Forget playgroups and sensory classes—mum and baby wine tastings are the hottest way to spend maternity leave. These daytime events, where babies are not just tolerated but invited, have exploded in popularity across the UK since the launch of London's Champers and Pampers in 2024. From Bring Your Baby Wine Tastings in Birmingham to Bubbles and Babies in Nottinghamshire and Mama Social Club in Bristol, parents are flocking to pubs and wine bars for a taste of their pre-child lives.
Why Baby Wine Tastings Are Booming
With parenting burnout at an all-time high—one recent study found that 93% of mums are burned out—the appeal of these events is clear. They offer a rare opportunity for parents to socialise in an adult environment without the hassle or cost of childcare. Tom Weller, co-owner of the Red Hart pub in Hitchin, explains: 'It's about socialising with parents in a similar situation, and getting a part of yourself back.' Servings are just 50ml, and the focus is on community, not drinking.
The events are typically held during quiet lunchtime hours, making them a win-win for pubs and bars that usually see slow sales midweek. For mums who have sworn off alcohol during pregnancy, a baby wine tasting reclaims something of their past selves while supporting local businesses.
Real Mum Experiences
Abigail Kikuchi attended one such event at Kite at the Red Hart pub in Hitchin with her nine-month-old. While the idea of sampling wines with a sommelier sounded lovely, the reality was challenging: 'I stand to rock my baby who continues to protest as the sommelier impresses upon us the importance of… well I'm not sure what, because I can't hear him over my baby's cries.'
Other mums had more positive experiences. Becky Glencross, 37, a director of technology and mum of two, says: 'A lot of the things on offer during maternity leave to help you meet people are things for your child, not for you, and you can feel silly singing nursery rhymes. This was something social that could be just for me.' She has attended multiple tastings and even met friends through them.
Leah Pitt, a new mum, echoes this sentiment: 'I was drowning in mum stuff and this whole new identity shift. Something as sophisticated as a wine tasting really drew me in.' Nicola Carpenter, 41, a teacher and mum of two, adds: 'It was the perfect escape for me whilst not having to worry about leaving my baby.'
Cost Comparison: Childcare vs Wine Tasting
While these events may seem pricey—Wine and Wee Ones costs £18 for a flight of three wines with nibbles, Champers and Pampers starts at £24.50, and Bubbles and Babes from £30—they are often cheaper than childcare. A babysitter can easily cost upwards of £45 for a few hours, meaning that just leaving the house costs as much as a meal out. With severe cuts to free government-funded stay and play sessions, many mums already pay £8-£10 for baby classes.
Creating a Welcoming Space
Duncan Gammie, owner of Wee Vinotecha Wine Bar, runs 'Wine and Wee Ones' events that often sell out as soon as they are announced. 'For me, running baby wine tasting events has been about creating a space for mums where they feel welcome,' he says. He ensures there is space for prams and that parents know they will be in an understanding environment if their baby cries. He describes the events as 'a little slice of decadence.'
However, as Kikuchi notes, mums are never quite off duty: 'As my baby finally reaches the glass of wine, and pours it over himself, prompting a Sauvignon-scented screaming fit, I'm struck that while stressed mums might love to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine, we're never quite off duty.'
