Kelly Bishop is on a mission to introduce novices and wine experts alike, to the city centre venues with the best bottles in town and I can’t think of anyone better qualified to do so.

Manchester’s food and drink scene is booming with a dizzying range of incredible new restaurants, bars and pubs bringing visitors and locals into the city. But with so many places to choose from, it’s often best to ask advice from a local in the know.

This is why Manchester-based food and drink writer Kelly Bishop, who is also a qualified wine teacher, is launching a new series of exciting Manchester Wine Tours, and having studied my very own WSET Level 3 alongside Kelly, I for one can vouch for her knowledge and nose for a great wine.

Manchester Wine Tours will offer visitors a guided tour around the city centre, where they’ll visit some of the best places to drink and buy wine in Manchester along the way. Kelly will guide groups of no more than 12 people on a leisurely three-hour jaunt where they’ll be able to sample a few glasses en route.

Venues will vary from tour to tour and each wine bar, restaurant, pub or wine shop has been specially hand-chosen by Kelly because it offers the most interesting range of bottles in Manchester.

This is a great opportunity to try something new, learn the characteristics of different varieties and even discover a new favourite. Call it a posh pub crawl if you like, but there is no previous wine expertise needed as you’ll learn plenty along the way. Manchester Wine Tours are ideal for total beginners, wine enthusiasts and those who are no stranger to a decent bottle.

Each tour will cost £75 per person and will include a guided tour around Manchester city centre, six small glasses of wine and a series of wine-matched snacks at four different places. On the way, wine expert Kelly will also be on hand to point out local points of interest and things you might not already know about the city.

On this wine tasting ‘with legs’, guests will have the opportunity to learn about wine in a relaxed, fun, sociable and informal way. 

Kelly Bishop says: “I started Manchester Wine Tours to celebrate the incredible wine offering in Manchester. Manchester is known for great restaurants and bars selling nationally celebrated craft beer and cocktails, but there is a really impressive wine scene here too. I’m passionate about wine and am really excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with locals and tourists alike.

“I want to show people that although this might be classed as a ‘high-end activity’ with really good quality wine and matching snacks, wine tasting definitely doesn’t have to be snobby or stuffy. I want it to appeal to anyone over 18 who is interested in wine and introduce them to some of my favourite wine spots in Manchester.”

Manchester Wine Tours are ideal for special occasions, as well as for those simply looking for something different to do. They welcome solo participants as well as group get-togethers for locals and tourists. The tours will be regular ongoing events, so it’s easy to book onto one at a convenient time for you. Gift vouchers are also available and make a unique pressie.  

Tours start in October 2023 with the first events on Sunday 22 and Sunday 29 October (3-6pm). From November onwards, tours will be every Wednesday evening (7-10pm) and Sunday afternoon (3-6pm).

There will also be four special Xmas tours on 10, 13, 17 and 20 December. These are £100pp and will feature extra special wines and festive snacks. 

Find the full list of dates and more information at Manchester Wine Tours