Event Description
Enjoy a friendly and informal journey through the wonderful world of wine, 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 and learn about wines from all over the world (no previous experience needed).
From understanding Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay we'll learn why French wines are often spectacular with food as we try them with canapés.
We'll also explore wines from California, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Chile and Argentina learning the difference that climate makes as we go.
Throughout our lunch we’ll explore the principles of food and wine pairing, tasting several wines alongside the dishes to see how flavours, structure and balance change in the glass. It’s practical, insightful and great fun.
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 tasting, stories and insights, finishing at around 4pm.
All diets can be catered for at lunch. See an example menu here.
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 per couple bed and breakfast!
Wines you are likely to taste
(precise wines may vary slightly)
- Start with Champagne
- Sauvignon Blanc
- New World Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer
- Touraine with canapés (acidity and pairing)
- Chablis with canapés (body and pairing)
- Saint Emilion with the main course (tannins and pairing)
- Red Burgundy with the main course (structure and pairing)
- Dessert with Sauternes (pairing principles for sweet dishes)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir from the New World
- Rioja Reserva
- Barossa Shiraz
The experience offers a tutored tasting of 13 wines in total with clear, practical guidance on how to pair food and wine.
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