One of the country’s foremost wine experts will make her debut at this summer’s Taste of Grampian festival.
Susy Atkins, who has made regular appearances on the Saturday Kitchen programme, and won both the prestigious Glenfiddich and Lanson awards for her writing, will be among the special guests at the popular event, which takes place on Saturday, June 3, at the Thainstone Centre in Inverurie.
The occasion will give Ms Atkins the opportunity to team up with her former Saturday Kitchen colleague, James Martin, who has already been confirmed as the headliner at the festival.
She told the Press and Journal yesterday: “I am delighted to be heading to Aberdeenshire for the first time.
“It will also be great to be working with James Martin again. I will be doing a series of masterclasses, showcasing wines, local craft gins and beers.”
Quite apart from her broadcasting duties, Ms Atkins has produced an eclectic range of books, including How to Make Your Own Drinks, which followed a year of producing everything from homemade wines, ciders and spirit infusions, to cordials and tisanes.
John Gregor, the Taste of Grampian chairman, has unveiled plans to extend this year’s proceedings to include an evening music festival, which will feature everything from street food and craft beers to a range of local entertainment.
Mr Gregor said the event would have more than 180 stand holders, including regional food producers, arts and crafts companies, beer and wine firms and local hotels and restaurants.
The packed schedule will contain several indoor and outdoor cookery demonstrations and the popular Press and Journal/Evening Express Motor Show.
He added: “This is the biggest one-day food festival in Scotland. It is a huge event to put together. We look forward to welcoming the crowds again to one of the best events in the north-east calendar.”
Now in its 18th year, Taste of Grampian is organised by ANM Group, Aberdeenshire Council, Opportunity North East, the Press and Journal and the Evening Express.
Keep watching the P&J. We will be announcing tickets on sale soon.
