The Winchester Wine Festival is the brainchild of Peter and Susie Richards who are probably best known for their regular wine slots on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen. They are also both Masters of Wine – a rare breed, given there are only about 300 in the world – and even rarer for being married to each other!

Wine Festival Winchester, which is being held in the Guildhall over the weekend 27-29 November, is a chance for everyone (no matter how much or little you know) to enjoy a feast of fabulous wines in the company of Susie and Peter.

George Burnand, partner at Strutt & Parker explains: “Strutt & Parker has become involved with the Festival because it encompasses everything that is right about Winchester and we see great similarities with what we both do.

“It is very much a matter of taking what we do seriously but not taking ourselves too seriously and the end product in the case of The Wine Festival is an informative, fun and open to all weekend, tasting hundreds of delicious wines from brilliant Hampshire and Dorset wine producers to prestigious global brands via local wine shops and a wide range of quality wine suppliers.”

In addition to the wine tasting there are many other attractions; there will be a delightful range of local food and free gifts for every visitor. Susie and Peter will not only be on hand to talk about the wines but will also be leading delicious masterclasses featuring cheese, chocolate and plenty of wine.

“In addition to all the above what really resonated with Strutt & Parker was the 2015 choice of charity; Home-Start Winchester and Districts,” continues George.

A prize draw, for which there are some wonderful prizes, will be run through the event, all funds from which will go to this worthy charity which provides friendship and emotional and practical help to parents with young children in and around Winchester.

“Winchester is not only one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities but is also fast becoming a national gastronomic capital,” says Elaine French, George’s colleague at Strutt & Parker.

“There will be a broad and exciting range of local wine producers and merchants complementing the UK’s largest farmers’ market and a host of excellent restaurants and food suppliers. The festival also coincides with what is now one of the UK’s renowned Christmas Markets making this the ideal chance to stock up in time for the seasonal festivities.”

For more information go to www.thewinefestival.co.uk or contact Strutt & Parker on 01962 869999.