ONE of the world's leading wine experts is heading to The Dorset Wine Festival, as it returns for a second year.

Award-winning writer and BBC TV presenter Oz Clarke, known as much for his vivacious personality as his vast wine knowledge, will be giving talks on both days of the festival, which takes place at 10 Castle Street in Cranborne over the weekend of July 7 and 8.

The focus for year two will be South African wines although home grown sparkling, as well as natural organic and bio-dynamic wines will also have their own area.

In addition, the festival will feature a number of award-winning producers from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Lebanon, and New Zealand, many of which are unavailable to try anywhere else.

Alex Boon, festival director, said: “We are delighted to have Oz Clarke on board for this year’s festival and couldn’t think of anyone more suited to headline our second event. The area of special interest this year will be Southern Africa where we have spend a great deal of time sourcing and tasting some incredible wines to try.

“Year on year South African wine makers are producing the best vintages with 2018 being no exception. We will all look forward to tasting them and many other fine wines from around the world at this year’s 2018 Dorset Wine Festival.”

The festival will offer talks throughout the day by a wide variety of international wine experts, producers, growers and wine makers. Attendees can expect samplings, pairings and talks along with live entertainment, art displays and a selection of fabulous dining options.

Tickets for the Dorset Wine Festival are now on sale at £35, which includes day entry to the festival; a wine glass; tokens for all tastings and an official event programme. To find out more, visit dorsetwinefestival.com

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