january – march 2017 · world’s greatest wines these prestigious events feature at least eight...

thewinesociety.com/tastingsthewinesociety.com/tastings

JANUARY – MARCH 2017

BOOKING INFORMATION

FOR ALL EVENTSTo purchase tickets please telephone us on 01438 741177 or visit thewinesociety.com/tastings

Within The Society’s Tastings & Events programme there is a range of wine-tasting opportunities where together we can discover more about the fascinating world of wine. To find out more and to hear why members enjoy our events, view two videos at thewinesociety.com/ tastings-videos

Tickets where issued are usually despatched with your invoice.

Late cancellation for all tastings

We reserve the right to cancel or postpone

which case any purchase will be refunded.

an event, refunds will only be given if we are

or at least seven days before our other events. Refunds will only be given after this

Dress code: unless stated otherwise, all events are ‘smart casual’. We politely request that no aftershave or scent should be worn.

We offer a 10% discount on the standard price of wines tasted to all members attending who place an order before 8pm the following evening. In some exceptional circumstances (where wines are either in low

offer this discount. Should this be the case, members will be made aware at the tasting.

GUIDE TO TASTINGS An overview of each tasting and event

Pages 3 – 6

INFORMAL, WALK-AROUND TASTINGSRelaxed, fun and very enjoyable

Lively, informal events offering the chance to taste at least 20 wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

Page 7 – 8

SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGSFlagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines

These prestigious events feature at least eight wines, often presented by the owner or producer.

Page 9

WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTSFine food and fine wine

The Society hosts a variety of wine dinners across the country at some great venues.

THE SOCIETY IN STEVENAGETaste wine and food at The Wine Society’s headquarters

Our lunches are very popular, with an aperitif, a tour of the cellars and a four-course seated lunch. We also offer

Members’ Room.

BUY A TICKETBuy a ticket for a wine-loving friend to any event featured in this leaflet.

All new members receive a £20 credit on their account.

For the most up-to-date information about our events, including the wines that will be tasted on the day and the names of the growers joining us, please visit the Tastings & Events homepage at thewinesociety.com/tastings

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INFORMAL, WALK-AROUND TASTINGS Relaxed, fun and very enjoyable

STOP THE PRESS – A REVIEW OF 2016January is a time not only to look forward to the year ahead but also to reflect on the previous vintage.

with many success stories both for our wines and for the company as a whole. We were delighted to be named Wine Merchant of the Year and Online Retailer of the Year by the International Wine Challenge, whilst many of our wines have been awarded trophies and medals by both the IWC and Decanter World Wine Awards. On top of these annual awards, we are always delighted to see our wines reviewed favourably by wine experts in the press, as this often gives members the confidence to try something new or different.

As a member-owned mutual, by far our most important measure of success is Society members’ satisfaction. With this in mind we are touring the country with a selection of vinous treats, including medal winners and wines lauded by the press, spanning Australia to Alsace with many more in between. We hope you can join us for this vinous review of the year!

CHELTENHAM

The Pittville Pump Room

Monday 23rd JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170123

SALISBURY

The Banqueting HallThe Guildhall

Tuesday 24th JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170124

NEWCASTLE

The Victoria RoomRoyal Station HotelNeville Street

Monday 6th FebruaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170206

HARROGATE

The Sun PavilionCornwall Road

Tuesday 7th FebruaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170207

3thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177

As the world’s oldest wine club, The Wine Society’s mission has not changed since 1874 – to buy quality wine direct from growers and to offer it to members at fair prices. It has a wonderful list of wines, lovingly curated by one of the best teams of wine buyers in the UK.

– International Wine Challenge


To view videos thewinesociety.com/tastings-videos4

CAROLINE FREY: JABOULET AND LA LAGUNEFamily businesses don’t really come much better than the Freys, who own both Château La Lagune in Bordeaux and Paul Jaboulet Aîné in the Rhône. We are delighted to be joined by winemaker Caroline Frey for this special walk-around tasting celebrating the wines of both estates, including Jaboulet’s Hermitage La Chapelle and Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, as well as vintages of La Lagune.

having graduated top of her class at Bordeaux University, where she was taught by the renowned professor Denis Dubourdieu. During her tenure she has overseen the rebuilding of the winery and has also gone

one of the most important wine-growing regions in the world, with a portfolio headed by the iconic La Chapelle, one of the world’s greatest reds, and which we will taste on the

hailed as ‘exceptional’ and one of the best in professional memory, which many are

An evening full of delights, we’re sure you will agree.

