New 'fizzy' festival in Marlow will 'change the way people think about Prosecco'

The UK's first premium Prosecco festival is set to take place in Marlow this July.

Prosecco producers from a UNESCO World Heritage Site will bring thousands of wine bottles to Liston Court for Fizzy Fest, created by the woman behind La Dolce Bolla in Marlow High Street.

Having studied and worked in Italy, owner Kristyna Weston knew what top-quality Prosecco tasted like but couldn’t understand why Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG wasn’t readily available in the UK.

The premium product of handpicked Glera grapes comes from a small UNESCO World Heritage site 50km north of Venice and 100km from the Dolomites.

“Fizzy Fest was born from a real gap I’ve seen,” Kristyna told the Advertiser.

“There are very few events dedicated to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and most tastings in the UK focus only on trade.

“But in Italy, or even back home in Prague, quality Prosecco is part of everyday life. It’s not niche, it’s normal.

“I want to change the way people think about Prosecco here.

“When the Consorzio di Tutela (wine consortium) offered their support, it felt like a sign that our mission to spread fizzy happiness is right on track.”

Kristyna left her home in Prague to set up her wholesale Prosecco Superiore business, Fizzy Happiness Ltd, in 2022, and then La Dolce Bolla wine bar in Liston Court in 2024.

“Opening the bar in Marlow was the obvious next step,” she said.

“After receiving such brilliant feedback from my pop-ups in John Lewis and my online store, I knew people were ready to discover what good Prosecco really tastes like. No sugary sweetness, no strange aftertaste, just clean, elegant fizz.

“From the very first time I walked through Liston Court, I thought: this is it. This is where I’d want to stop for a glass – beautiful people, a strong community, and a certain Italian charm in the air.

“Marlow has that rare mix of relaxed sophistication and genuine curiosity, which makes it the perfect home for La Dolce Bolla.”

Kristyna is now bringing Italy’s top producers and thousands of bottles to Marlow for a two-day ‘Fizzy Festival’ on July 18 and 19.

This first-ever Prosecco Superiore festival will include live music, masterclasses, tasting sessions and artisan foods to complement the wines.

Kristyna said: “Despite the huge popularity of Prosecco in the UK, there are still so many misconceptions about its quality, heritage, and versatility.

“Not all Prosecco is created equal – and I was genuinely surprised by how hard it was to find good Prosecco in the UK.

“Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is in a league of its own.”

At Fizzy Fest, visitors can taste 30 different styles of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, meet the winemakers, and even participate in yoga sessions.

Standard entry includes a tulip glass and five tastings, while the VIP Experience includes festival entrance, a tulip glass, five tastings and an exclusive masterclass with Sarah Abbott.

“The main event is for the public, with tickets starting at £19 including five tastings, because good fizz should be accessible,” added Kristyna.

“At the same time, we’re hosting a dedicated trade masterclass to show how this region’s wines can add real value to UK hospitality.”

The masterclass at La Dolce Bolla wine bar is on July 18, and the festival and live music in Liston Court Gardens is on July 19.

Visit www.tinyurl.com/5n94auuk for more information.