LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Each autumn, Loughborough transforms into a vibrant haven for wine enthusiasts. This charming destination beckons visitors to an annual Festival of Wines, hosted by the renowned George Hill Ltd, an independent wine merchant celebrated for its expertise and community spirit. This family business can be found in Wards End Loughborough.

Hallowine: Trick or Treats

This year’s festival, as always, was a huge success. Taking place on Halloween – Friday, 31 October 2025, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the atmospheric Burton Hall, Loughborough Grammar School (Burton Walks, LE11 2DU), it was much more than a simple tasting event. The festival proved to have more treats than tricks as it served as a celebration of the artistry behind winemaking, local craftsmanship, and the warm embrace of English hospitality – and the wine flowed freely.

Loughborough: The Hidden Gem

Though not typically found on the wine map, Loughborough comes alive during the festival weekend, showcasing over 200 products. There were exceptional wines and ports to artisanal whiskies and gins as well as more than 30 local suppliers and producers proudly displayed their offerings. The event was a true oenophile’s paradise.

An Invitation to Indulge

Loughborough Grammar school is a fine campus, which has been a school for boys since 1495, lit up in the moonlight, adding a unique atmosphere. I wandered past and into the hall where the event was being held. Stepping into Burton Hall, one is immediately greeted by a lively ambiance – the sound of friendly chatter, the pleasant clinking of glasses, and the enticing aromas of seasonal produce. Imagine tables adorned with a variety of open bottles, all while knowledgeable staff eagerly assist attendees in exploring the vast selection, and I immediately spotted some friendly faces.

Taste the Extraordinary

The festival floor buzzes with excitement as you navigate through diverse offerings – gins, wines, beers, ciders, and sparkling wines await your palate. It’s not just about tasting; it’s about the stories each bottle brings, with many local producers on hand to share their journeys, crafting a personal tasting experience unique to this festival. There was so much choice, so with my tasting glass in hand and my notes handy, I went exploring the room. George Hill has access to a range of suppliers, makers, and wine experts, so I headed to their table first, where I spotted the friendly shop assistant who helped me select my wine course stock for my As I have just signed up to start my WSET Level one. She gave me some further recommendations.

Meet the Makers

Engage with the artisans behind the wines; their stories will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of every sip. I was keen to meet the winemakers, sommeliers, and experts, and to try my hand at my first tasting.

I spoke to some of the experts, one being Adam Cernik at Awin Barratt Siegal Wine Agencies (ABS Wine), a wine wholesaler and importer from Stamford, who showcased some of his recommendations. Following his recommendation, I tried Casa Silva from Chile – a fourth-generation winemaker who is doing Bordeaux varietals with a Chilean twist. He highlighted the Casa Silva Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, explaining: “You’ll get green bell pepper which comes from the chemical compound in the grape, and you get that on the nose immediately, accompanied by a big twist of black pepper and spices – cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, which works well with grilled meats. Each varietal has its own expression, influenced by how the winemaker brings out those characteristics. The same grape can vary from one side of the planet to the other; it is all about the journey.” Adam shared his own journey, saying: “I was managing Cafe Rouge and wanted to do something I loved, so I went back to uni and did a wine degree alongside my WSET qualifications. I was fortunate to land a job at a local brewery that owned 50 pubs, writing wine lists and conducting tastings for customers.” He encouraged me, “Do your WSET—it’s what all employers ask for! Join the wine club and attend tastings on a Thursday night.”

He also had some Bianchi Los Primos Malbec, which was delicious. On table two, his colleague Elliott O’Mara told me all about La Racounteur Rouge, which was perfect for my WSET course. Dark red in colour, this Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend has a nose of red fruits, cherries, and raspberries—a wonderfully structured wine that continues on the palate, making it perfect with red meat dishes. They also have superb whites like Fabiano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG and Mas des Restanques Vacqueyras Blanc—so much choice!

I also stopped by Alliance Wines to meet Bryn Stephens, who recommended Monte Antico Toscana IGT – a Super Tuscan made of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot. It is known for its medium to full-bodied silky texture and flavors of ripe red fruit, leather, black cherry, and plum, with notes of vanilla and violet. This wine pairs well with classic Italian dishes including pasta, risotto, flame-grilled meats, and hard cheeses.

