TIPPLES from around the world are being lined up for drinkers to sample during this year's York Festival of Food & Drink.

The festival starts next Friday, September 13, and organisers are confident there will be something for everyone.

On the first day, wine-lovers get the chance to be whisked away on an Antipodean odyssey when Avril Abbott from the Australian Wine Bureau, presents an event themed on the New World's most successful wine region.

The following day, Saturday, September 14, Christine Austin will guide guests through some of the delicious rising South African stars of the wine shelves. Both events are at 7.30pm at Betty's.

Jim McEwan will be leaving Islay for York on September 15, bringing some of his favourite malts to taste and stories to tell from 7pm at York's Guildhall.

Chris Murphy, from Marks & Spencers, will speak about the life and times of a wine buyer at 7.30pm on September 17, at the Festival Food Theatre, St Sampson's Square.

Port will be flowing on a cruise on the Ouse thanks to the Port Wine Institute - accompanied by a jazz band - at 9pm on September 18.

A bubbly finale on September 20 will be hosted by GMTV's Charles Metcalfe, the festival's own Champagne Charlie.

The event starts at 7.30pm on September 20 at the Guildhall. The festival ends on September 22.

To find out more, visit the festival's website at www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com or telephone 01904 554430.

To buy a ticket for the above events phone 01133 843 808.

Updated: 12:35 Friday, September 06, 2002