The annual Naked Wines Tasting Tour lets wine lovers move from sampling to creating their own blends.
From taster to winemaker in one evening
In 2023, a Manchester attendee named Peter transformed his experimental blend into a commercial wine produced in France with Naked Wines winemaker Benjamin Darnault. This year’s tour extends the same opportunity to all ticket holders.
Participants work directly with the Tofterup Brothers at the Blending Lab. They craft a white wine blend from scratch. If the blend wins the group’s taste test, its creator collaborates on a full production run with the brothers. The resulting bottle will be sold on the Naked Wines platform.
The experience offers a rare glimpse of how a personal creation moves from lab bench to retail shelf. While most attendees won’t produce a commercial wine, they gain insight into how blending decisions shape flavor and take home a bottle of their experimental batch.
Thirty winemakers, one bus, and a month on the road
The tour goes beyond blending. Each June, Naked Wines brings thirty independent winemakers on a bus across the UK, stopping in cities from Belfast to Brighton. Over two and a half hours, guests can ask about harvest quirks, vineyard pests, or ideal food pairings.
Past attendee Catherine described it as “a wonderful opportunity for wine lovers to indulge, meet the makers and build friendships.” Craig MacKay noted it’s perfect for those who prefer to try before they buy.
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The atmosphere stays informal. Questions are welcome, whether from seasoned enthusiasts or newcomers searching for a favorite bottle. There’s no sommelier jargon—just winemakers discussing their craft in plain terms.
The tour provides a direct line to the people behind the wine. It’s not a lecture but a conversation over glasses of wine, answering why each bottle tastes the way it does.
Tickets, discounts, and what to expect
General admission costs £35. Members of Naked Wines’ Angel program can apply the ticket price as a full refund against any purchases made during the event. New members receive £45 off their first order and access to exclusive pricing.
The tour continues through June, visiting major UK cities. A full schedule is available on the Naked Wines website, though exact venues may not be announced until closer to each date.
Attendees can expect a relaxed setting. The event focuses on discovery rather than formal education. Whether blending wine, chatting with winemakers, or tasting new options, curiosity is the only requirement.
