Tastings & Events
My tastings are fully adapatable to your group, theme and budget. Some example tastings are given below, but I can provide detailed guidance on any theme. To discuss some options, please contact me.
Brunello to Barolo:
Fine Wines of Italy
An in-depth look at the renaissance of Italian fine wine since the 1970s, focussing on Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany and Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont. I can also feature some of the new regions hoping to join their ranks.
Civilization:
The History of Wine
Wine is deeply intertwined with history, culture, politics and society. This tasting looks at its early origins at the Black Sea before travelling west to discover how wine evolved from an accidental fermentation, to the divine drink of the gods, to the drink we have in our glasses today.
Speed Tasting:
A Warm Up Event
A short, fast-paced tasting that is the ideal warm up before an evening event, encouring networking, discussion and team-building. Wines are pre-poured and discussed or rated as a group, and a blind tasting element can be included for more adventurous groups.
Crash Course:
Classic French Wines
No country has done more for wine than France. It is the model that, until very recently, the whole world followed. Crash Course tastings look at the foundational French wines, what they taste like, and why, in a brief but educational tasting focussing on established classics.
Skin Contact & Orange Wines
While these might seem to be the preserve of trendy Hoxton wine bars, in fact skin-contact and orange wines have eight millenia of history. This tasting explores this re-emerging style and how different techniques, philosophies and grapes affect the wine in your glass.
Cape Crusaders:
New Wave South Africa
South Africa might just be the most dynamic and fast-moving wine country in the world. An energetic bunch of young winemakers have emerged alongside the traditional wineries of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. This tasting looks at diversity and individuality in modern Cape wines.