LONDON

Merchant Taylors’ Hall30 Threadneedle Street


ref TG170220

EDINBURGH

The Music HallThe Assembly RoomsGeorge StreetEH2 2LR

Tuesday 21st FebruaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170221

Top: Caroline Frey, Jaboulet

Bottom: Château La Lagune



HARPENDEN

Public HallsSouthdown Road


ref TG170227

READING

The Victoria HallThe Town HallBlagrave Street

Tuesday 28th FebruaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170228

LANCASTER

The Banqueting SuiteThe Town HallDalton Square

Monday 20th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170320

CHESTER

The Assembly RoomTown HallNorthgate Street

Tuesday 21st March From: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170321

THE AMERICAN DREAM – NORTH AND SOUTHJoin us for a virtual voyage across the pond to discover the wines of North and South America, taking in the diverse delights of the USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

of Oregon and Washington, all of which are producing pinot noir and chardonnay to give Burgundy a run for its money. Then it’s over to the Golden State to try some rich sumptuous zinfandels and classy cabernet from California.

In South America, site selection is all

vineyard sites. In Chile, cool-climate varieties sauvignon blanc and pinot noir are proving successful in the Leyda Valley, whilst syrah and cabernet sauvignon do well in warmer

but chardonnay grown high above sea level is elegant and refined, and the local torrontés grape provides fascinating floral wines perfect for any occasion.

Our whistle-stop tour ends in Uruguay, where

distinctive flavours of the tannat grape and are producing fine, well-balanced wines with plenty of character. We hope you will join us

to explore these many and varied delights.

Top: Vineyards of Viña Koyle in Chile

Left: Napa Valley



IBERIAN ADVENTURES – THE WINES OF SPAIN AND PORTUGALWhen it comes to winemaking, Spain and Portugal have been undergoing a quiet revolution over the last 20 years. Join us as we embark upon an Iberian adventure, exploring its wealth of wine styles and grape varieties in relaxed, informal surroundings.

Both Spain and Portugal are blessed with a plethora of indigenous grape varieties (Spain

characteristics, a host of dynamic, talented

more and more delicious wines for us to enjoy.

This new breed of full-bodied, fruity reds and moreish, mineral whites are more than able to compete on the world stage, and their inimitable flavours have become Iberia’s vinous trump card. In Galicia and Vinho Verde, albariño

grapes are producing whites with lively peachy flavours and flinty character. Further inland, Portugal’s Douro and Dão regions and Spain’s Priorat, Ribera del Duero and Rioja produce rich, full-bodied reds from indigenous varieties such as touriga nacional and tempranillo.

Lauded by the press and garlanded with medals, these wines are deservedly flavour of the month right now. We hope you can join us to taste what the fuss is about!

LEWES

The Assembly RoomLewes Town HallThe High StreetEast SussexBN7 2DE


ref TG170306

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The Royal SuiteThe Spa HotelMount Ephraim

Tuesday 7th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170307

Vineyards in the Douro Valley, Portugal

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SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGS Flagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines


THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BURGUNDY: A GROWERS’ TASTINGMore than perhaps any other region, the wines of Burgundy impress with the harmony, intensity, beauty and persistence of their aromas and flavours. From the cool, northerly vineyards of Chablis to the southernmost tip of the region in Mâcon, the terroir of each commune plays a pivotal role in the style and overall quality of the wine.

The influence of the grower in Burgundy is huge, frequently producing a characterful wine with a distinct personality that often reflects that particular producer’s philosophy. Society buyer Toby Morrhall suggests you get

Society – offers the chance to do just that! As well as the wines themselves, many of the domaines representatives will be on hand to

vineyards and wines.

This is a must-attend for Burgundy lovers, and

LONDON

Merchant Taylors’ Hall30 Threadneedle Street

Monday 13th March

ref TG170313

LIVERPOOL

The Concert RoomLiverpool Metropolitan CathedralBrownlow Hill

Tuesday 14th March

ref TG170314

The village of Pommard south of Beaune

SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGS Flagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines


NEW MEMBERS’ TASTINGAttention all who have recently joined The Wine Society – this tasting needs you!

We firmly believe that wine tastings should be fun, inclusive and sociable. Perhaps understandably, however, we do receive

put off attending one, fearing they may feel out of their depth or, worse still, that it will be full of stuffy wine bores.

