Evuna, Manchester’s Spanish-focussed Wine Bar/Restaurant/Wine Club will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day (17 March 2010) with an organic wine tasting.

Why Organic ?
Organic wines are made from grapes which are cultivated without recourse to synthetic fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers.
We believe that to produce quality wine you need quality grapes, and organic grapes do not have dependencies on chemicals, therefore they often have a head start.

This will be an opportunity to sample wines from the new list.

Tickets are £25 a head and include tapas
Evuna – 277-279 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EW
T: 0161 819 2752 E: enquiries@evuna.com

Fareham Wine Cellar is holding a tasting of en-Primeur Burgundies from Louis Jadot on 20 March 2010

…we are holding a tasting of all of the Louis Jadot 2008 Burgundies we are buying en primeur. There are four (possibly five)  red and three white wines and they will all be available to purchase either by the bottle or case for delivery later in 2010.

The tasting is the of usual informal style at our shop.

Acording to Jadot “The whites are pure and precise with a great character; The reds are dense and full, they should age very well.”

Time: 2pm to 5pm
Fareham Wine Cellar, 55 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BG

E: Dominic@FarehamWineCellar.co.uk

For many people the matching of food and wine can be an anxiety, these Food & Wine matching workshops help you make the best combinations effortlessly. The workshop starts with an explanation of the principles behind food and wine combinations; which work and which don’t. Then the practical work begins, tasting examples of various food components – acidity, protein, spice, smokiness and sweetness – and finding out how, in practice, they react and interact with various wines.

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the august body which awards the main qualifications for the wine business in the UK – but they also run courses and events for everyone interested in wine.
On 6 April 2010 the Trust is running a wine and food matching course in London.The venue is London Wine & Spirit School, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF.

For more info see www.wsetglobal.com

Many people are keen to learn more about the wine they are drinking – and choosing. Of course the best way is often to be a little disciplined about keeping track of what you like or don’t enjoy about an individual wine – building up a memory bank which helps you to understand your preferences and to identify grapes, styles, regions etc that you like. There are no right answers (unless you are looking to invest rather than imbibe) – everyone has their own likes and dislikes – and of course the price of the bottle does not always indicate quality! Fortunately the answer is usually just to keep on experimenting – try different wines – in the UK we probably have the widest choice of wines in the World – and don’t be swayed by wine snobs who would sneer at anything less than top notch (and top price) Bordeaux or Burgundy.

Of course there are many wine courses on offer – from the academic (e.g. the Wine and Spirit Trust’s qualifications) to glorified marketing opportunities for particular wines or merchants. Tutored tastings can be great, especially if hosted by the winemaker or a wine buyer who knows the producer well).

Another approach is an evening at the Roberson Wine School – part of the respected west London wine merchant.

This single evening course aims to give those with little or no knowledge of wine a good grounding in the basics. It is ideal for anybody who is interested in wine and would like to learn more about it, or for those who would like to improve their basic knowledge before coming to our regular Thursday night tastings. Our aim is to inform without pretension or talking down in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere with some great wine.
The evening is built around a tasting of eight different wines

The course runs on 22 April 2010 and costs £50.
Roberson Wine, 348 Kensington High St, London W14 8NS

T: 020 7371 2121
enquiries@roberson.co.uk

Reputable independent wine merchant Yapp Brothers hold their Spring Bin End sale on Saturday 27 March 2010.

Based in Mere in Wiltshire they are especially strong in the Loire and Rhone but many other regions and countries on offer – often from lesser-known vineyards – you can be guaranteed to find something interesting here.

Yapp Brothers, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DY

T: 01747 860423  E: sales@yapp.co.uk

Leeds-based Italian specialists and enthusiasts Italyabroad.com is hosting a wine and food tasting in Harrogate on 23 February 2010.

Join us for an evening of fantastic wines made by small Italian producers and delicious food at Luigis, Harrogate. The theme of the evening is Latium, the native region of Luigi, and will celebrate a region full of fantastic food and wine. Each wine will be introduced by a talking about its origin and characteristics and how to taste and what to look for when drinking wines in general.

The meal is accompanied by wines such as an Organic Frascati Superiore, a Lazio Rosato and a Passito Organic Tre Grome.

Italyabroad.com is the place to look for some really interesting Italian wines from small producers – plus they have a range of authentic Italian gourmet items such as Olive Oil, coffee, pasta, balsamic vinegar, food and wine hampers etc

Italyabroad.com, Oak Mill, Topcliffe Lane, Morley, Leeds LS27 0HL
t:  08452 69 4324
e: info@italyabroad.com

If you really want to extend your knowledge and appreciation of whisky, then Whisky Live 2010 is the place to head for on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 February 2010. Being held at South West London’s Hurlingham Club

Whether you are a whisky enthusiast, newcomer to the world of the dram, or just want a day out at one of the most entertaining events of the year, Whisky Live has something to offer everyone. For its 10 year anniversary Whisky Live London returns to the Hurlingham Club in west London.

