A NEW world class wine by Bordeaux’s famous wine making family will be launched at the first ever Dorset Wine Festival this month.

Tenth generation wine producer, Damien Barton-Sartorius, is to premier his new range, Initio, at the event.

Initio is comprised of a Leoville-Barton rosé produced from 100 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon aged in old oak vats, a fortified Muscat which Damien describes as, "pushing the boundaries of Bordeaux AOC regulations" and a no nonsense Sauvignon Blanc.

Some of the finest wines from Chateaux Leoville and Langoa Barton will also be available to taste and Damien will be giving a talk on the history of the Barton legacy.

Another exclusive range that will be available to both taste and purchase is from South Africa.

Moreson’s vineyard of the Franschhoek Region will be showcasing their two newly launched wines Miss Molly’s Chardonnay Semillon and a Pinot Noir.

Other guest speakers for the Dorset Wine Festival include Jane Anson, an award-winning wine expert and author who will be explaining the surge of popularity of organic, biodynamic and natural wines as well as celebrating the launch of her new book Wine Revolution: The World’s Best Organic, Biodynamic & Natural Wines

English Sparkling Wine producers confirmed so far are Castlewood, Nyetimber, Hattingley Valley, Lyme Bay, English Oak and Gusbourne. Both festival days will feature a panel discussion with representatives from these vineyards.

Charlie Turnbull – world-renowned cheese expert, food judge and owner of Turnbulls deli in Shaftesbury will be giving entertaining talks and tastings on wine and cheese pairings.

The Dorset Wine Festival will be hosted at the prestigious 10 Castle Street in Cranborne from 11am to 5pm Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24.

The two-day event will feature 100 wines from up to 40 producers, many of which are unavailable to try anywhere else.

The focus for year one will be home grown sparkling, as well as natural, organic and bio-dynamic wines. The festival will also feature many award-winning wines from producers in France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Lebanon, and New Zealand.

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

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£5 off entry to the Dorset Wine Festival with this code: ECHDWF17