THREE of the biggest personalities in the wine world are to host a series of interactive wine tasting sessions in the grounds of York Minster next month, writes Rosemary Collins.

Experts Oz Clarke, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin are touring the UK as the Three Wine Men, aiming to get everyone tasting and enjoying new wines and artisan foods.

As part of the York Food Festival, they will host a series of tasting sessions in Dean’s Park, taking a ‘hands-on’ approach to encourage members of the public to sample the wide range of wines, beers, drinks and foods on offer.

Oz Clarke is a leading wine expert well-known for his award-winning TV collaborations with Top Gear presenter James May and comedian Hugh Dennis.

Master of wine Tim Atkin is The Observer’s wine correspondent and a regular presenter on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, while Olly Smith, aka ‘Jolly Olly’, is Wine Editor of the Mail on Sunday and owner of The Glass House, a wine bar on P&O and Ventura cruise ships.

This is the first time the trio have held an event in York. Oz said: “York is one of the greatest cities in the UK, and what better place to show off fabulous wine than with a stunning view of York Minster?

"There is obviously a great foodie network here judging by the success of the York Food Festival and the Three Wine Men, together with some amazing winemakers, look forward to quenching your thirst for wine knowledge too.”

The Three Wine Men York Autumn Tasting sessions will take place from 5.30 to 8.30 pm on September 26 and from 11 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 7:30 pm on September 27.

They will be accompanied by a series of masterclasses, including Cheese and Wine Matching with Tim Atkin and Elegant Australians with Olly Smith.

Tickets cost £25 for the tasting sessions and £5 for the masterclasses. Customers are advised to purchase them in advance by calling 0844 8586759 or visiting www.seetickets.com/Tour/THREE-WINE-MEN.