Reserve Wines Didsbury
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Manchester’s own Reserve Wines is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of special events across its many, many sites in West Didsbury, Altrincham Market, Bents Garden & Home, Mackie Mayor, and Picturedrome in Macclesfield during the winter season. It’s a series of must-visit vino events, from one of Manchester’s most-loved indie wine businesses, founded by respected wine merchant and TV expert Kate Goodman.
This includes an exclusive 20th-anniversary tasting event, a private birthday party for loyal customers, festive masterclasses, and collaborations with renowned winemakers. But what exactly are all you fermented-grape-lovers in store for?
An exclusive 20th-anniversary tasting event, a private birthday party for loyal customers, festive masterclasses, and collaborations with renowned winemakers
On Thursday 9th November there will be a private birthday celebration for Reserve Wines’ loyal customers at the Didsbury branch. Then there’s the Winter Wine Fair at Didsbury Sports Ground, taking place on Thursday 16th November with over 100 wines and spirits to taste.
The 20th anniversary tasting event takes guests on an exploration of Reserve Wines Didsbury’s best sellers on Friday 17th November.
Thursday 23rd November will see Reserve Wines Didsbury host a Christmas wines special, plus you can expect drop-in tastings across the Reserve Wines sites throughout December. For the full festive experience, there will be mulled wine tastings while you shop at the Bents Garden & Home and Didsbury shops.
Sticking with the Christmas season, Reserve has launched its festive favourites – a selection of warming reds for cosy nights, including a newly updated Rioja range, driven by a customer tasting group, wonderful, fresh malbecs and pre-made gifts (including a Premium Red Wine Duo, showcasing The Glorioso Reserva Rioja from Spain alongside the Amie Rouge Carignan from Southern France).
You’ll also find some tried and tested bottles, including festive fizz, alcohol-free options, extensive port range and gift sets for red, white and mixed wines, alongside a selection of fine wines and rare vintages.
We’re big fans of Reserve Wines at CT Towers, and in case you’re new to the world of wine (and Reserve Wines), here’s a potted history:
The spark came from a visit by Kate to a less-than-friendly local wine shop, which made her determined to create a friendly and inspiring community around wine – and, not least, give wine-curious customers a good time. This led to Kate opening her first shop in leafy West Didsbury back in 2003.
In the early days, Kate turned to YouTube to share her expertise and make learning about wine fun. She was then scouted by no less than the BBC, who invited her to be the wine expert for their Food and Drink Programme. Working alongside world-famous chefs such as Michel Roux Jnr means Kate knows her onions when it comes to pairing wine with food.
Founder Kate Goodman says: “We are thrilled to commemorate this monumental milestone of our 20th anniversary. Reserve Wines has always been more than just a shop; it’s a community of wine enthusiasts where everyone is welcome. Our success is a testament to the love and support of our loyal customers, the hard work of our dedicated team, and the wonderful world of wine itself, which I’m thrilled to be a part of. Next year, we plan to open two new sites in and around Manchester, so watch this space.”