JD Wetherspoon to launch first wine festival this month

Real ale champion JD Wetherspoon is hosting its first ever wine festival this month.

The pub operator, which has more than 650 pubs across the UK, will showcase 16 different wines from 20 November to 3 December.

Wetherspoon's list includes two English wines: Dowland Dry and Epoch 1 from Chapel Down Winery in Kent.

Wetherspoon marketing manager Christine Crofts, who has organised the festival, said: "Wine in pubs is becoming increasingly popular and the festival will give our customers the opportunity to enjoy a range of different wines at a very affordable price."

In July the company was embroiled in a mini-controversy after its sole wine wholesaler was caught out trying to boost the sales of its parent company's brands during a trial to decide on a £80m house wine contract.

Wetherspoon already runs an annual beer festival each October.

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By Chris Druce

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