Taste Great Wines & Spirits From Around The World

in 2022, we are planning to run a mix of in-person tastings at our new London venues and online tastings for those who prefer to take part from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The in-person tastings will be run in compliance with government restrictions in place at the time.  Currently, this means we can only accept bookings from those who can provide proof of triple vaccination or medical exemption.  Participants will be required to wear masks when moving around tasting venues.  Tasting rooms will be occupied to a maximum 2/3 of their capacity and will be kept well ventilated.  In-person events will start at 7.00 pm and last for about two hours.  Tickets will be priced at market rates.

The online tastings will be presented using Zoom.  To join in, you will need access to the internet via a tablet, laptop, or desk-top computer.  For each online tasting, we will suggest wines you might like to buy and taste while watching.  Online events will also start at 7.00 pm but last for about an hour and a quarter.   we shall continue to make a token charge of per household for online tastings.  We regret however, that to enable us to pay our tutors and stay in business we have had to increase this charge to £15 per household.

You will find descriptions of all tastings planned below. Against each decription you will see a small drop-down menu.  To book places  at an in-person tasting, select the number required from the drop-down menu.  to book a place for your household at an online tasting, just select “1”.  When you have selected all the tastings you wish to book for, enter your personal details in the form at the foot of the page and press “submit”.


  •

  • Jan 2022

    £15.00The History of Wine- Online • Thursday, 20th January, 19:00-20:15 in London

    Key moments in the history of wine from the Stone Age to the present day.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:  Just pour a glass or two of a favourite wine to enjoy with the webinar.

    £15.00Burns’ Night Celebration – Online • Tuesday, 25th January, 19:00-20:15 in London

    On or about 25th January every year, Scots around the world gather, with their friends, to celebrate the birthday of the national Bard, Robert Burns (1797 to 1797).  A supper is normally organised at which speeches are made, poems read, songs sung, and a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties eaten along with liberal quantities of wine and whisky.  The meal is sometimes followed by an eightsome reel or three.  The singing of Auld Lang Syne brings the gathering to a close. We will be creating a celebratory evening for you with the help of some fine video material (‘simultaneous translation’ will be provided, where necessary).

    Presenter:  Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Food and Drink Suggestions:  Putting a Burns Night supper together is easy.  You’ll find slices of haggis (meat and vegetarian versions and packs of mashed turnip and potato) in most supermarkets across the UK in the second half of January.  Some even stock Burns Night suppers as TV dinners!  A full-bodied red wine (Côtes-du-Rhône or similar) will match the rich, spicy flavours of the haggis well.  As for Whisky, a miniature of a highland Malt will do just fine.  Now, dinna fasch yersel! Don’t feel obliged to ‘go native’.  Feel free to join in with your own choice of things to eat and drink.

    Feb 2022

    £15.00Classic Grape – Tempranillo – Online • Tuesday, 1st February, 19:00-20:15 in London

    Spain grows 87% of the world’s Tempranillo.  It’s Spain’s most planted red grape variety.  The two major regions in which it is grown are Rioja, in north central Spain, and Ribera del Duero, which lies a little farther to the south.  Substantial quantities are also grown in Navarra, Penedés and Valdepeñas.  It’s grown in Portugal under the pseudonym of Tinta Roriz or Aragonez and is gaining favour in the New World.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – Rioja Reserva, Beronia, ‘16 (£14.99) and Ribera del Duero Reserva, Montecastro, ‘16 (£26.99).

    From The Wine Society – Rioja Reserva, Glorioso, ‘16 (£11.95) and Ribera del Duero Reserva, Bóhorquez, ‘11 (£21.50).

    £75.00Mature Bordeaux – In-Person Event • Thursday, 10th February, 19:00-21:00 in London

    Our first in-person tasting of the new year provides a rare opportunity to taste no less than 8 mature Bordeaux wines.

    We start the evening with Carbonnieux ‘08 from Pessac- Léognan, home of Bordeaux’s best dry whites, follow this with a run of six reds from Médoc (La Lagune ’08, Léoville Barton ’08, Cantemerle ’03, Cissac ’00, Labegorce-Zédé ’00 and Chasse-Spleen ’00 – before rounding off proceedings with Chateau d’Yquem ‘99.

    Whether you’re a seasoned Bordeaux drinker or a relative newcomer to the region’s wines, the evening’s line-up is stellar and not to be missed.

    Venue:  The Civil Service Club, 13/15 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ.

    Time:  7.00 to 9.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    £15.00Andalucia – Online • Tuesday, 15th February, 19:00-20:15 in London

    Forever associated with that quintessentially English habit of Sherry drinking, Andalucian wines are changing.  Within Sherry itself, recent changes to production rules reflect a dynamic region, keen to conserve the best of its past and protect its future by bringing unfortifed wines back into the fold while protecting the role of the Almacenista in maturing exceptional fine Sherry.

    Beyond the Sherry region, high up in the Sierras above Ronda and Cadiz, still wine production is flourishing now – who would have guessed that Andalucia could produce good Pinot Noir?

