A popular independent hospitality campaign returned to the Welsh capital this morning, following an 18-month break.
The Cardiff Wine Passport gives passport holders seven weeks to explore the city’s independent bar and restaurant scene, exchanging six passport stamps for six specially selected drinks at venues across Cardiff city centre.
More than 400 Cardiff Wine Passports have been snapped up within hours of going on sale – over 50% of the available allocation for 2026.
Created by local hospitality PR consultant Jane Cook, the initiative is designed to encourage people to discover new independent venues and spend more time and money with the businesses that give Cardiff its distinctive food and drink culture.
Since first launching in 2022, the Cardiff Wine Passport has generated over £80,000 in direct revenue for participating independent bars and restaurants, with its wider economic impact believed to be considerably higher as customers also order food and additional drinks.
The rapid response to the 2026 edition follows months of mounting economic pressure across the hospitality sector and suggests a strong appetite remains among Cardiff customers to support independent businesses – particularly when doing so feels fun, affordable and social.
Jane Cook, founder of the Cardiff Wine Passport, said: “We knew people were excited to see the Passport return after 18 months away, but the response today has been great. People can’t actually start using the passports until 6th August, so this early demand shows just how much affection there is for Cardiff’s independent hospitality scene – and how ready people are for an excuse to get out, try somewhere new and have a brilliant time in the city.
“Half of this year’s passports have already gone, and previous editions have sold out – it looks like this one is heading the same way.”
Each Passport entitles its holder to six drinks from their own choice of participating venues, allowing people to create their own route through the city and/or use the experience across several dates.
The 2026 Cardiff Wine Passport includes 13 independent venues, including three businesses appearing in the scheme for the first time; Parallel, Bar 44, Asador 44, Bacareto, Lab 22, Nighthawks, Daffodil, The Dead Canary, Curado, Vermut, Khione, Kindred andLowKey.
