How to Survive a Wine Festival

Edinburgh is home to three of Scotland’s biggest and best wine festivals, namely Edinburgh Uncorked, Fizz Feast, and Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best Australian Wines, which returns this March. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or heading to your very first tasting, wine festivals can be overwhelming in the best possible way: hundreds of bottles, dozens of producers, and endless opportunities to discover something new.

To help you navigate it all like a pro, I spoke to Diana Thompson, owner of Wine Events Scotland and an award‑winning drinks communicator. Based in Edinburgh, Wine Events Scotland organises wine workshops, tastings, wine festivals and certified Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses for consumers and the trade. Diana is a certified WSET tutor who has over 30 years’ experience within the wine and hospitality industry.

Her top tips are simple, smart, and guaranteed to make your wine‑festival experience more enjoyable (and far less chaotic).

Top Tips for Surviving a Wine Festival

1. Grab the wine bible
Every wine festival provides a booklet listing all the wines, producers and regions. Take one, it’s free, and actually use it. Mark favourites, circle must‑tastes, and keep it for reference later.

2. Use the tasting sheets
These are there for a reason. Jot down quick notes on aroma, taste and appearance. Future‑you will thank present‑you when you’re trying to remember “that gorgeous white from the corner table.”

3. Do your homework
Most festivals publish the brochure or producer list online ahead of time. Have a look, highlight your must‑visit stalls, and plan a loose route. It saves time and stops you wandering aimlessly like a lost grape.

4. Arrive early
Get in as the doors open. You’ll have space to breathe, chat, and scope out the room before the crowds descend.

5. Talk to the producers
They love sharing their stories - the vineyard, the grapes, the quirks, the history. Ask questions. Engage. It’s half the fun.

6. Don’t start with fizz
Tempting, I know. But fizz first will blow out your palate. Ideally: reds → whites → sparkling. Save the bubbles for the finale.

7. Protect your palate
Smell coffee beans (you’ll often find them on tables). Avoid perfume or aftershave. Some experts say no lipstick… but I’m not going anywhere without mine. Eat the dry crackers, drink water between pours, and give your tastebuds a breather.

8. Season your glass
Pour a splash of wine, swirl it around the bowl, and tip it out. It’s the wine‑tasting equivalent of seasoning a wok, it preps the glass and removes any lingering aromas.

9. Chat to other festival‑goers
Ask what they’ve loved so far. You might discover a gem you’d otherwise miss.

10. Take it easy
You do not have to drink everything. Use the spittoons, that’s what they’re there for. No judgement, only wisdom.

11. Eat something
Wine festivals always have great food: honey, chocolate, cheese, charcuterie. Snack regularly. Your body (and your palate) will thank you.

12. Avoid pale clothing
Red wine stains. Enough said.

13. Attend a masterclass
These sessions offer deeper insight into producers, regions and styles. If you want to level up your wine knowledge, they’re gold.

14. Take notes and photos
Write down your favourites and snap the bottle labels. It’s the easiest way to remember what you loved once the festival is over.

15. Chat to the expert guests

Each year, wine festivals bring in some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry, and this year is no exception. Matthew Jukes, one of the UK’s most respected wine writers and the creator of the 100 Best Australian Wines report, is on hand to share his deep insight into Australian producers and help you discover bottles you might otherwise overlook. Joe Wadsack, award‑winning broadcaster, drinks expert and all‑round flavour enthusiast, brings his trademark energy and encyclopaedic palate to the room. He’s brilliant at breaking down complex wines in a way that makes perfect sense. Both are available throughout the festival, ready to chat, answer questions and offer their best advice, so don’t be shy about saying hello.

Wine festivals are meant to be fun; a chance to explore, learn and taste at your own pace, and with a little preparation, they become even more enjoyable. Edinburgh is lucky to host some of the best wine events in Scotland, and with Diana’s expert tips in your back pocket, you’ll glide through them like a seasoned pro. Take your time, stay curious, chat to the people behind the bottles, and most importantly, enjoy every sip.

Cheers to discovering your next favourite wine.

• 100 best Australian Wines Festival 2026 with Matthew Jukes - Saturday 21 March at Edinburgh Academy

• Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival 2026 with Joe Wadsack - Saturday 9 May at Assembly Rooms

• Fizz Feast 2026 - Friday 27 November and Saturday 28 November at Edinburgh Academy

All tickets are available to purchase for these wine festivals at www.wineeventsscotland.co.uk

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