Spring is finally in the air (at last), and a handful of London restaurants and wine bars are celebrating with the ultimate palate pleaser: Beaujolais. Made from the Gamay grape, these vibrant wines are juicy, refreshing and perfect lightly chilled, ideal for longer days, sunny terraces and lighter drinking.

While Beaujolais is best known for the November celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau (a big day in the AT calendar), this spring series is about rediscovering the region in a more relaxed way, with seasonal food and welcoming neighbourhood wine bars. Over the next few weeks, venues across London will host a series of Beaujolais-themed tastings, wine lunches and by the glass specials. Get sipping, people:

1. Sune, Hackney

What: East London favourite Sune is having with a full week dedicated to Beaujolais. Expect a rotating lineup of wines by the glass alongside a Lyonnaise-inspired set lunch. Or as the team puts it: “Beaujolais isn’t just for November, it’s for life!”

Events: On 23rd – 29th March – Beaujolais wines by the glass and Lyonnaise-inspired set lunch menu (£25 for 2 courses, £28 for 3). On 29th March (4pm – 8pm), Sune will be popping up with a Sunday Sundowner Apéro Bar, complete with copious amounts of Beaujolais and bar snacks from Head Chef Frank.

Where: 129A Pritchard’s Rd, London E2 9AP

2. Lita, Marylebone

What: Michelin-starred Lita brings a refined take on the celebrations. Head of Wine Kristina Gladilina will showcase the elegance and diversity of Beaujolais through a curated selection of wines and a special spring lunch.

Events: From 30th March – 4th April, Lita will be pouring a curated selection of Beaujolais wines by the glass. On 3rd April, there’s a Beaujolais Spring Wine Lunch at £85 a pop featuring a seasonal menu paired with standout Beaujolais wines.

Where:  7-9 Paddington St, London W1U 5QH

3. Naughty Piglets, Brixton

What: If you haven’t been to Naughty Piglets (where have you been?), now is the time. The Brixton favourite will be pouring Beaujolais all week before closing the celebrations with a proper spring party complete with Beaujolais, their OG jambon beurre and a DJ set. Expect Beaujolais in one hand and a jambon beurre in the other.

Events: From 30th March – 5th April, head to Naughty Piglets for Beaujolais by the glass specials. ‘Eat My Pickle & Drink My Gamay’ will take place on 5th April, a day of Beaujolais wines, DJs, and, of course, everyone’s favourite (unless you’re veggie), jambon beurre.

Where: 28 Brixton Water Ln, London SW2 1PE

4. Coulure, Canonbury 

What: New neighbourhood wine bar Coulure is leaning into the ‘tiny drink’ trend with a Beaujolais wine flight designed for easy, relaxed exploration. One white, one rosé, one red, plus tasting notes to guide you through the region.

Events: There’s a Beaujolais wine flight, plenty of white, rosé and red to polish off, available from 16th – 31st March.

Where: 264 West Green Road, N15

5. Winemakers Club, Farringdon 

What: Wine nerds, this one’s for you. The Winemakers Club is hosting a blind tasting of thirty Beaujolais wines (yes, really), with cheese toasties and an after party upstairs. The perfect chance to put your taste buds to the test.

Events: On 31st March, it’s popping off. Quite literally. More Beaujolais than you can shake a stick (wine glass at), with a bit of a bash afterwards. The kitchen will be slinging out toasties too. A very good time indeed.

Where: 41a Farringdon St, London EC4A 4AN