Opheem and Trillium are among the Birmingham venues taking part in a new nationwide initiative offering premium English wines by the glass during English Wine Week.
English Wine Week | 20–28 June
English wine has never been more exciting, or more accessible. This English Wine Week (20–28 June), a new nationwide initiative from pioneering wine technology brand Coravin is giving wine lovers across the UK the chance to discover some of England’s finest wines by the glass at a selection of leading restaurants and wine bars.
Among the venues taking part are two of Birmingham’s standout dining destinations: Opheem and Trillium.
The week-long programme will see participating venues serve curated English wines by the glass, including bottles that would ordinarily only be available to purchase by the bottle. For guests, it offers a rare opportunity to explore the quality, diversity and growing reputation of English wine without committing to a full bottle.
Aktar Islam, chef-owner of Opheem, one of Birmingham’s Michelin-starred restaurants taking part in English Wine Week.
The initiative is made possible by Coravin’s innovative wine preservation technology, which allows sommeliers to pour individual glasses while keeping the remaining wine perfectly fresh. Already used by many of the UK’s leading restaurants, including more than 75% of Michelin-starred venues, the system enables restaurants to offer a wider and more adventurous range of wines by the glass.
While English sparkling wine has earned a global reputation in recent years, the wines being showcased during English Wine Week demonstrate just how diverse the country’s wine industry has become. Expect everything from award-winning sparkling wines and Burgundian-style Chardonnay to elegant Pinot Noir and lesser-known grape varieties grown across England’s emerging wine regions.
For Birmingham diners the opportunity is particularly compelling. Opheem, the Michelin-starred restaurant from Aktar Islam and Trillium, the latest venture from Glynn Purnell, both bring a strong focus on quality and considered dining experiences. Their participation offers local wine enthusiasts the chance to explore some of England’s most exciting bottles in settings known for excellence in food and hospitality.
Glynn Purnell, chef-owner of Trillium, where guests can explore a curated selection of English wines by the glass during English Wine Week.
Nationally, more than 30 restaurants and wine bars are taking part, including Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay, Lady of the Grapes, Cord and The Cadogan in London, alongside venues in York, Manchester and beyond.
Milena De Waele, Head Sommelier at Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay, said:
“What excites me most about English wine right now is both the sheer variety and the impeccable quality. Coravin makes it possible for us to put those bottles in front of guests without the risk of waste, which means we can be genuinely adventurous with what we pour.”
Greg Lambrecht, founder and inventor of Coravin, added:
“English Wine Week is the perfect opportunity to explore a category that has so much to offer. The range and quality of wines being produced across England right now is exceptional, and Coravin makes it possible for venues to showcase that variety without compromise.”
English Wine Week
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious about what English producers are creating, English Wine Week offers the perfect excuse to explore something new. With Opheem and Trillium both taking part, Birmingham is well placed to raise a glass to one of the country’s most exciting food and drink success stories.
