The party was held to raise awareness for the festival, which is being held in Winchester Guildhall over the weekend of 21-23 November 2014.
Guests savoured delicious local produce including acclaimed Hampshire sparkling wine from Hattingley Valley, mineral water by Hildon, chocolates by Chococo and sushi canapés by Winchester eatery Kyoto Kitchen.
The guest list included the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine, restaurateurs Mark Dodd (Chesil Rectory) and David Nicholson (Black Rat), plus representatives from the media, business and food & drink sectors.
Steve Brine said: "You struggle to believe Winchester hasn't always had a wine festival but I suspect it will now Peter & Susie have taken the initiative. I cannot think of a better combination for an event like this than Winchester and the undoubted masters of wine who we are so lucky to have living here in the city. I wish the event in November every success and look forward to being part of it."
In his address on the night, Peter Richards MW said: "Winchester and Hampshire should be proud of its brilliant food & drink scene. The aim is for Wine Festival Winchester to become a key feature in this increasingly delicious landscape."
Together with their co-founder Claire Quigley Ward, Susie & Peter revealed teasers for their 'Follow your Taste' concept, which will help visitors navigate their way round the festival using a simple colour-coded system that breaks wines down into six basic styles – from fresh & racy to smooth & rich – enabling people to experiment with confidence.
Susie & Peter also highlighted the association of the festival with local charity Naomi House/Jacksplace, with a proportion of profits going to help children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Wine Festival Winchester runs from 21-23 November 2014 in the Guildhall, Winchester and up to 2,000 visitors are expected. There are four sessions: Fri 21st Nov 6-9pm (VIP launch); Sat 22nd Nov 11-3pm and 4-8pm; Sun 23rd Nov 12-4pm.
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Standard tickets cost £25 (for the VIP night £35) and are available here.