.
Laithwaites
Kew Gardens Carricante White Wine
£12.99
Heard of the Carricante grape? Neither had we before this. It's one of Sicily's most exciting indigenous grapes, grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna - and has been almost forgotten in recent time. This 2023 vintage, produced in partnership with Kew Gardens, is bringing it back with citrus, mineral and a smoky edge that speaks of its volcanic terroir. See, that's the sort of stuff that makes learning about wine fun!