Exploring the World of Wine Together: We offer a Varied and Inclusive Programme The Society’s annual programme offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive global exploration, catering to individuals ranging from seasoned experts to those new to the field. The programme features a diverse array of events designed to enhance understanding and appreciation of wines from various regions around the world.
Periodically, the Society organises select Premium Nights, allowing members to experience distinguished wines such as Champagne and Port. These occasions are highly regarded by both suppliers and members, providing access to wines typically outside standard budgets and availability.
The highlight of the Society’s calendar is its Christmas Celebration, which brings together members for a festive buffet, an exclusive wine selection curated by the committee, and an evening of dancing. This event embodies the Society’s commitment to fostering friendship and celebrating the shared enjoyment of wine.
Membership and Pricing Membership is open and accessible with an annual fee of £15. Members are invited to participate in individual tastings, each priced at £15.00. On occasion, the Society may offer ticketed events, such as Premium Nights or other exclusive gatherings, which may carry higher fees. All pricing is communicated in advance to ensure transparency and clarity. Please note that prices are indicative and subject to final confirmation prior to each event.
Join Us The Society provides a welcoming environment dedicated to learning, sharing, and enjoyment. Through its varied programming and focus on community, members are encouraged to embark on a rewarding journey of discovery. We look forward to celebrating new experiences and shared passions with you.
See details of the 2025 - 2027 programme below:
11 September 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 The Wine Fan – Michael Godden: Michael Godden, known as The Wine fan on social media, he is passionate about wine and hosts tasting events that make wine accessible and enjoyable. The Wine Fan tasting events are the doorway to wine-tasting adventures which make wine easy and fun. He will show you how to choose wine better, how to taste wine simply and with confidence and choose or buy wine better than you have ever done before! https://thewinefan.co.uk/
09 October 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 Maharajah Drinks –Sophia Longha. India offers a range of impressive wines, featuring classic varietals like Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Shiraz. Most are produced near Nashik in Maharashtra, with vines grown at 500–600m to handle the region's heat and year-round growth. Maharajah Drinks provides Indian teas, soft drinks, spirits, and wines, and this will be their first Indian wine tasting at DDWS. Sophia is knowledgeable and approachable, ensuring a positive experience. https://maharajadrinks.com/
13 November 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 Jehu Attias, Colombier Wines, Swadlincote: Colombier is a long-standing, family-owned merchant supplying many hotels and restaurants with wines from around the world. For this their second visit to DDWS, Italian owner, Jehu Attias, and his French wife, Micheline, are going to explore the region of Sicily in Italy with us. As per their last visit they will bring us a selection of exclusive wines , sourced directly from some of the smaller, high-quality producers with whom they work. The evening promises to be immensely enjoyable as we look forward to enjoying unusual wines presented with great knowledge and enthusiasm by people who really know their subject. https://www.colombiervinsfins.co.uk/
11 December 2026 Fully Catered Members £ 25.00 DDWS Annual Christmas Party: Once again, we will finish the year with a party! Kicking off with a sparkling wine reception complete with some excellent canapés. We will then enjoy a relaxed programme of streamed background music alongside a light-hearted wine related quiz. This will be followed by a fully catered, high-quality buffet with plenty of time to enjoy it, washed down with a fabulous selection of wines chosen by our committee and the evening will close with an hour or so of dancing to a set of streamed music chosen by our members. Tickets will be limited to 60, so be sure to reserve a place!
08 January 2027 BYO Members £ 15.00 An evening with Ross Donaldson: Exploring "Women in Wine" Laithwaites highlights its accomplished female winemakers through events like International Women’s Day and curated wine collections. Notable figures include co-founder Barbara Laithwaite CBE (Wyfold Vineyard), Jane Hunter OBE (Hunter’s Estate, NZ), and newcomer Kirsten Laithwaite. Ross Donaldson will share with us wines from international talents such as Nicole (Redheads/Bordeaux), Stephanie Putnam (California), Ruth Chavarri (Rioja), Arianna Zannati (Pinot Grigio), and Lorena (Halewood/Romania), should be an interesting and varied evening with Women at the wheel!
12 February 2027 BYO Members £15.00 Sean Driscoll, Fraziers Wine Merchants : We are excited to welcome back Sean Driscoll from Fraziers Wine Merchants in Solihull, who will take us on exciting tour of the wines from TBC. "Who are Frazier's Wine Merchants? We’ve been in the drinks industry for five generations - firstly as brewers, then as fine wine wholesale and retail wine merchants. We’re based in Birmingham, England, and stock one of the largest selections of Bordeaux wines in the country – they're our eponymous founder John Frazier’s greatest passion. "We pride ourselves on the quality of the wine we sell, our knowledge and expertise, and our friendly, professional service. Unless stated, all our mature wines are aged in our bonded warehouse, so you can be sure of their provenance, just as we are." https://www.frazierswine.co.uk/
12 March 2027 BYO Members £15.00 Connolly’s Wine Merchants -Chris Connolly Connolly’s Wine Merchants is a long-established independent wine retailer in Birmingham, founded in 1976 and rooted in a family wine-trading tradition dating back over a century. Known for its carefully curated selection of wines sourced directly from producers around the world, the business combines specialist knowledge with a strong local presence. Operating from its distinctive location in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, Connolly’s has become a key part of Birmingham’s wine scene, supplying both private customers and the hospitality industry while maintaining a reputation for quality and expertise.
12 March 2027 BYO Members £TBC Annual General Meeting: The AGM covers the usual business, including a review of the year’s activities, the latest financial position, a discussion on future fees, an update on next year’s Programme and the election of officers and committee members. It will be accompanied by a selection of favourite wines presented by members of the outgoing committee with a “Then & Now Nostalgia Night Theme We’re we will be exploring wine through the decades, from the 1970s to today. Back then, wines were heavier and guided by tradition, but today's styles are fresher and more expressive thanks to modern techniques. This tasting highlights how both winemaking and tastes have evolved—notice each wine's feel and structure as you compare eras. By the end, you'll see how wine has changed and might find your favorite period.
Derbyshire Dales Wine Society Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month in Darley Abbey Village Hall (DE22 1DS). ///orbit.darker.escape