Weekender: Bolton raises a glass to first wine festival

The Market Place in Bolton is to stage its first wine festival this spring.

Bolton Wine Festival will take place between April 6 and 7 and offers people the chance to sample wines from all over the world.

There will also be the opportunity to try some alternative tipples including gins, spirits and beers.

There will be wine tasting and masterclasses with a variety of local and national producers and suppliers including Turton Wines from Bromley Cross, The Vineyard at Ramsbottom, Wineboy at Stockport, Barefoot wines of California, The Bubbly Box from Wigan, Gin Meister from Bury and The Drinks Enthusiast from Manchester.

In addition The Vaults’ own bars, including Great Ale, will be offering samples and special deals for ticket holders.

There will also be a ‘guess the grape station’ where visitors can put their tasting skills to the test – blindfolded – with a prize for those who guess correctly.

The event will be hosted by a compare from local company Events4.

Matt Farnworth of Bluetree Media, who is organising the event, said: “Being born and raised in Bolton, it’s fantastic to see food and drink hotspots like The Vaults become so popular. Market Place is doing a fantastic job enhancing what Bolton has to offer, helping us get out of that Manchester shadow. The area needs more events like this and it was a no-brainer to collaborate with them on Bolton’s first ever Wine Festival. With live music and entertainment throughout, it’s sure to be an amazing weekend.”