Forget playgroup—mum and baby wine tasting is the hottest way to spend maternity leave. Abigail Kikuchi reports on the rise of 'bring your baby' wine tastings, a daytime event where parents can enjoy wine tasting without leaving their children behind.
What Are Baby Wine Tastings?
These events are daytime wine tastings for parents where babies are not just tolerated but invited. London's Champers and Pampers, launched in 2024, is perhaps the most famous. Since then, events have boomed across the country, from Bring Your Baby Wine Tastings in Birmingham to Bubbles and Babies in Nottinghamshire and Mama Social Club in Bristol.
With parenting burnout at an all-time high—one recent study found 93% of mums are burned out—these events offer a chance to socialise in an adult environment without needing childcare.
The Experience
At Kite at the Red Hart pub in Hitchin, participants sample three wines alongside nibbles while a sommelier talks them through tasting notes, with extra breaks for nappy changes. Servings are just 50ml and often go unfinished. Tom Weller, co-owner of the pub, says it's about 'socialising with parents in a similar situation, and getting a part of yourself back.'
Duncan Gammie, owner of Wee Vinotecha Wine Bar, runs 'Wine and Wee Ones' events, ensuring there is space for prams and a welcoming environment. The events often sell out as soon as they're announced.
Why Are They Popular?
Despite a cost-of-living crisis, these events thrive. Prices range from £18 to £30, but childcare can cost upwards of £45 for a few hours. Becky Glencross, 37, a director of technology and mum of two, says: 'A lot of the things on offer during maternity leave to help you meet people are things for your child, not for you... This was something social that could be just for me.'
Leah Pitt, a new mum, adds: 'I was drowning in mum stuff and this whole new identity shift. Something as sophisticated as a wine tasting really drew me in.' Nicola Carpenter, 41, a teacher and mum, says: 'It was the perfect escape for me whilst not having to worry about leaving my baby.'
Benefits for Businesses
These events are a win-win for pubs and bars, typically run during quieter lunchtime hours midweek. For mums who have sworn off alcohol during pregnancy, a baby wine tasting reclaims something of their past selves while supporting local businesses.
As Kikuchi notes, while stressed mums might love to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine, they're never quite off duty. But the trend shows no signs of slowing, offering a much-needed social outlet for mothers.
