Have a wine time on the banks of the Mersey

The Bordeaux Wine Festival will be staged in the UK for the first time when it forms part of the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta in Liverpool this weekend.

The prestigious Fête le Vin attracts half-a-million people to the banks of the Garonne every two years to celebrate the world of French South West wine. And this year it will also be staged on the banks of the Mersey over the regatta weekend.

Early bird tickets are £18, rising to £20, and then £25 on the day (subject to availability), and will entitle holders to a special tasting pass and festival glass, with wine lovers enjoying the chance to try a range of different wines at a three-hour session hosted by French experts.

The Bordeaux Wine Festival will be staged on the Pier Head where a host of other events and activities are planned for the late May Bank Holiday extravaganza.

The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta links Liverpool, Dublin and Bordeaux, and a sea of masts will populate the docks and river front from May 25-28 as sailing craft of all sizes descend on the Mersey for the start of the event.

Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We’re always looking at enhancing our cultural calendar and are keen to bring new and exciting events to the city.

“After our team met with the Bordeaux’s head of tourism, it felt like this prestigious wine event would be a perfect fit for Liverpool - there are so many similarities between the two cities, including our stunning waterfronts, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

“When they visited they were of course blown away by everything Liverpool has to offer.

“It’s a brilliant addition to our Liverpool 2018 programme and I’m sure it will prove to be hugely popular now the tickets are on sale.”

Tickets for the Bordeaux Wine Festival are available from the website www.BWFliverpool.com