Heard it through the grapevine: In the biggest comeback story since NSYNC, Lidl GB announces its sell-out festive wine tasting in the dark event series is back. Let’s raise a glass to the return of Chateaux Noir.

Launching nationwide, guests will be immersed in total darkness for a series of brand-new blind tasting sessions, carefully curated and hosted by Lidl’s resident Master of Wine Richard Bampfield.

Designed to democratise wine, the revamped sensory spectacle will see Lidl take on major drinks brands as it aims to change the perception that you need to blow the bank to enjoy quality booze this festive season.

With a jam-packed new tasting programme in store, guests at Chateaux Noir will first enter a never-before-seen ‘palate cleansing tunnel’, before moving into a blackout tasting room where they’ll be served by night-vision-goggle wearing waiters. They’ll then be invited to try a selection of Lidl tipples, some tasted directly against big brand rivals, before a grand reveal in the final room. And the best news, for just £5 a ticket, visitors will be treated to a selection of several top tipples.

Events:
Leake Street, Waterloo, London – Friday 10 and Saturday 11 November
Argyle Street Arches, Glasgow – Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November
West Bay at Titanic Hotel, Liverpool – Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November

Sessions will last for one hour, and will run from 15:00 – 21:00 on Fridays and 12:00 – 21:00 on Saturdays. Tickets cost just £5 plus a £1.13p booking fee, inclusive of several top tipples, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC. Tickets allocated on a first come first serve basis and are available to purchase at http://bit.ly/lidl-chateaux-noir. Guests must be 18+ to attend.

Lidl GB Master of Wine Richard Bampfield said: “At Chateaux Noir, not only do we want to challenge preconceptions about affordable wine and prove to customers that great taste isn’t determined by premium branded price tags, but to open people’s minds and challenge what they think they know already about wine.

So, if you think you’re a strictly red drinker – think again! We’ll reveal how similar flavour profiles can carry across different categories that you might never have otherwise considered.

This Christmas, Chateaux Noir is encouraging shoppers to rip up the rule book and start experimenting – ultimately, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to drink wine – if you love it, then that’s all that matters.”