This tasting aims to banish these myths whilst offering newcomers to The Society an informative and delicious introduction to our

including classic grape varieties and a few far-flung surprises too, and learn how to taste and assess them in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

differences between wines from different countries, how to match wines with food and more will also be held, alongside a series of mini quizzes and the chance to put your palate to the test. In sum, this promises to be a lot of fun and we hope to see you there!

LONDON

The Ashes SuiteThe Kia OvalKennington


ref TG170327

NOTTINGHAM

Osbourne SuiteThe Albert HallNorth Circus StreetOff Derby Road

Tuesday 28th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

ref TG170328

WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTS FINE FOOD AND FINE WINE

thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177

VENUES AND MENUSWhen the Tastings Team made a plea to members to write in with suggestions of restaurants or venues local to them that they felt would work for a Society function, we received an overwhelming response, leading to our now-popular series of ‘Venues and Menus’ events.

Anne hotel and restaurant. Its credentials are impressive, having featured in The Good Food Guide for the past 36 years and previously winning the title of County Restaurant of the Year.

With a four-course menu based around top-quality seasonal produce, Corse Lawn will create a menu for us which will celebrate the best of British ingredients. Accompanying the dinner will be a range of wines specially selected to partner the food including an

in Stevenage.

TEWKESBURY

Corse Lawn House Hotel Corse Lawn Gloucester

Thursday 16th February

ref TG170216

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pm

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Corse Lawn House Hotel

THE SOCIETY IN STEVENAGE Taste wine and food at The Wine Society’s headquarters


LUNCH AT THE WINE SOCIETYA warm welcome and a cool glass of fizz will await you in The Cellar Showroom, where we will learn a little about the 143-year history of The Wine Society. A walking tour of the cellars follows, including a chance to look inside our most recently constructed eco-friendly fourth warehouse, which alone holds more than two million bottles of wine.

After the tour, a seated four-course lunch

accompanied by a tasting of five wines, including a fine and rare example from

through to the early afternoon. At the end of lunch a member of The Society’s Tasting

favourite wine of the day.

In a nutshell, far more than your average lunch.

STEVENAGE

The Wine SocietyGunnels Wood Road

Thursday 12th January

ref TG170112

Thursday 2nd February

ref TG170202

Thursday 16th March

ref TG170316

Menu

Stilton and walnut tart served on rocket leaves

with a balsamic glaze

Starter

Roast pork belly infused with star anise

served with braised red cabbage, celeriac, green beans and a cider jus

Main Course

Cheddarwith crackers and seasonal fruits

Cheese

Poached pearswith port and Mascarpone cream

Dessert

Menu from a recent Lunch at The Society



SPANISH WORKSHOPSpain is easily one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in the world today. A thrilling mixture of tradition and innovation can now be found throughout its diverse regions, with long-established producers making their best wines ever and dynamic new names rising swiftly to the top.

Throughout the course of this informal

with a host of delicious wines, made from characterful indigenous grape varieties. Cool-climate whites from Catalunya and Galicia, richly flavoured reds from Rioja, Navarra and Ribera del Duero and glorious complex sherry will all be poured, as we learn about

them so special.

This is a must-attend for fans of Spanish wine

delights that little bit further. We hope to see you there.

STEVENAGE


Saturday 14th January

ref TG170114

Top: Vines surround the Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet in Catalunya

Bottom: Rioja is the most famous region in Spain



ALSACE DINNERHome to fairytale villages, immaculate rolling vineyards and the forested Vosges mountains, Alsace is justifiably a favourite region of France for the thousands of tourists who visit every year. But it is not just the picture-postcard scenery that draws people to the region: the intense and distinctive wines and world-renowned cuisine keeps those in the know coming back for more.

The sheer variety of styles and flavours

diverse wine regions, in spite of the vast majority of production being white wine.

the flavours of spicy food, the wines of Alsace are also a delicious match for much of the traditional cuisine of the region.

To demonstrate, this celebration of the epicurean delights of Alsace will see us enjoy a four-course menu created to showcase a range of fine wines, including those from top producers Trimbach, Hugel and Beyer. This promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable night of fine wine and fine food, and we hope you can join us.

STEVENAGE


Thursday 19th January

ref TG170119


Andlau in the autumn, Alsace, France



A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WINE TASTINGJoin us in our Members’ Room for one of The Society’s most popular workshops, where we endeavour to cut through the jargon and help members get to know wine, and their Society, a little better.

selection of ten wines, covering a range of styles from crisp whites to gutsy reds, with

appearance. We will discuss the best way to get the most out of tasting wines and why different wines taste the way they do, as well as touching on topics such as matching wine with food.

