Time for Wine on the Tyne

AFTER the excitement over the news that the Christmas pods will be making a return to Newcastle this winter, organisers are following up with a new treat called Wine by the Tyne.

The boozy new event will launch on Newcastle Quayside in November – in the run-up to Christmas Tyne – and will bring together wines from around the world for an evening of tastings accompanied by food sharing platters.

Aimed at lovers of wine as well as those who just want to learn more about it, the event promises a “traditional wine tasting experience in an untraditional setting”, says The Dining Society, which is launching it on the back of the success of its Christmas Tyne igloo-style dining pods which have become a festive tradition of recent years.

The tastings will run in the pods from November 2 until November 27 – the date that Christmas Tyne will take over.

The heated custom-made transparent pods, which come with a personal speaker system and free Wi-Fi, can cater for up to 10 people who, in the company of an event host, will have a chance to taste four expertly-chosen wines, to be paired with a choice of sharing boards which will offer the likes of fish, meat, cheese or a vegan option.

And the pods’ view of the river’s bridges will be an added plus.

Steve Davis, founder of The Dining Society, said: “We’ve worked carefully alongside wine and food experts to curate this experience and to offer an amazing selection of wines, complemented perfectly with great food in an unbelievable setting.

“We understand that friends and family are desperate to get together in a safe and enjoyable environment, so we decided to extend our stay on the Quayside and open our pods up sooner with Wine by the Tyne.”

He added: “We’re expecting spaces for this to go quickly. This is a unique experience.”

Since the announcement of the return of Christmas Tyne, the festive event has been selling fast with several weekend slots already booked up.

Wine on the Tyne goes on sale this Friday, July 10.