Bordering the Thames in Fulham, and set in 42 acres of magnificent grounds, the Hurlingham Club is a gem of international renown. The striking Georgian Clubhouse mixes timeless elegance with up to date facilities and services, and its easy access to tube and train make it the perfect setting for a celebration of the very best whiskies of the world.

In addition to an impressive programme of masterclasses, entry provides access to some of the top names in the world of whisky exhibiting in London – your ticket provides 4-8 sample vouchers to select your choice of tipple from stands featuring individual distillers, big brands and allied products from Scotland, Ireland(Whiskey), USA (Bourbon), Japan – many famous names and others less well-known. Not sure if there will be any Tasmanian whiskies on offer?

The opportunities to taste and compare Whiskies are few and far between – and inevitably rather expensive – but this should provide an ideal way to seek out something interesting!!

For more info see www.whiskylive.com

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the body which awards the main qualifications for the wine business in the UK – but they also run courses and events for everyone interested in wine.
On 24 February 2010 the Trust is running a wine and food matching course in London.

For many people the matching of food and wine can be an anxiety, these Food & Wine matching workshops help you make the best combinations effortlessly. The workshop starts with an explanation of the principles behind food and wine combinations; which work and which don’t. Then the practical work begins, tasting examples of various food components – acidity, protein, spice, smokiness and sweetness – and finding out how, in practice, they react and interact with various wines.

The venue is London Wine & Spirit School, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF.

For more info see www.wsetglobal.com

Nick Dobson Wines is sponsoring a “Meet the Winemaker Dinner” on Tuesday 9 February 2010 at Café Strudel in Richmond, West London,
The evening includes a “fabulous gourmet meal” designed specially by Chef Yacine Benghazal (ex Marco-Pierre White) to accompany 7 different wines from the highly reputed Weingut Günter Triebaumer from Rust on the shores of ther Neusiedlersee, in Burgenland, Austria. Günter Triebaumer himself will be present and will introduce and explain each of his wines.

Nick Dobson specialises in Austrian wines (amongst others) . Rust is one of Austria’s many wine regions – specifically the  Neusiedlersee-Hügelland wine area in the Burgenland – which as its name suggests is a region of lakes (Lake Neusiedel) and hills/mountains (Hugel)

Today, just as it was hundreds of years ago, wine serves as the foundation of existence for many families in Rust.  In this sense they utilize what nature offers. The specific micro-climate of Lake Neusiedl, the various soil structures and the different altitudes of the vineyards provide a winegrowing environment with optimal conditions for the cultivation of white as well as red grape varieties.

These natural prerequisites, together with the know-how of the vintners, are the basis upon which the reputation of Rust stands.  Here, one can experience that which can hardly be found elsewhere: the splendour of noble wines.

Amongst the wines to accompany the sumptuous menu will be a Muscato,a Traminer Spätlese,  a Sauvignon Blanc, 2 x Blaufränkisch, a rosé and a dessert Ruster Ausbruch (Welschriesling).

So, good food and a chance to try some matching Austrian Wines! ( Tickets£70 pp)

For more info see www.nickdobsonwines.co.uk

Bennets Fine Wines of Chipping Campden, which has recently acquired Edward Sheldon of Shipston-on-Stour, holds its first tutored (but informal) wine tasting of 2010 on 4 February with Australian John Durham, senior winemaker at Plantagenet Vineyards in the Great Southern wine region of Western Australia:

These fine wines reflect the cool temperate climate, ancient soils, and clean relaxed atmosphere that Plantagenet Wines has the great fortune to enjoy.
The whites are outstanding, with the Riesling standing out as one of the best value wines in the country and the Great Southern Chardonnay has a lovely balance of fruit and oak, and a degree of complexity that is surprising in a wine at this price. The Shiraz and Cabernet are consistently rated among the top 20 in Australia and the Shiraz has won a string of awards in the past few years. Most recently, the 2005 vintage won a Gold in the 2008 Decanter World Wine  Awards

Not a region I am familiar with, the official Australian Wine website says:

Australia’s largest State spans the western third of the continent, although the winemaking regions are almost entirely concentrated in the south-western portion of the State. These regions include the Swan District near the State capital Perth and, further south, the regions of Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Pemberton, Manjimup, Great Southern and Margaret River.

Two decades ago, Margaret River was better known for the classic surf break lying not far from the junction of river and sea but entrepreneurs have driven the development of vineyards and wineries that have overcome the State’s geographic isolation and carved their mark not just within Australia but around the world. This region has become known for zesty Sauvignon Blancs, superlative Cabernet Sauvignons and bold Zinfandel.

The venue is the premises of Edward Sheldon at Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire.

The cost for the tasting and canapés is just £15 per person. Please make all bookings through the Edward Sheldon shop on 01608 661409 or e mail Linda Holcombe or Nikki Jarret
Bennetts Fine Wines Ltd, High Street, Chipping Campden GL55 6AG
t: 01608 661409
and New Street, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4EN
t:01386 840392

If you are in or near West London and you want to taste some great Burgundies then Robersons is the place to head for – they are holding a Burgundy En-Primeur tasting on 4 February 2010 – tickets cost £20

The beginning of the year means Burgundy En Primeur and in the past 12 months the Roberson team have worked very heard to uncover more ‘under-the-radar’ producers and eek out small allocations from some of the most respected names in Burgundy.