From complete wine-tasting novices to those

The Society.

STEVENAGE


Saturday 21st January

ref TG170121

Saturday 4th March

ref TG170304



FOUR SEASONS DINNER – ‘L’INVERNO’ (WINTER)

This year we are drawing inspiration from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to create a series of dinners centred on seasonal foods and the perfect wines to match with them.

Reflecting the Italian name of the concertos, Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione (‘The Contest Between Harmony and

approach to food-and-wine matching with perhaps more unexpected and surprising elements to harmonious effect!

As we start the year with winter, a crisp aperitif will no doubt set the scene before we warm ourselves with an excellent and hearty four-course menu accompanied by a selection

to match the season. Society staff will be on hand to discuss the wines and the process of matching with the dishes selected.

The weather outside may be frightful but the food and wine will be delightful.

STEVENAGE


Friday 10th February

ref TG170210


Town of Castiglione Falletto on hill covered with snow in Piedmont, Northern Italy



SOUTH AMERICA: A CULINARY JOURNEY

Much like its wines, South America’s food has been enjoying the limelight recently, with restaurants specialising in dishes from the continent popping up across the UK. It seemed like an opportunity too good to miss! We hope you can join us for a four-course feast, matched to wines selected specially from The Society’s award-winning South American range.

The dishes of South America are as diverse as the countries within its borders; a fusion of Native American, African, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese flavours, brought together

produced ingredients such as avocados, chilli peppers, sweet potatoes and chocolate.

The wines, of course, offer yet another enriching source of diversity. Being 3,000 miles long, Chile alone accommodates nearly all of the world’s climates and a great many of its grape varieties accordingly. The Wine Society, named Specialist Retailer of the Year for South

Challenge, has an enviable range to draw on

STEVENAGE


Friday 10th March

ref TG170310

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pmDinner: 7.30pm to

THE PUDDING CLUB

‘ Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.’

– Ernestine Ulmer

We invite you to join us as we make our annual foray into the luscious and decadent world of dessert wines!

methods used to create some of the world’s best-renowned sweet wines, in the company of self-confessed pudding addict Emma Briffett of the Tastings Team. We will taste eight specially selected examples, covering the sumptuous apricot sweetness of Sauternes, the grapy richness of muscat and much more.

Naturally a tasting of sweet wines would not be complete without a selection of tempting puddings. Accordingly we will be serving a range of desserts designed to complement the wines and aid us in our exploration of the often complex (but

and sweet-wine matching.

us who find it hard to see past the dessert

STEVENAGE


Saturday 18th February

ref TG170218

DIARY PAGE UPCOMING TASTINGS AND EVENTS

23

6789

STEVENAGE Lunch at The Wine Society

STEVENAGE

STEVENAGE Alsace Dinner

20STEVENAGE A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting

2223 CHELTENHAM

Stop the Pressp3

SALISBURY Stop the Press

p3

2627282930

MARCH2 STEVENAGE

Lunch at The Wine Society

3

6 NEWCASTLE Stop the Press

p3

7 HARROGATE Stop the Press

p3

89

STEVENAGE Four Seasons Dinner

TEWKESBURY Venues and Menus

p9

STEVENAGE The Pudding Club

20 LONDON Caroline Frey: Jaboulet and La Lagune

EDINBURGH Caroline Frey: Jaboulet and La Lagune

2223

2627 HARPENDEN

The American Dream

28 READING The American Dream

23

STEVENAGE A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting

6 LEWES Iberian Adventures - The Wines of Spain and Portugal

p6

7 TUNBRIDGE WELLS Iberian Adventures - The Wines of Spain and Portugal

p6

89

STEVENAGE South America:

LONDON The Wonderful World of Burgundy: A Growers’ Tasting

p7

LIVERPOOL The Wonderful World of Burgundy: A Growers’ Tasting

p7

STEVENAGE Lunch at The Wine Society

20 LANCASTER The American Dream

CHESTER The American Dream

2223

2627 LONDON

New Members Tastingp8

28 NOTTINGHAM New Members Tasting

p8

2930

FEBRUARY

thewinesociety.com/tastings

01438 741177 thewinesociety.com/tastings

01438 741177

january – march 2017 · world’s greatest wines these prestigious events feature at least eight...

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