Winchester Food Festival is a celebration of Hampshire’s finest food and drink, taking place in the beautiful grounds of Winchester Cathedral. 

Guests will be able to try and buy direct from local producers and see talented local chefs in action. 

The event is being run by Hampshire Fare. This membership organisation was started over 30 years ago by a small group of farmers who were looking for routes to market and ways to raise the awareness of local produce.

Today, Hampshire Fare (CIC) has 350 members working in food, drink and crafts in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. At its core, its mission is to champion and support local and encourage people to choose local first.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s diverse growing conditions provide an abundance of produce including watercress, strawberries, trout, honey, hops, vines, meat, tomatoes, garlic and pannage pork. Members take pride in displaying the Hampshire Fare Logo as a well-established symbol of quality and provenance.

Winchester Food Festival is a great way to support local. Every Hampshire Fare producer has a great story to tell, and Winchester Food Festival provides a great platform for them to share their knowledge and expertise with the public. There will also be a number of local chef demonstrations and talks the afternoon as well as activities for children.

Hampshire Chronicle: Winchester Food Festival in 2023Winchester Food Festival in 2023 (Image: Stuart Martin)

Natasha Dochniak, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, said: "I joined Hampshire Fare six months ago and, in that time, I have been introducing several new initiatives to support our members. This will indeed be my first big event and so I am thrilled that we have been able to extend the food festival this year to include a Taste of Winchester in the lead up.

"It really is a great way to shine a light on all the wonderful hospitality venues and produce we have here in Hampshire all of which is on our doorstep."

READ MORE: Winchester Food Festival 2024 launched with special event

This year, the Winchester Food Festival has grown considerably, and Hampshire Fare couldn’t put it on alone. Collaboration is at the heart of Hampshire Fare, and they are pleased to be working with Winchester BID and Winchester Cathedral to deliver the event. 

Come along and taste for yourself at Winchester Food Festival on Sunday, July 14. The event is free and runs from 10am until 5pm in Winchester Cathedral Outer Close.