    We spend an evening in the company of wonderful wines and the cultural richness of the finest Moorish legacy in Europe.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – ‘On the QT’ – The Sherry Edition Barrel 5171A, Amontillado, Gonzalez Byass ‘10 (£19.99 – 50 cl.) and/or ‘On the QT – The Sherry Edition Barrel 71E63, Fino Anada, Gonzalez Byass, ‘10 (£19.99 – 50 cl.) and/or ‘Pastrana’, Manzanilla Pasada, Hidalgo (£12.99)

    From the Wine Society –

    Cayetano del Pino Palo Cortado Viejisimo 1-5 (£22.00 – half Bottle) and/or Hidalgo ‘Pastrana’, Manzanilla Pasada, Hidalgo (£12.50)

    £15.00Wines From Oregon – Online • Tuesday, 22nd February, 19:00-20:15 in London

    Over the last 50 years, the State of Oregon has built a high reputation for the quality of its Pinot Noir and that variety now accounts for around 60% of total plantings.  Perhaps surprisingly, Pinot Gris accounts for around 13% with a plethora of other varieties making up the balance.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    To follow.

    Mar 2022

    £55.00Mature Rioja – In-Person Event • Thursday, 3rd March, 19:00-21:00 in London

    We’ll start the evening with a glass of rather special Cava from Raventos and then taste a flight of no less than seven Gran Reservas from Conde de Valdemar.  Based just north of Logrono, all Conde de Valdemar’s vineyards lie in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabrica in the Alava or Basque area of Rioja – typically at around 500 metres of altitude.  Their wines have elegance and a formidable capacity to age beautifully.  The vintages will be ’98, ’96, ’93, ’92, ’89, ’86 and ’84.  Not to be missed!

    Venue:  The Civil Service Club, 13/15 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ.

    Time:  7.00 to 9.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    £15.00White Rhône – Online • Tuesday, 8th March, 19:00-20:15 in London

    Although around 90% of the wine produced in the Rhone Valley is red or rosé, there are some excellent whites as this tasting will demonstrate.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Vincent Blanc, Gabriel Meffre, ‘20 (£9.99) and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos Saint-Michel, ‘20 (£22.99).

    From The Wine Society – Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, Guigal, ‘20 (£10.95) and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Château Mont-Redon, ‘20 (£21.00).

    £65.00Everyday Bordeaux Tasting and Lunch – In-Person Event • Saturday, 12th March, 11:00-15:00 in London

    £800 for a bottle of Château Margaux 2005 – well yes, that is expensive!  But such high prices are only achieved by a handful of the region’s better-known properties. There are literally hundreds of other properties in Bordeaux producing good wine at much more modest prices. And it’s a region that’s very much in form currently.  Standards of viticulture and winemaking have never been higher.  We will taste a range of wines from some of our favourite smaller producers.  Bottle prices will be in the £10 to £20 price range and the contents will be ready to drink.

    A buffet lunch will be served.

    Venue:  Champagne Route Bar & Restaurant, 30 Gauging Square, London E1W 2AE

    Time:  11.00 am to 3.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.














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Jan 2022

  • The History of Wine- Online in London

    Thursday, 20th January

    £15.00

    Key moments in the history of wine from the Stone Age to the present day.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:  Just pour a glass or two of a favourite wine to enjoy with the webinar.

    Full details and booking >

  • Burns’ Night Celebration – Online in London

    Tuesday, 25th January

    £15.00

    On or about 25th January every year, Scots around the world gather, with their friends, to celebrate the birthday of the national Bard, Robert Burns (1797 to 1797).  A supper is normally organised at which speeches are made, poems read, songs sung, and a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties eaten along with liberal quantities of wine and whisky.  The meal is sometimes followed by an eightsome reel or three.  The singing of Auld Lang Syne brings the gathering to a close. We will be creating a celebratory evening for you with the help of some fine video material (‘simultaneous translation’ will be provided, where necessary).

    Presenter:  Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Food and Drink Suggestions:  Putting a Burns Night supper together is easy.  You’ll find slices of haggis (meat and vegetarian versions and packs of mashed turnip and potato) in most supermarkets across the UK in the second half of January.  Some even stock Burns Night suppers as TV dinners!  A full-bodied red wine (Côtes-du-Rhône or similar) will match the rich, spicy flavours of the haggis well.  As for Whisky, a miniature of a highland Malt will do just fine.  Now, dinna fasch yersel! Don’t feel obliged to ‘go native’.  Feel free to join in with your own choice of things to eat and drink.

    Full details and booking >

Feb 2022

  • Classic Grape – Tempranillo – Online in London

    Tuesday, 1st February

    £15.00

    Spain grows 87% of the world’s Tempranillo.  It’s Spain’s most planted red grape variety.  The two major regions in which it is grown are Rioja, in north central Spain, and Ribera del Duero, which lies a little farther to the south.  Substantial quantities are also grown in Navarra, Penedés and Valdepeñas.  It’s grown in Portugal under the pseudonym of Tinta Roriz or Aragonez and is gaining favour in the New World.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – Rioja Reserva, Beronia, ‘16 (£14.99) and Ribera del Duero Reserva, Montecastro, ‘16 (£26.99).