“En Primeur” has been predominantly associated with Bordeaux wines, and involves buying wine whilst still maturing in the barrel or cask. Whilst you can secure some real bargains (and spread the costs) customers need to either know a bit about how wine develops – or have a reliable and knowledgeable wine merchant to advise. Robersons certainly fall into that category – but nevertheless the purchaser takes the risk on how the wine will mature and the state of the market when it is bottled – a complicated gamble or calculation? However, if you are buying wine to drink rather than to speculate on, then you do get the joy of tracking how the wine improves with age (hopefully). Plus you pay for the wine at today’s price and pay later for the duty, VAT and any cellarage.

Also you might still be able to pick up some bargains at Roberson’ s Bin End Sale

Roberson Wine, 348 Kensington High St, London  W14 8NS

T: 020 7371 2121
enquiries@roberson.co.uk

Brighton’s Butlers Wine Cellar is planning ahead beyond Christmas for some interesting wine tastings in early 2010.
On 10 February 2010 they are looking at Cabernet/Merlot Blends (These two red varieties are often blended together, why is that and why does it work so well? Come and find out through examples form around the world.)
On 5 March 2010 the subject is Top South African wines (We will enjoy a mix selection of award winning South African wines, whites, reds and sweet. Including producers such as Ernie Els, Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russell.)
On 24 March 2010 its Affordable Sparklers (Cava, Prosecco, Cremants, they’ll all be in there. A range of good value drinking fizz from around the world.)

If you cannot wait until 2010 they have a number of Special Box offers in the run up to Christmas.

Butlers Wine Cellars, 247 Queen’s Park Road, Brighton, BN2 9XJ

T: 01273 698 724 E:henry@butlers-winecellar.co.uk

Independent Wine Merchant Vinology has teamed up with top Cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield to offer their annual Christmas Tasting in Stratford (Warwickshire) on Friday 4 December 2009 between 5pm and 9pm!

Our annual Christmas tasting! Once again this will be taking place at St. Gregory’s Hall at the end of the street on the junction of Windsor Street and Henley Street. We will be showcasing a range of over 30 wines with an enticing range of new whiskies, all of which will be able to purchase or order on the night at very competitive prices. We will be joined be many of our suppliers with indepth knowledge on all of the wines and whiskies on offer. This will run between 5pm and 9pm with no booking required, everyone is welcome, just turn up anytime between 5pm and 9pm to taste through as an little or as much as you like at your own pace. We hope you’ll be able to make it and we very much look forward to seeing you there.

Entry costs £5.00 refunded against all orders placed. No booking necessary.
Vinology’s wine list looks interesting with well-chosen and interesting wines from both New and Old World. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff and a really impressive selection of single malts in different strengths and vintages. Only downside is that there is no online ordering!

Vinology 49 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QW

T: 01789 264 586   E:info@vinology.co.uk

Fareham Wine Cellar is offering 2 Christmas Tastings for 2009 – on 12 December with Catherine Hill of Stratford’s Wines Agencies (Australia and France) and on 19 December 2009 with James Wilson of Hatch Mansfield (Champagne, France, South Africa, Chile, Spain and Australia)

These are the usual informal tastings at our shop. There is no need to pre-book, just turn up on the day. Some of the wines will be on special offer on the day of the tasting.

Telephone 01329 822733, or email info@farehamwinecellar.co.uk
Fareham Wine Cellar 55 High Street, Fareham Hampshire, PO16 7BG

OK, so I am biased, but I am a great fan of California’s Ridge Winery – and London independent merchant Robersons have got Ridge’ chief winemaker, Paul Draper, to host a tasting in Lonon on 26 November 2009 (7pm). As a huge enthusiast for Californian ZInfandels this is one tasting I would get to if I could.

Ridge Vineyards is one of the world’s most legendary wine producers and their chief winemaker Paul Draper continues to be an inspiration, 40 years since he took the reigns at California’s most respected estate. The team at Roberson Wine are honoured and excited to be welcoming Paul to our cellars for a tasting of Ridge wines, including a mini-vertical of the iconic ‘Monte Bello’.

Established in 1885, the estate released its first wine under the Ridge label in 1892 and over 100 years later they are still held in the highest esteem by writers, drinkers and merchants alike.

If you are interested in tasting some of the wine world’s best reds (and whites) in the company of one of its greatest figures, then you should get there – tickets are £60 and limited in number – amongst the wines on taste will be Ridge’s Santa Cruz  Chardonnay and Cabernet/Merlot, Lytton Spring and Geyserville Zinfandels.

Book tickets online or call 020 7371 2121 if you need more information.

Robersons, 348 Kensington High Street, London W14 8NS
T: 020 7371 2121 E:enquiries@roberson.co.uk