Join the Festival’s program organiser, the creator of the “Taste Trails ” on an exclusive behind the scenes tour, both within the Festival and some of the best of York. Get an idea of how we make this event work! We will take you to a range of hand picked venues and you don’t need to worry about lunch – there’ll be wide range of samples and small portions included too, both around the festival itself as well as a few nearby friends. There are two tours a day at 11am and 3pm.
The tours will take about 2 hours. All diets can be catered for, these tours are for small numbers and the venues can cope with diverse needs.
Your guide will be Ben Thorpe of York on a Fork, a regular of the Food tour scene in York and one of the festival organisers. Ben knows the foodie scene in York intimately after having been closely involved with it for over a decade, make sure you ask lots of questions and get plenty of recommendations! Tours will take place on the Friday, Saturday and Sundays of the festival at 11am and 3pm.
Explore the chocolate making process from cocoa bean to the chocolates we make here at York Cocoa Works, learning and tasting your way around the chocolate manufactory with our Tasting Journey.
Quote “YORKFOODFEST25” for 25% off
During your time with us, one of our expert chocolate makers will share the secrets of our cocoa and how we transform it into chocolate. You will discover our origins and learn the rich history of chocolate making in York before taking a peek into our manufactory and watching our chocolate being made. This session concludes with a special tasting conducted by our cocoa connoisseur. You will sample the chocolate we make from cocoa beans all around the world, experiencing the different strengths and flavour notes in our range.
Following the journey, you are invited to join us in our Chocolate Cafe where you can use your ticket to enjoy further discounts across our whole product range.
Northern Monk is an independent brewery from Leeds, founded in 2013 with a mission to make beers that delight, unit and do right.
Alongside their flagship product, Faith, they will be bringing a small selection of beers for you to try.
Get to know the brewery and their beers ahead of the opening of Northern Monk Refectory York in late October.
Attendance and samples are free. Over 18s only, you may be asked for ID.
This promises to be a fantastic evening showcasing heritage recipes, live cooking demonstrations, and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of tastings. It will also be a wonderful chance to connect with others and celebrate our community’s rich cultural heritage.
Celebrate cultural diversity, food, and community right in the heart of York!
Featuring dishes from Iranian, Tunisian, African, and Jewish cuisine join chefs as they share the stories and spices behind heritage dishes, with a carefully curated menu.
Join the Festival’s program organiser, the creator of the “Taste Trails ” on an exclusive behind the scenes tour, both within the Festival and some of the best of York. Get an idea of how we make this event work! We will take you to a range of hand picked venues and you don’t need to worry about lunch – there’ll be wide range of samples and small portions included too, both around the festival itself as well as a few nearby friends. There are two tours a day at 11am and 3pm.
The tours will take about 2 hours. All diets can be catered for, these tours are for small numbers and the venues can cope with diverse needs.
Your guide will be Ben Thorpe of York on a Fork, a regular of the Food tour scene in York and one of the festival organisers. Ben knows the foodie scene in York intimately after having been closely involved with it for over a decade, make sure you ask lots of questions and get plenty of recommendations! Tours will take place on the Friday, Saturday and Sundays of the festival at 11am and 3pm.
Everyone welcome to find out more about the exciting opportunities available in Hospitality, including an interactive mocktail making masterclass provided by the Hospitality Junior Board and numerous opportunities to meet those in the industry.
Step into a world of indulgence with our exclusive Chocolate & Gin Tour at York’s Chocolate Story.
This one-of-a-kind experience, crafted for adults, invites you to explore the rich histories and intricate flavours of two of the world’s most beloved indulgences: chocolate and gin. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a gin enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience in York, this tour promises to tantalise your taste buds and expand your knowledge in a fun, interactive setting.
Sample Selection:
Hooting Owl Signature Gin: Paired with Rowntree’s first-ever chocolate, this pairing celebrates the humble beginnings of York’s confectionery legacy.
Chocolate Orange Gin: Complemented by a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, this duo pays homage to one of York’s most iconic chocolate treats.
Sicilian Lemon Gin: Paired with a sweet treat inspired by York’s famous confectionery, this combination is a nostalgic nod to classic flavours.
Mystery Gin: Enjoy a seasonal surprise with this final pairing, offering a delightful twist on traditional gin and chocolate pairings.
Chocolate-Making
Your tour concludes with a hands-on chocolate-making session. Under the guidance of our expert chocolatiers, you’ll craft your own bespoke chocolate mendiants to take home, using high-quality dark or milk chocolate. Personalise your creation with intricate designs and transfer sheets, making it the perfect edible souvenir of your visit.
Join Terra Sarda Wines for an adventure in wine and food, from the foothills of the Pennines to vineyards by the sea.
Join Terra Sarda Wines on a journey in a glass across the beautiful island of Sardinia, pairing six rare wines with a selection of artisan cheeses made by an award-winning Sardinian cheesemaker in Yorkshire, using milk from local farms.
Each wine will reveal another chapter in Sardinia’s story, exploring its environment, history, food, culture – with some unexpected links to Wales!
These events are for curious connoisseurs and winelovers with a wanderlust. Our glasses are full, our platters are generous, and the evening is full of surprises.
The venue (appropriately) is York’s iconic Bonding Warehouse, by Skeldergate Bridge, which was built in the 1870s to store wine and spirits brought by boat from Hull.
Now a beautiful co-working and events space, run by Patch, this historic, waterfront building will be celebrating its own food and drink heritage during the York Food & Drink Festival 2025.
What’s included: 6 x 75ml/100ml tastings of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. A generous platter of Yorkshire cheeses, traditional Sardinian bread and savoury nibbles. Tasting notes. A wonderful riverside view and good company!
Caroline Bell from Shepherds Purse will be sharing some of their Award Winning cheese for you to sample and chatting about the about the family business, farming and cheesemaking.
Villains Rum of York invite you to discover the dark allure of Villains Rum, crafted for those drawn to mischief and rebellion.
