Event Description
Join us for a friendly and informal day of tasting and learning about wine with a Christmas theme at Madingley Hall. Part of the University of Cambridge, the 16th century hall is set in 8 acres of beautiful parkland.
As a point of interesting history, the hall was rented by Queen Victoria for her son Edward Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) to reside while he studied at Cambridge. And we'll be tasting wine in the King's Room!
Starting with Champagne we'll taste and learn about wines from all over the world (no previous experience needed). And we'll be looking at which wines pair best with Christmas dinner and seasonal snacks (and why).
Halfway through the day, we will take a break from the hard work of tasting wine to enjoy a delicious two-course lunch and offer a mini tour of the grounds to appreciate the history. All dietary preferences are catered for at lunch.
Watch and learn how to open a bottle of Champagne using a sword!
Madingley Hall is just a 15-minute taxi ride from Cambridge rail station or you can park in the grounds. You can also book in advance to stay overnight in double rooms from £99 bed and breakfast.
Course outline
- Start with Champagne
- Introduction to the world's major wine regions
- New World Wines (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, California)
- Old World Classics (France, Italy, & Spain)
- Major Red Grape Varieties – Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo & others. Which is the best red for the Christmas dinner table?
- Major White Grape Varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, & others. Which is the best white for the Christmas dinner table?
- How wine is made - grapes, fermentation and ageing
- Improve your tasting and senses
- How to taste wine like a professional – aroma, flavours, describing wines
- Recognising elements of wine - tannin, acidity, body, oak
- The effect of climate on the taste of wine
- Which wines to buy, where to obtain the best value for money, storing & serving wine, understanding wine labels
- Tutored Tasting of 13 wines
- Christmas Food & Wine matching tips & advice
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