Diana Thompson Uncorked

If you're interested in wine and don't know the force of nature that is Diana Thompson, you are a disadvantaged person. Fortunately help is at hand. Come to the Assembly Roooms in Edinburgh's George Street on Saturday 1 June when Diana is running the second annual Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Fair. Last year's, hosted by Oz Clarke, was a huge success. This year guest host will be Susy Atkins, award winning wine writer. Saturday Kitchen resident expert for 12 years, Susy writes a wine and drinks column for the Telegraph online, and is wine and drinks editor for the estimable delicious! magazine.

What do we mean by a wine fair? Well there will be about 25 producers represented, each with a minimum of half a dozen wines available for sampling and sale. Various masterclasses will be given, by Susy Atkins and by Diana herself.

But, as Diana explains, it's more than that. It's a celebration of the diverse world of wine. Whether you are a novice, keen to learn more about wine, an experienced enthusiast or you work in the hospitality trade, this event has something for everyone. Her own credentials are impeccable. The youngest ever Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, she has 30 years' of experience in the trade. She started her career cooking but got fed up working when everyone else was having fun.

The so called new world wines were just coming into prominence. Diana travelled widely through the USA, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It was in a small Australian winery that she really learned about the business of making and selling wine. Not just picking grapes, she adds firmly.

Back in the UK she founded Wine Events Scotland, picking up a slew of awards along the way. These include Leading Organiser of Wine Festivals and Workshops, and Wine Marketing and PR Specialist of the Year. Since 2016 she has run the annual Fizz Feast, held in Edinburgh in November. The name Edinburgh Uncorked comes from her Facebook group of the same name which shares recommendations of well priced wines discovered by members across the city. There are numerous other events which you can find on her website, and she can customise packages for you.

Her most recent award is (in short form) Consumer Drinks Communicator 2024. Catching up with Diana a couple of days ago I was struck by how apt this is. Her energy and enthusiasm would be remarkable in someone with just 3 years' experience, never mind 30. Her stated aim is to break down barriers to appreciating and enjoying wine. There should never be anything stuffy about wine – it’s made to be enjoyed and (the fair) is the perfect way to do that.

She declined to be drawn into favourite wines - like being asked to name your favourite child, she said. Similarly, memorable meals depend so much on the company and the circumstances. She enthused about her previous night's dinner featuring duck breast and Fleurie.

I asked her what advice she would give to someone just setting out on their voyage of wine discovery. Well, drink more! But, she continued, as well as experimenting, don't be afraid to talk about it. People are perfectly happy talking about food. Talk about wine as well.

All of which sounds like an excellent reason to attend the Edinburgh Uncorked Fair. Not only will wines be available to taste, you'll be able to speak directly to the producers and the importers, and to compare notes with fellow attendees. This fair is unique in that it is totally independent. Take the opportunity to broaden your knowledge. Do come along. Meet Diana; meet Susy; meet me!

Exclusive Offer for Readers of Tom's Food!

Two sessions at the Fair are available, from 12 - 3 and 4 - 7. Tickets cost £30 per session and are available via this link www.eventsscotland.co.uk. Masterclasses are priced separately. 

Obtain your admission ticket at a discounted price of £24 by quoting code EU#SOCIAL20

        For more information you can listen to a conversation between Diana Thompson and Susy Atkins on Instagram at  https://bit.ly/3WNXXDa