Join in the Absolutely Fabulous Fun at Fizz Feast 2018 – Saturday 17th November, Edinburgh Academy
Christmas party? Pop the Champagne
The clocks have been turned back an hour, we heading full speed into November, the weather is decidedly frosty and it’s time to start whispering the C word … and all that this implies … Christmas, Celebration, Cards, Chocolate, Cheese, and of course Cava and Champagne.
The really great news is that all your browsing and shopping for Festive food & drink and gifts galore can be found under one roof at Fizz Feast – back again for the 3rd fabulous year.
Save the date – Saturday 17th November 2018
Where: Edinburgh Academy, Henderson Row. Time: Two sessions,, 12 – 3pm; 4 – 7pm
If you have not experienced this super, sparkling show, what’s it all about?
Organised by Diana Thompson of the award winning Wine Events Scotland, Fizz Feast is the only exhibitor event in the country for consumers to meet wine producers, sample tastings, purchase and order a diverse selection of Champagnes and Sparkling wines.
Ladies loving Fizz and Fizz Feast
This year, Fizz Feast is showcasing Champagne, Prosecco, Cava & Sparkling Wines from vineyards and wine makers worldwide, literally from A – Z, Ambriel English Sparkling Wine to Zonin1821 Prosecco from Italy.
What could be more perfect for toasting family and friends than a coupe or three of Taittinger Champagne.?!
First established in 1734, the world famous House, Champagne Taittinger Reims, produces high-quality champagnes, a distinctive blend of grapes – Chardonnay (35%) Pinot Noir (50%) and Pinot Meunier (15%), to reflect the unique Taittinger style. This is the finest region of the Champagne country stretching from the Côte des Blancs to the Vallée de la Marne and the Montagne de Reims.
“When it comes to champagne it is hard to beat Taittinger. The Brut Reserve is renowned for its golden yellow colour, hints of fresh fruit, brioche and honey. A delicate, fresh and elegant wine – an excellent aperitif.” Frost Magazine.
To learn more about this Rolls Royce of deluxe brands, from Brut Reserve to Prestige vintages, reserve a place for the Taittinger Masterclass at 12.30pm with Master of Wine Mark O’Bryen. (Tickets £7.50 )
The first Cava labelled Vilarnau was created in 1949 made from grapes grown on the “Can Petit i Les Planes de Vilarnau” estate for several centuries. Today Vilarnau Cava, a small aritisan, cutting edge winery near Barcelona offers a modern, artistic concept to wine making and presentation. Their colourful floral labels reflect the Spanish sunshine, nature and “the character and spirit of Vilarnau: contemporary, elegant and minimalist.”
Artistic bottles – Vilarnau Cava
There’s a fizzing selection, such as Vilarnau Demi Sec, Vilarnau Brut Reserva, Brut Reserva Rosé, Brut Nature Vintage. Cavas which are aged for longer, the bubbles are much finer and rise slowly, creating a long-lasting mousse. Vilarnau is a pioneering Cava house also creating two Organic wines, Vilarnau Brut Nature and Vilarnau Demi-Sec.
Hamish Breden will introduce the various editions of this award winning Vilarnau Cava at a special Masterclass taking place at 1.45pm. Just a fiver a ticket to be booked in advance.
Greyfriars vineyard, Surrey
Greyfriars in Surrey produces high quality sparkling wines using the traditional method of secondary fermentation and ageing. The vineyard is planted with the three classic Champagne grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which suit the unique chalk soil conditions and climate of the North Downs.
Greyfriars English sparkling wine
At Fizz Feast you may be able to sample of Greyfriars wines – Cuvee Royale, Blanc de Blancs, Non Vintage Sparkling Cuvée, Sparkling Rosé Reserve et al.
Greyfriars Sparkling Rose Reserve “ A delicate pale colour reminiscent of a rose from Provence. Hints of vanilla and summer fruits on the nose with fresh fruity flavours of berries.”
“Greyfriars Blanc de Blancs is a cracker. It comes from the estate’s Chardonnay grapes and is fuller, rounder and creamier and nuttier with a rich softness like lemon curd smeared on a warm brioche.”
Established in 1821, Zonin has become Italy’s largest privately-owned winery and Zonin Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, native to the Veneto region. Zonin Prosecco Brut NV DOC is described as light and refreshing, a palate of fresh pear, dessert apple, with a floral and almond aroma.
“Prosecco is the beginning of almost any Italian celebration, whether as an aperitif or enjoy it throughout the meal. A bottle of Zonin Prosecco is the easy way to make any experience truly Italian and one that enhances the joy of life.