I was looking for something a bit fruitier, so I stopped by Dreyfus Ashby’s table, where I met Rebekah Kelley. She recommended Dom Ligendia Cuvee Filanciu red blend – a Corsican wine that had aromas of red fruits, with spice and floral notes. On the palate, it was medium-bodied and well-structured. I also enjoyed the Brand and Sons Fire and Ice Shiraz. I mentioned my interest in a red sparkling, and while it wasn’t available at the event, she recommended Knappstein NV Sparkling Shiraz, which offers ripe fruit with soft plump tannins and a dry finish. It boasts great fruit concentration balanced with savoury spice and earthy tones, and a refreshing hit from the bubbles as they hit the palate. This is one I’ll be ordering for Christmas.

Next, I visited Hatch Mansfield to meet Simon Evetts, who got me tasting IRROY Extra Brut Champagne made by Tattinger, explaining the complexities of the wines. I also tried Larry Cherubino’s Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir. Walking around the two rooms, we were able to experience a rich variety of flavours from all over the world.

English Heritage

This year the festival placed an emphasis on championing English products, allowing us to understand the burgeoning quality of English winemaking. I discovered the nuances of England’s answer to Champagne -refreshing English sparkling wines hailing from Kent and Rothley, contrasted with the robust still reds of Devon. It was a chance to taste the best of what the nation has to offer, all in one enchanting evening. There were also hedgerow liqueurs from Melton Mowbray and sloe berry spirits for sloe gins, plus beers and ciders from Charnwood and the local villages, while S.O.A.K also had a cocktail bar.

Port

In addition to wine, I was keen to delve into the wonderful world of port, having visited Porto, the home of this famous drink. My eye was caught by the Graham’s Limited Edition Globe edition.

Other Highlights

Boutique World Wines: Taste exceptional selections from South Africa, Chile, Italy, and Spain, where quality meets character.

Fortified & Spirits Table: Delve into a treasure trove of Ports, rums, and whiskies, alongside limited-edition small-batch releases. – **Low- and No-Alcohol Options:**

Tee-total: For the mindful drinker, the inclusion of low and non-alcoholic selections reflects evolving trends in the beverage industry.

Essential Tips for a Memorable Visit

For First-Timers: Arrive early to enjoy a relaxed hour of tastings and conversations with producers before the evening crowd.

lnvite friends

The experience enhances the fun when two or more palates are better than one, so consider inviting someone new to the world of wine.

Spotlight on Rothley Wine Estate

Discover the emerging vineyards of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, such as the Rothley Wine Estate, which showcases local winemaking talent.

Rothley Wine Estate is a testament to the passion that fuels Loughborough’s wine community. Founded by Liz Robson, who turned a single vine into a thriving vineyard, her journey embodies the spirit of local craftsmanship. Liz’s commitment to sustainable practices and her award-winning wines offer visitors a glimpse into the dedication and love that goes into each bottle. They had a range of wines on offer.

During the event there was a silent auction for Save The Children – where a bottle of 1947 Bollinger was on offer.

Your Invitation Awaits

Loughborough’s Festival of Wines is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of local culture and an invitation to explore the depths of English winemaking. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this festival promises a captivating blend of flavours, stories, and community spirit all for £15.

Beyond the festival – a perfect getaway

If you are not already local – why not turn your visit into a weekend escape? Here’s how to make the most of your stay:

For those looking to enrich their festival experience, Loughborough is the perfect backdrop for a mini getaway. Pair your festival visit with a stay at one of the town’s inviting boutique inns, or delve into the lush beauty of nearby Charnwood Forest. Revel in a range of dining options located in the town centre, where local cuisine beautifully complements the wines you’ll discover – from Italian restaurants such as La Favorita to the Caravelli where you can pair Italian wines with great food.

Kilo Wine Bar

Venture out to Kilo Wine Bar or Scotts Wine Bar in Quorn. Kilo Wines is a wine merchant owned by Becky and Nick Robinson, who bring some of the continent’s most exclusive wines to the area. They hold regular Wednesday Wine Flight tastings. Read more about Kilo Wines here.

Stay Local:

Choose from Loughborough’s welcoming inns or B&Bs, such as Holywell House or the charming Caravelli rooms above an Italian restaurant.

Explore Charnwood Forest:

A short distance away, this natural beauty offers scenic walks and breathtaking views from Beacon Hill, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. There’s also Bradgate Park.