Bank Holiday. National Wine Day. Coincidence? We Think Not.
Quick Summary: National Wine Day falls on 25th May — and this year it lands on a bank holiday weekend. Humble Grape has curated a selection of the best sustainable, independent wines to open, share, and discover. Shop online with UK-wide delivery, or visit one of our London wine bars.
There are bank holidays, and then there are great bank holidays. The kind where the forecast actually cooperates, the garden furniture comes out, and someone — bless them — thinks to open a really good bottle of wine. National Wine Day on 25th May is exactly that kind of occasion. At Humble Grape, we've been connecting wine lovers with brilliant, independent winemakers from around the world since 2009, and we think this particular date deserves a proper celebration. Whether you're hosting a long lunch, planning a picnic in the park, or simply treating yourself after a week well survived, we've got the wine for it.
Why National Wine Day on a Bank Holiday Is Worth Getting Excited About
National Wine Day is observed globally on 25th May each year. It's not a stuffy, sommelier-only affair — quite the opposite. It's a brilliant excuse to open something new, explore a region you've never tried, or finally crack open that bottle you've been saving for the right moment. Spoiler: this is the right moment.
When it falls on a bank holiday weekend, as it does this year, the occasion really comes into its own. More time. More people. More reasons to pour generously.
What Makes a Wine Worth Celebrating?
We believe the best wines have a story behind them. Every bottle in our collection of over 450 sustainable wines comes from small, family-run vineyards — producers we know personally, many of whom visit London to run tasting events with us. These are organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines, most of which are exclusive to Humble Grape in the UK. You won't find them at your local supermarket. That's rather the point.
Bank Holiday Weather Calls for the Right Pour
The British bank holiday is an exercise in optimism. You plan for sunshine and make peace with the fact that you might end up inside with a blanket. Either way, the wine should be exceptional. Below, we've pulled together our favourite styles for every scenario the 25th might throw at you.
The Best Wines to Buy for National Wine Day
White Wines for Long, Lazy Afternoons
Crisp, Refreshing Whites
A well-made Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the ultimate bank holiday companion — bright, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable. Look for bottles from producers who farm with restraint: lower sulphites, no unnecessary intervention, just the grape doing its thing. Our sustainable white wine selection includes bottles from emerging regions alongside classic favourites, all sourced directly from the vineyard.
Chardonnay Worth Discovering
Chardonnay has had a somewhat unfair reputation in the UK — but the right bottle will change your mind entirely. Whether you prefer something lean and mineral or lightly textured with a little oak, there's a Chardonnay in our collection that was made by someone who genuinely cares about it. These are not bulk-produced supermarket wines. They are the result of craft.
Rosé and Sparkling for the Bank Holiday Toast
Rosé That Earns Its Place on the Table
Not all rosé is created equal. The bottles we champion at Humble Grape are pale, dry, and grown with integrity — the kind of wine that holds up to food rather than going cloying in the afternoon heat. Perfect for a National Wine Day gathering, and equally at home on a solo Friday evening. Browse our rosé wine collection online for options suited to every palate.
Sparkling Wines to Mark the Moment
Every celebration deserves a proper toast. Beyond Champagne (though we love Champagne), consider a Crémant — France's often-overlooked answer to the big fizz — or a beautifully made Prosecco from a small producer. For National Wine Day, there is no better way to open proceedings. Our sparkling wine range features bottles that genuinely surprise, at prices that won't make you wince.
Red Wines With a Story to Tell
Discover Beyond the Obvious
If you usually reach for a Rioja or a Bordeaux — both excellent choices, and both well represented in our shop — this bank holiday is a brilliant opportunity to explore a little further. Malbec from a family farm in Argentina, a natural red from a small-production Italian vineyard, or a low-intervention bottle from a region you've never heard of: that's the kind of discovery that makes National Wine Day memorable.
Our red wine collection is curated specifically to introduce you to producers you won't find elsewhere in the UK.
Celebrate National Wine Day With Us — In Person or at Home
Whether you want a bottle on your doorstep or a glass in your hand, we've got you covered.
If you're in London on 25th May, a few of our wine bars are open and ready for you. Canary Wharf is open from 12pm to 9pm — ideal if you fancy making a proper afternoon of it. Liverpool Street opens as normal from 3pm, while Battersea and Islington are both open as normal from 5pm. No snobbery, no pressure, just great wine and the stories behind it. Book your table at Humble Grape and make a real occasion of it.
Can't make it in? Our online wine shop delivers across the UK, so your National Wine Day wines can be at your door well before the 25th. Every bottle comes from our collection of 450+ sustainable, independently produced wines — sourced directly from the makers, many of them exclusive to us in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Wine Day in the UK? National Wine Day is celebrated on 25th May each year. This year, it falls on a Sunday during the May bank holiday weekend — making it the perfect occasion to open something special.
What wine should I drink on National Wine Day? There are no rules — that's the beauty of it. If you want a starting point, choose something you haven't tried before. National Wine Day is a great excuse to explore a new grape variety, region, or winemaking style. Our team at Humble Grape can help you find the right bottle whether you shop online or visit us in London.
Where can I buy sustainable wine online in the UK? Humble Grape's online wine shop at shop.humblegrape.co.uk offers over 450 sustainable wines sourced directly from independent, family-run vineyards. Most are organic, biodynamic, or low-intervention, and many are exclusive to us in the UK.
Is there wine delivery available for the bank holiday? Yes. Order from the Humble Grape online shop for UK-wide delivery. We'd recommend ordering a few days before 25th May to ensure your wines arrive in time for the bank holiday weekend.
What is the difference between organic, biodynamic, and natural wine? Organic wines are made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Biodynamic takes this further with a holistic farming approach guided by natural rhythms. Natural wine uses minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. All three prioritise the health of the land and the authenticity of the grape. Humble Grape stocks wines across all three categories — shop the full range online.