It is not just a sparkling wine, but a wine that sparkles”.
Francesco Zonin, Vice President, Zonin1821.
Digby Fine English Wines is a most inventive brand co-founded by Jason Humphries and Trevor Clough who employ the exemplary Irish winemaker Dermot Sugrue to source fruit from farmers across southern England, to create their Sparkling wines. It is fascintating to learn that Digby is named in honour of Sir Kenelm Digby, a 17th century pirate who was involved in developing the modern wine bottle. Cheers to that!
Digby is the first pure English Sparkling Wine Negociant – and to hear more about the story of this finely crafted fizz and a famous pirate, book a ticket for the Masterclass taking place at 5.45pm.
Most inspiring and extremely vital for a growing consumer market, Vegan Tipples is making their first appearance at Fizz Feast having only launched in 2018 as a one stop shop for quality drinks with the use of no animal products. Eggs, milk, Isinglass (fish bladders) and sometimes Gelatin, are used in the process of alcohol production and many drinkers (vegetarians or not) may be unaware of this. The company is the supplier of a wide range of 100% organic drinks – beers, wines, and spirits sourced worldwide.
Their Fizz selection includes Pierre Mignon Champagne, Cremant de Loire, Blanc de Blancs, Cava Brut, Sparkling Chardonnay and Shiraz. Vegan Tipples is based in Leith so very handy if you wish to visit the store to stock up on a box or two!
The very well established firm, Cockburns of Leith was founded in Edinburgh in 1796 by Robert Cockburn, brother of the famous literary figure, Lord Cockburn. Spanning four centuries, its customers have included Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens and King George IV.
Scotland’s oldest wine merchant serves retail, corporate and trade customers offering champagne, sherry, and port, red, white, and sweet wines. Cockburns will be presenting a selection of Champagne, sparkling wines as well as an innovative juicy red Prosecco.
Jonathan Simpkin of Woodhouse Wines will be back this year presenting another excellent tasting event combined with his expert advice, knowledge and passion on the subject. High Street stores, Oddbins and Lidl will also show off an enticing display of cool, crisp fizz for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Whether you sip a classy Champagne or a cheeky Cava, an aperitif is complemented perfectly with a few nibbles or indeed serve with festive oysters, lobster, fish, meat, cheese and desserts. 
Festival goers will also find an appetising feast of quality foods to sample and purchase such as Tobermory Smoked Trout and other seafood from the Isle of Mull, Sardinian speciality foods, chunky cheddar from Damn Fine Cheese, Flavour Magic spices and Fairtrade organic Pacari Chocolate from Ecuador.
Pacari Brand Ambassador Juan Santelices will join Fizz Feast organiser Diana Thompson to match this superior chocolate with the perfect fizz in an inspiring Masterclass at 4.30pm. (Book tickets on line).
For a refreshing change of tipple, perhaps try and G&T with Caorunn Gin and slice of red apple. Around the Feast Hall will be candles, crafts and artisan foods – perfect Christmas gifts, as well as tasty treats for the Festive season.
Fizz Feast has been a sell out success over the past couple of years as these visitors testify:
What a fabulously fizzy, effervescent event, huge thanks” – Jonathan Ray, author & exhibitor
“What a fabulous event. Well done Diana!” – Joanna, visitor
“Fantastic excitement and fun. Loved every minute” – Zoe, visitor
“Spectacular! We all really enjoyed it, thank you” – Janine, visitor
So book your tickets and join in the seasonal, sparkling fun at Fizz Feast 2018!
Tickets – starting from £22.50 – available from www.WineEventsScotland.co.uk
Saturday 17th November, 2018 – Two sessions, 12 – 3pm; 4 – 7pm
Four Masterclasses – Taittinger Champagne, Vilarnau Cava, Pecari Chocolate & Fizz, Digby Fine English. Advance tickets, £5 – £ 7.50
Fizz Feast – sociable, informative, inspiring fun
Fizz Feast is organised by Diana Thompson of Wine Event Scotland, a qualified Wine & Spirit Education Trust tutor with almost 30 years in the wine industry. Year round she hosts wine courses, workshops and masterclasses with wine producers, importers and Scottish independent retailers.
“Best Hospitality & Drinks Industry Marketing Company – Scotland” Lux Magazine
Wine Event Organiser of the Year, Lux Wine & Drink Awards
“Wine Event Organiser of the Year” – Scottish Enterprise Awards 2018
The Smart Leisure Guide 