Top Picks for Your Next Festival

Summer is the season of music festivals—where great music meets the joy of gathering with friends under the open sky. For wine enthusiasts, a festival is an opportunity to indulge in exquisite flavours while enjoying their favourite bands. At Butler's, we’ve curated a selection of music themed wines, with some that are matched perfectly to great artists and songs featured in the festival circuit this year. Whether you're lounging on a picnic blanket or dancing in front of the stage, these wines will take any festival experience to the next level.

Off The Record Chenin Blanc 2022

Starting off with the perfect bottle for sipping outside in the sunshine, we have a stunning Chenin from South Africa. The inaugural release under their Off the Record label is an Elgin Chenin Blanc, a rare gem given the scarcity of Chenin Blanc vineyards in the region and has resulted in only 2300 bottles being produced. With an enticing pale straw colour in the glass it is instantly welcoming. The nose leads with alluring citrus notes that gracefully unfold on the palate, accompanied by a luscious, creamy mouthfeel. A wide range of citrus, apple, and blossom flavours take centre stage, supported by an underlying minerality and subtle oak influence, which adds complexity to this Chenin Blanc. The journey culminates in a long and lingering finish, leaving a lasting impression.

To celebrate legendary Country music star Shania Twain attending Glastonbury, we can't think of a more fitting bottle than Four Vines Cowboy Poet Cabernet Sauvignon 2020.

The Four Vines is a highly acclaimed and renowned winery based in California. It was established back in 1994 by winemaker Christian Tietje. However, the wine estate originated in a surf shack and garage. The Cab Sav is a captivating and robust red wine boasting a deep ruby hue. The nose is bursting with notes of black cherry, cassis, and roasted coffee, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, experience the full-bodied and velvety-smooth texture, with flavours of ripe black fruit, plum, and luscious dark chocolate. The well-structured tannins provide a strong foundation, leading to a lingering finish that leaves a delightful aftertaste. So zip up your cowboy boots and pour a glass for Shania!

Another Glastonbury superstar worth catching on the main stage is Dua Lipa. To really get into the vibe of her hit song "One Kiss" we highly recommend Gran Passione Veneto Rosso 2022. Made in the iconic Veneto region of Northern Italy where you can find Verona, the city that inspired Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Arguably one of the most romantic stories ever told and perfect for this song. 

If you prefer something heavier than get ready to rock out with Blank Bottle Kortpad Kaaptoe Skinny Swartland 2020. An amazing and unique white from rebellious South African producer Pieter Walser. 100% Fernao Pires, the wine is named after an old footpath which serves as a shortcut from the Swartland to Cape Town. It was here that Pieter stumbled across a stunning parcel of bush vines planted 50 years ago in iron rich sandy soil with the Fernao Pires grape from Portugal. Two versions of this wine are made, this the ‘skinny version (grapes picked earlier with a  blank and gold label and the ‘refined’ version with a white and gold label). The label is printed on organic paper and has been inspired by the font used by the band AC/DC, all are applied by hand with glue (and therefore may slip off if wet). Pieter vinified this bottling using wild yeasts naturally occurring on the grape skins in large French oak casks. The 2020 vintage has the additional interest of having had some skin contact.  matured on the lees for a year before bottling.

Tips for Enjoying Wine at Music Festivals

• Stay Hydrated: Balance your wine consumption with plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Bring a Cooler: Keep your wines chilled with a portable cooler or insulated bag.
• Choose Reusable Cups: Eco-friendly, reusable cups or wine tumblers are great for festivals and help reduce waste.
• Know the Rules: Check the festival’s regulations regarding bringing in outside beverages to ensure a smooth experience.