Wetherspoon breaks wine-tasting world record

Pub group JD Wetherspoon has broken the Guinness World Record for the largest synchronised wine-tasting with more than 17,000 people turning up for a free glass in its pubs across the UK.

The managed pub chain beat the previous record of 5,100 tasters slurping wine at an event in Spain in 2006, with 17,540 indulging in a free glass of Coldwater Creek chardonnay for taking part.

Wetherspoon assistant marketing manager, Kay Lewis, said: "We are delighted to have created a new Guinness World Record."

The attempt was made on 21 May and it has taken Guinness two months to verify the world record. The tasting marked the beginning of a 19-day wine festival at the chain pub.

Themed drinks festivals' have proved a boon for the high-street operator which said in April that its Spring real ale festival had increased beer sales by 7% with 2.5 million pints passed over the bar.

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By Christopher Walton

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