Lectures, Talks and Tastings

The purpose of these tastings is to enlighten consumers about varieties and wine producing countries, without being too academic. They are intended to inform about and introduce attendees to aspects and wines that they may not be familiar with.  All tastings are accompanied by a slide show detailing the grapes being discussed and the landscapes and personalities behind the wines being tasted.

I consider wine to be an essential component to a contented life.

Wine has been part of our global society for over 7,000 years, and the story tells of its origin and appearance in all societies across the Mediterranean and through Europe. There is rich evidence of the role wine has played in these societies and how it became an important component of faith, well-being and festivity.

People wonder about the relationship between art and wine. To answer that my lecture shows slides (40 or so) that include Kwevris of Georgia in 5,000 B.C, tomb drawings from ancient Egypt, wine ware from Greece, extracts from Cato’s de Agri Cultura (possibly the oldest original Latin prose in existence), the Thermopolia of Pompeii, a spectacular mediaeval building in France, paintings and cartoons and so on, all of which are relevant to how wine has become commonplace.

David Wright is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society on the subject ‘A Brief History of Wine’

This tasting takes a look at a specific variety or varieties and examines their origin, taste and character from different regions. For example Sauvignon Blanc. How does it express itself in the Loire, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Or it could be Syrah v Malbec - France, Argentina and Australia. The objective is to show how versatile a variety might be grown in different regions.

This tasting looks specifically at similar priced wines from different sides of the globe. For example Chardonnay, Chablis v Mornington Peninsula in Australia or Syrah in the Rhone v Shiraz in the Barossa Valley. These tastings are informative without being academic. Ultimately the aim is for tasters to learn the principal differences of origin that a variety might display.

This tasting looks at a country such as Germany and demonstrates the range and style that comes from a country that might be perceived as one dimensional or Portugal that makes wine from seldom seen or tasted varieties. It is usually described as ‘eye opening’ or more appropriately palate opening!

Our aim is to find exciting and original wines that are less easily found and to entertain and educate those willing to explore this vast and somewhat overwhelming subject. We certainly hope that if you buy wine from us you will be well rewarded and discover some gems that you may not have come across before and they will give you the same pleasure we have had discovering them.