    From The Wine Society – Rioja Reserva, Glorioso, ‘16 (£11.95) and Ribera del Duero Reserva, Bóhorquez, ‘11 (£21.50).

    Full details and booking >

  • Mature Bordeaux – In-Person Event in London

    Thursday, 10th February

    £75.00

    Our first in-person tasting of the new year provides a rare opportunity to taste no less than 8 mature Bordeaux wines.

    We start the evening with Carbonnieux ‘08 from Pessac- Léognan, home of Bordeaux’s best dry whites, follow this with a run of six reds from Médoc (La Lagune ’08, Léoville Barton ’08, Cantemerle ’03, Cissac ’00, Labegorce-Zédé ’00 and Chasse-Spleen ’00 – before rounding off proceedings with Chateau d’Yquem ‘99.

    Whether you’re a seasoned Bordeaux drinker or a relative newcomer to the region’s wines, the evening’s line-up is stellar and not to be missed.

    Venue:  The Civil Service Club, 13/15 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ.

    Time:  7.00 to 9.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Full details and booking >

  • Andalucia – Online in London

    Tuesday, 15th February

    £15.00

    Forever associated with that quintessentially English habit of Sherry drinking, Andalucian wines are changing.  Within Sherry itself, recent changes to production rules reflect a dynamic region, keen to conserve the best of its past and protect its future by bringing unfortifed wines back into the fold while protecting the role of the Almacenista in maturing exceptional fine Sherry.

    Beyond the Sherry region, high up in the Sierras above Ronda and Cadiz, still wine production is flourishing now – who would have guessed that Andalucia could produce good Pinot Noir?

    We spend an evening in the company of wonderful wines and the cultural richness of the finest Moorish legacy in Europe.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – ‘On the QT’ – The Sherry Edition Barrel 5171A, Amontillado, Gonzalez Byass ‘10 (£19.99 – 50 cl.) and/or ‘On the QT – The Sherry Edition Barrel 71E63, Fino Anada, Gonzalez Byass, ‘10 (£19.99 – 50 cl.) and/or ‘Pastrana’, Manzanilla Pasada, Hidalgo (£12.99)

    From the Wine Society –

    Cayetano del Pino Palo Cortado Viejisimo 1-5 (£22.00 – half Bottle) and/or Hidalgo ‘Pastrana’, Manzanilla Pasada, Hidalgo (£12.50)

    Full details and booking >

  • Wines From Oregon – Online in London

    Tuesday, 22nd February

    £15.00

    Over the last 50 years, the State of Oregon has built a high reputation for the quality of its Pinot Noir and that variety now accounts for around 60% of total plantings.  Perhaps surprisingly, Pinot Gris accounts for around 13% with a plethora of other varieties making up the balance.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    To follow.

    Full details and booking >

Mar 2022

  • Mature Rioja – In-Person Event in London

    Thursday, 3rd March

    £55.00

    We’ll start the evening with a glass of rather special Cava from Raventos and then taste a flight of no less than seven Gran Reservas from Conde de Valdemar.  Based just north of Logrono, all Conde de Valdemar’s vineyards lie in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabrica in the Alava or Basque area of Rioja – typically at around 500 metres of altitude.  Their wines have elegance and a formidable capacity to age beautifully.  The vintages will be ’98, ’96, ’93, ’92, ’89, ’86 and ’84.  Not to be missed!

    Venue:  The Civil Service Club, 13/15 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HJ.

    Time:  7.00 to 9.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.

    Availability:  Good.

    Full details and booking >

  • White Rhône – Online in London

    Tuesday, 8th March

    £15.00

    Although around 90% of the wine produced in the Rhone Valley is red or rosé, there are some excellent whites as this tasting will demonstrate.

    Time:  7.00 to 8.15 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Wine Suggestions:

    From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Vincent Blanc, Gabriel Meffre, ‘20 (£9.99) and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos Saint-Michel, ‘20 (£22.99).

    From The Wine Society – Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, Guigal, ‘20 (£10.95) and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Château Mont-Redon, ‘20 (£21.00).

    Full details and booking >

  • Everyday Bordeaux Tasting and Lunch – In-Person Event in London

    Saturday, 12th March

    £65.00

    £800 for a bottle of Château Margaux 2005 – well yes, that is expensive!  But such high prices are only achieved by a handful of the region’s better-known properties. There are literally hundreds of other properties in Bordeaux producing good wine at much more modest prices. And it’s a region that’s very much in form currently.  Standards of viticulture and winemaking have never been higher.  We will taste a range of wines from some of our favourite smaller producers.  Bottle prices will be in the £10 to £20 price range and the contents will be ready to drink.

    A buffet lunch will be served.

    Venue:  Champagne Route Bar & Restaurant, 30 Gauging Square, London E1W 2AE

    Time:  11.00 am to 3.00 pm.

    Presenter:  Vivienne with Malcolm Franks.

    Availability:  Good.

    Full details and booking >