On 19 November 2026, Tillingham Wines will be releasing their Gamay 2026 on the day traditionally reserved as ‘Beaujolais Day,' an annual global festival celebrating the release of the very first wine from the current year’s grape harvest in France's Beaujolais region. Distributors compete to get the first bottles.
This year, Tillingham Vineyard will be joining in the celebrations with their own Tillingham Gamay 2026. AOC status for Beaujolais legally protects the wine's name, origin and production methods under French and European law, so although it is 100% Gamay and undergoes similar production methods to the French wine, it cannot legally be called Beaujolais.
As in France, the wine making process is fast. The grapes were picked on 1 October and, due to the scorching summer, they were the ripest and sweetest Tillingham has ever had. The whole bunch goes straight into concrete fermenting tanks where they are left to undergo a wine-making process called carbonic maceration. This is where the weight of the grapes squash the grapes below and some juice is released. The grapes ferment in a carbon-dioxide rich environment and inter cellular fermentation starts and produces a specific flavour associated with Beaujolais, a sweet-like quality. Their concrete vessels also add a layer of smokiness to the wine. The grapes are then pressed and left to ferment in stainless steel before bottling on 3 November.
Most red wines are left to age in oak or bottle. The whole point of Beaujolais style wine is that it’s a fresh, young, juicy and energetic wine. It pairs well with seafood, cheese and charcuterie and spicy dishes.
It is only the second year that Tillingham has produced a 100% Gamay. Last year they all went to London and, once again this year, some will be sent to London restaurants and bars, but plenty will be kept for Tillingham’s own Fete du Beaujolais. It will be a fun, special event held on Thurs 19 November 6pm to 9pm in the bar with live music, Fifi la Mer, Oh La La! wine and French food available. A £15 ticket includes a glass of Tillingham Gamay and a taster of French Beaujolais for a fun comparison.
by: Jane Fitch
