May is the perfect time for a vineyard visit, whether you are in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere! South of the equator, in Australia, South Africa and Argentina, harvest time is over and the fermentation process is just beginning with this year’s grapes. You might be lucky enough to sample some wine straight from the barrel! In the Northern hemisphere, in France, USA and Italy, as temperatures rise to between 15-20°C, flowering begins. Buds start to flourish and as pollination of the grapevine occurs, the berries of the grapes begin to grow. The warmer weather and public holidays in May make it the ideal time to book a short break.
Check out our guide to the food and wine events happening throughout the world this month.
United Kingdom
photo: facebook.com/foodiesfestival
Throughout May 2017
Taking place throughout May is the Foodies Festival, a national event that tours various cities across the country. This massive event attracts over 300,000 foodies; hitting Brighton April 29th – May 1st, Bristol 12th – 14th May and London 27th – 29th May. The festival brings together the very best culinary talents of the British foodie scene. Check out recipes from Michelin star chefs and GBBO contestants or visit the children’scookery theatre with the kids. From cookery demonstrations to tea tents and pop up restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
27th May-4th June 2017
Did you know that there are over 400 wineries in the UK? This is a nationwide event dedicated to spreading the word about English wines. There are activities taking place at wineries up and down the country, from the London Wine Fair to special tours, guided tastings with Masters of Wine and art and cultural exhibitions. Some restaurants are even offering a free glass of English wine with your meal.
USA
photo: facebook.com/bottlerocknapavalley
Napa Valley, California
26th-28th May 2017
Summer is festival season, so why not kick-start it with this truly unique event set within the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. Across the three days, there will be a host of culinary and wine-related events to entertain you, as well as a killer line up music-wise that includes the likes of Stevie Wonder, Florence + the Machine and Red Hot Chilli Peppers . Some of the top Napa wineries will also be showcasing their wines for tasting.
photo: facebook.com/NewOrleansWineFoodExperience
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
New Orleans, Louisiana
25th-28th May 2017
For 25 years now, this Louisiana festival has been pairing up the distinctive Creole-influenced foods of the region, from crawfish to andouille sausage, with complementary wines. They also donate part of their profits to food banks and culinary schools, meaning all the revelry is for a good cause. Many of the South’s best chefs and the city’s most exciting restaurants will be in attendance.
photo: facebook.com/nashwineandfoodfest
Nashville Wine and Food Festival
Nashville, Tennessee
20th May 2017
Since 2014, the annual Nashville Wine and Food Festival has brought the community together around local artisanal products and world-class wineries. This year over 50 wineries, 20 local restaurants, 10 breweries, an artisanal market featuring local producers, a beer garden and cigar lounge are sure to make the festival unforgettable. Guests will receive a complimentary 6-bottle wine tote, Riedel wine glass, and wine accessories.
Croatia
photo: flickr.com/akras
Wine Day
Istria
28th May 2017
Istria has been voted one of the top wine destinations for 2015 for good reason. The home of Croatian wine-making is steeped in history and offers dramatic scenery. The last Sunday of May is a celebration of wine in the region, with almost 80 renowned winemakers all over Istria opening the doors of their cellars for you to taste and explore. There is also an exhibition in the area from the 12th – 14th May called Vinistra, where you can taste and research the Istrian world of wine.
Australia
photo: facebook.com/clarevalleygourmetweekend
Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend
Clare Valley, Australia
19th-22nd May 2017
The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is a celebration of the end of the harvest and a chance to try some top quality wines from the region. There are more than 20 wineries participating in the event and you can meet the winemakers in person. There are cookery demonstrations and food and wine pairings, as well as vertical tastings and wine masterclasses.
photo: http://www.visitmelbourne.com
High Country Harvest
Beechworth, Victoria
5th – 21st May 2017
High Country Harvest 2017 celebrates the finest innovative food, wine, craft beer and spirits in Victoria’s spectacular North East. 53 innovative events serve up rich bounty from the High Country. Meet passionate growers for ‘hands in’ events and learn from the masters for your ‘hands on’ events. Produce, production and producers provide the focus for classes, tastings and skill sharing. Relax, indulge and reconnect over a glass or a nibble ‘in hand’, or sit down to a feast with passionate regional foodies.
Canada
photo: facebook.com/OkanaganWineFestivalsSociety
Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
Okanagan Valley, Canada
4th – 14th May 2017
The hotly-tipped region of Okanagan Valley produces all styles of wine, but its speciality is ice wine. Grapes are left to freeze on the vine and as the water freezes, the grape juice becomes more concentrated. The resulting wine is deliciously sweet. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival celebrates the best wines the region has to offer, along with a live band and culinary treats from local restaurants.
France
photo:http://vitiloire.tours.fr
Tours, Loire Valley
27th-28th May
A hundred wine growers from the four corners of Touraine leave the hillsides of both banks of the Loire to converge under the tree canopy on boulevard Béranger, in the heart of downtown Tours. Created in 2003 at the initiative of the city of Tours, Vitiloire gathers every year more and more winemakers, artisans and visitors: 35,000 people are expected on 27 and 28 May, in the heart of Tours.
photo: facebook.com/tasteofparis
The Grand Palais
18th-21st May
Set in the stunning Grand Palais, the event returns for the third year in 2017 and will bring together a sublime mix of world class chefs and restaurants from the culinary capital of the world. Enjoy signature dishes from the city’s finest restaurants, learn tricks of the trade from world-class chefs and sample gourmet food and drink producers all in one stunning setting. Whether you’re a well-dined gourmand, a new-found food lover or simply looking for a good time with friends, there’s something for everybody at Taste.
South Africa
photo: facebook.com/GoodFoodandWineShowSA
Good Food & Wine Show
27th May-29th May
Cape Town, South Africa
As one of the country’s biggest culinary events, welcoming over 60 000 foodies and lifestyle lovers through its doors each year, the Good Food & Wine Show certainly needs no introduction. The 2016 show, presented by Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa, will showcase international food trends with a whole new look and feel. The Good Food & Wine Show brings celebrity chefs and TV cooks to Cape Town to do demonstrations, while over 200 exhibitors show off brand-new wines, chocolate, spirits, cooking tools and more. It’s an ideal event for the serious home cook to get a glimpse of what’s new in the market.
If you would like to book a tour in one of these regions or have any questions, get in touch with us.