A Varied and Inclusive Programme - The Society’s annual programme is designed to take wine lovers on a thrilling global adventure, whether you’re a seasoned expert or just beginning to explore the wonderful world of wine. We’ve got a diverse range of experiences that will deepen your knowledge and appreciation of wines from all corners of the globe.
Occasionally, the Society hosts a select number of Premium nights each year, providing a rare opportunity for members to sample prestigious wines like Champagne and Port. These events attract interest from suppliers and members alike, keen to show and taste wines outside their usual budget and accessibility.
The crowning jewel of the Society’s calendar is its Christmas celebration. This highly anticipated event combines a festive buffet, an exceptional selection of wines handpicked by the committee, and an evening of lively dancing. It is a time for members to come together, toast the season, and revel in the camaraderie that defines the spirit of the Society.
Membership and Pricing - Membership to the Society is inclusive and accessible, with an annual fee of just £15. Members then can participate in individual tastings, each priced at £15.00. Occasionally, the Society hosts ticketed events, such as Premium nights or other exclusive gatherings, which may be priced higher. However, all pricing is confirmed in advance, ensuring transparency and clarity for members. It is worth noting that the prices listed are indicative and subject to final confirmation shortly before each event. Join Us - The Society offers a welcoming environment where you can learn, share, and enjoy. With its diverse programming and emphasis on community, the Society invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Cheers to new experiences and shared passions!
See details of the 2025 - 2027 programme below:
12 June 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 Preet Sahota's Passion for South African Wines Founded in 2013, Edgmond Wines aims to offer high-quality wines at great value. The company works closely with talented winemakers, ensuring a curated selection that reflects genuine industry connections. South African wines are central to Edgmond Wines’ portfolio, as the company believes they represent some of the most exciting styles worldwide. Led by Founder and Managing Director Preet Sahota, the business has grown from a personal interest into a thriving venture. South Africa combines centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern techniques, primarily in the Western Cape, where diverse climates yield a wide range of wine styles. https://www.edgmondwines.co.uk/about-us/
10 July 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 Bat & Bottle, a specialist in Italian wines, was founded by Ben and Emma Robson after they met a Benedictine monk at a kissing gate. This chance encounter led them to Felicita Pask-Hughes, an extraordinary Italian woman who imported exceptional Italian wines to the UK. Felicita’s business, which included prestigious names like Isole e Olena and Sassicaia, was acquired by the Robsons in 1998, setting the foundation for Bat & Bottle. This marked the beginning of their remarkable journey into the world of Italian wines. Ben and Emma Robson, passionate Italian wine connoisseurs, have transformed Bat & Bottle into a haven for enthusiasts seeking authentic, high-quality Italian wines. Their carefully curated selections reflect their commitment to quality and the cultural richness of Italy’s vineyards. Bat & Bottle is more than a wine merchant; it’s a testament to the Robsons’ dedication and the legacy of Felicita Pask-Hughes. Each bottle offers exceptional taste and a connection to the history, craftsmanship, and soul of Italian wine culture. https://bat.wine/
14 August 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 Majestic Wine Derby, part of the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer with over 200 stores, is located on Ashbourne Road and offers a selection of 1,100+ wines, beers, and spirits. The branch features WSET-trained staff providing expert advice, free tastings, local delivery, and wedding planning services. After its acquisition by Fortress Investment Group in 2019, the store and product range were revitalised. Andy Swarkowski, a wine specialist, will showcase curated South American wines known for Malbec from Argentina and Carmenère from Chile, as well as standout Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines from renowned regions like Mendoza and Maipo. https://www.majestic.co.uk/stores/derby
11 September 2026 BYO Members £ 15.00 The Wine Fan – Michael Godden: Michael Godden, known as The Winefan on social media, is passionate about wine and hosts tasting events that make wine accessible and enjoyable. He collaborates with venues across Leicestershire and the East Midlands to offer unique wine experiences that attract guests and boost profiles. Michael also works with producers and importers to showcase exceptional wines to curious, engaged audiences 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