Taste East Devon Festival Returns: 9 Days of Culinary Magic
13th – 21st September 2025
Food lovers, this one’s for you! The Taste East Devon Festival is back for its fifth year, and it’s shaping up to be the most delicious celebration yet. From 13th to 21st September, East Devon transforms into a foodie paradise, showcasing everything we love about our local culinary scene – and it’s all just a stone’s throw from Exeter.
Whether you’re a seasoned food explorer or simply love discovering new flavours, this 9-day festival offers the perfect excuse to venture into the beautiful Devon countryside and taste your way through some truly exceptional experiences.
Wine, Dine and Unwind
Start your festival journey among the vines at Pebblebed Vineyard and Lily Farm Vineyard, both offering tours throughout the festival. There’s something magical about sipping locally-produced wine while overlooking the very vines it came from. For the ultimate indulgent experience, Lympstone Manor is hosting an exclusive Vineyard Tour & Pool House Lunch on 17th September – imagine fine wine, exceptional food, and stunning views of the Exe Estuary all rolled into one luxurious afternoon.
If you’re after something quintessentially Devon, head to The Donkey Sanctuary for ‘Bray Beyond Borders’ on 18th September. A classic Devon cream tea set against the backdrop of the Jurassic Coast? Yes, please!
From Garden to Plate
The PIG-at Combe continues to champion their field-to-fork philosophy with Kitchen Garden Tours running on multiple dates. See how they grow the very ingredients that end up on your plate, then stay for the Folly Music Night on 19th September – an evening of music and drinks in their enchanting garden hideaway.
For those who love a bit of atmosphere with their food, Coldharbour Field Kitchen is serving up Live Music, Wood-Fired Pizza & Tapas across multiple dates. Sometimes the best meals are the ones accompanied by great tunes and good company.
Adventures in Flavour
The festival kicks off in style on 13th September with A Fungi Forager’s Feast at River Cottage. Join the team as you hunt for wild mushrooms across their beautiful grounds before sitting down to a feast that celebrates these woodland treasures. It’s the kind of experience that connects you directly with the season and the landscape.
Apple lovers shouldn’t miss Courtney’s of Whimple’s ‘Big Pick’ on 20th and 21st September. This immersive weekend combines apple picking, pressing, live music, and community spirit among ancient apple trees – it’s pure Devon magic.
High Grange brings back their popular Fire School on 18th September, where you’ll spend a full day learning the art of fire-cooking in their stunning woodland kitchen. Get your hands dirty and enjoy the primal satisfaction of cooking over an open flame.
Craft Your Perfect Taste Experience
The festival isn’t just about food – the drinks selection is equally impressive. Bar Buoy offers an expertly curated Cocktail Tasting on 18th September, perfect for learning about flavour pairings and mixology techniques. Beer enthusiasts can go behind the scenes at Otter Brewery for a tour and dinner on 17th September, complete with tastings and stories from the brewing team.
Coffee lovers, your moment has arrived at The Coffee Factory with guided tastings on 15th and 16th September, where you’ll sample ethically sourced beans roasted right here in East Devon.
For something truly special, don’t miss the Lyme Bay Winery and Quicke’s Cheese pairing sessions running on multiple dates. It’s a celebration of two of Devon’s finest artisan products, and the combination is absolutely sublime.
Why This Festival Matters
What makes Taste East Devon special isn’t just the food and drink – it’s the story behind it. This festival celebrates the small-scale producers, family-run businesses, and passionate individuals who make East Devon such a special place for food lovers.
As Michael Dart, founder of Darts Farm and co-founder of the festival, puts it: “It’s a joy to come together and shine a spotlight on the incredible small-scale producers and family run businesses that we have right here in East Devon.”
Planning Your Festival Adventure
With events spanning nine days and dozens of experiences to choose from, you can easily craft a festival experience that suits your taste and schedule. Whether you want to dedicate a full weekend to food adventures or simply pop out for an afternoon tasting, there’s something for everyone.
The festival is perfectly positioned for Exeter residents – close enough for easy day trips, but far enough to feel like a proper adventure into Devon’s countryside. Many venues offer the chance to make a full day of it, combining tastings with beautiful walks, stunning views, and that wonderful sense of discovering something special.
Book Your Taste Adventure
Ready to explore? Head to www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk for the full programme and booking information. Follow @tasteeastdevon on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated with all the delicious details.
This September, step outside Exeter and discover why East Devon has become one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
The Taste East Devon Festival runs from 13th-21st September 2025, with events hosted across East Devon’s most beautiful venues and producers.
