Saturday France vs New World Lunch at Madingley Hall

Enjoy a friendly and informal journey through Old World and New World wines, hosted in the historic surroundings of Madingley Hall and accompanied by a delicious 3-course lunch.

Part of the University of Cambridge, 16th-century Madingley Hall is set within eight acres of beautiful parkland. Queen Victoria once rented the house for her son, the future Edward VII, during his time studying at Cambridge.

Starting with Champagne, we'll taste wines from all around the world comparing them with wines made in France using the same grape. No previous tasting experience is needed. 

We will focus on grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and others. We'll try French versions against versions from Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, USA or South Africa.

For added fun we'll do some of the comparisons blind to see if I can teach you how to spot the difference through smell and taste alone. Don't worry, the pressure is on your tutor (not you). 

Over lunch we’ll also explore the principles of food and wine pairing, tasting several wines with the dishes to see if we prefer French or New World with food. 

After lunch, enjoy the spectacle of opening Champagne with a sabre, followed by a short tour of Madingley Hall and a glimpse into its history. The afternoon then continues with more comparisons, stories and insights, finishing at around 4pm.

All diets can be catered for at lunch. See an example menu here.

Madingley Hall is a 15-minute taxi ride from Cambridge rail station, and parking is available on site. Guests may also book an overnight stay in advance, with double rooms from £99 bed and breakfast for two.

Wines you are likely to taste
(precise wines may vary slightly)

• Start with Champagne 
• Compare with English Sparkling Wine 
• Sancerre
• New World Sauvignon Blanc
• Chablis with canapés (acidity and pairing)
• New World Chardonnay with canapés (body and pairing)
• Haut-Medoc with the main course (tannins and pairing)
• South African red blend with the main course (structure and pairing)
• Dessert with Banyuls or Monbazzillac (pairing principles for sweet dishes)
• Red Burgundy
• Pinot Noir from the New World
• Crozes-Hermitage
• Shiraz from the New World 

The experience offers a tutored tasting of 13 wines in total with clear, practical guidance on how to pair food and wine.

All our experiences can be purchased as a Gift, either as a dated or undated voucher.