CWW 2021 AGM
2021-06-03 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
AGM notification has been emailed to members.
Any member who wishes to self-nominate, or nominate another member who is willing to stand as a committee members, is asked to send in the nomination to the Honorary Secretary. The member must be correctly proposed, seconded and supported by a 100 word statement regarding the strengths he/she will bring to the committee.
In addition, members may wish to submit items for the agenda. The Honorary Secretary must receive nominations and items for discussion no later than 40 days before the date of the meeting, i.e. on or before Saturday 24th April 2021, by email or post at the address below. A formal agenda will be delivered to members 23 days before the meeting.
Winifred Bowman, Hon Secretary c/o CWW, 70 Joiners Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 0AU, UK
Tel: +27 83 7023665 Email: winbee@syrold.co.za

CWW - 'Let's talk about Wines of Pays d’Oc with Elizabeth Gabay MW'
2021-06-04 14:00 - 15:00
Join us on Friday for the Circle’s very popular twice monthly webinar where we invite a guest speaker to talk about a topic of interest to our members. The event is usually held at 2 pm (BST) – but maybe subject to change. The presentation lasts around 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session. Check out the Circle’s FB page or your email for details about this week’s topic and also for the link to join us. Please advise if you wish guests to attend. See you then.

Wine Australia - Tasting Blind Club Quiz
2021-06-14 19:00 - 19:45
Aussie wine fan? WSET student? General wine geek? If this is you, then look no further!
Wine Australia’s Emma Symington MW will be your quizmaster, taking you through four rounds of questions. Tune in from home, pour yourself a glass of Aussie wine, get your thinking caps on and have some fun.
There will be four rounds of questions, with ten questions per round. For the first two rounds, have a look through our Australian Wine Discovered Facilitator Guides for alternative varieties and Yarra Valley. Emma will be basing the questions on information contained in these guides. The second two rounds will cover other aspects of Australian wine as well as a ‘mixed bag’ of questions more broadly across the world of wine.
This online quiz is perfect for wine students preparing for their WSET, MW or Court of Master Sommeliers exams, but anyone from the trade is very welcome.
The quiz will take place on Zoom and it will last around 45 minutes. We will send you a link to join the session, simply click this link at or just before 7pm.
Emma will go through the answers at the end, and we’re trusting you to mark yourselves. The three participants with the highest scores will each win a bottle of premium Australian wine (UK addresses only).
Australian Wine Discovered provides information, tools and resources to discover and share Australian wine. It’s all you need to know about Australian wine in one place, it’s free to use and completely flexible. Australian Wine Discovered covers key regions, grape varieties and topical themes such as old vines and sparkling wines, and offers everything from regional overviews and winery case studies to the latest innovations and research. With comprehensive guides, powerpoint presentations, images, maps and videos, it’s a great resource whether you’re training your team, preparing for an event, researching, or continuing your wine education. Please visit www.australianwinediscovered.com
For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tasting-blind-club-quiz-june-2021-tickets-154189367549

New York State of Wine webinar with Mazza, Fjord and Fox Run Vineyards
2021-06-16 17:00 - 18:00
Please join us on 16th June for the next New York State of Wine webinar, which will examine the food-friendly nature of the wines from New York state.
Wednesday, June 16 | 5.00-6.00PM (UK)
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1Oz6wnFBTv-WoQNU7GGBHw
Ex-Pat New Yorker Dan Belmont, owner of Good Wine x Good People in London, will host this lively session about the food-friendly nature of the wines from New York state. Dan will lead the discussion alongside winery representatives from across the state, all producing cool-climate, high acid, foodie wines.
Dan will talk to:

Mario Mazza, Mazza Vineyard – Lake Erie
Matthew Spaccarelli, Fjord Vineyards – Hudson River
Scott Osborn, Fox Run Vineyards – Seneca Lake

Currently only Fox Run Vineyards has UK distribution.
Please feel free to share this with any colleagues/wine friends who may also be interested to join.

CWW - 'Let's talk about Texas wines with Michelle Williams'
2021-06-17 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Thursday this week for the Circle’s very popular twice monthly webinar where we invite a guest speaker to talk about a topic of interest to our members. The event this time is at 4 pm (BST) – but maybe subject to change. The presentation lasts around 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session. Check out the Circle’s FB page or your email for details about this week’s topic and also for the link to join us. Please advise if you wish guests to attend. See you then.

CWW - 'Let's talk about Wine Faults and Flaws with Keith Grainger'
2021-07-02 14:00 - 15:00

Educational Webinar - 360 Degrees of Cava Episode 2
2021-07-28 17:00 - 18:00
Please join us for episode two of ‘360 Degrees of Cava’, the webinar series from D.O. Cava.
Wednesday 28th July | 5.00-6.00PM (UK)
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rjz2hZ7VRDalXPEmEK9lsQ
The second episode in the series will be hosted by wine writer and international judge, David Kermode and multi-media wine expert, Katherine Cole. With their panel they will explore the four main regions of the D.O., the significance of the Mediterranean influence, and the distinct growing conditions of each place that result in an array of styles and flavour profiles.
David and Katherine will be joined by:

Marta Rafols, Winemaker, Parés Baltá
Mark Clapes, Export Director, Giró Ribot
Ángel Hernández, Export Director, Bodegas Faustino

Aimed at media and trade in the UK and USA, these webinars aim to bring visibility to the unique attributes of Cava, highlighting it as nuanced, high-quality sparkling wine, able to be paired with a vast array of global cuisines.
Unfortunately, we do not have any samples available for this episode.

WineGB Annual Trade & Press Tasting
2021-09-07 10:30 - 18:00 | RHS Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London, SW1P 2QW, United Kingdom
WINEGB ANNOUNCES 2021 TRADE & PRESS TASTING – Tuesday 7th September at RHS Lindley Hall in central London.
The annual tasting, which could not take place last year due to the pandemic, will feature the widest range of wines and producers from around Britain, showcasing some of the most exciting developments in the UK wine industry, and sending the strong message that the industry is back open for business and looking forward to meeting up with the UK wine trade and press again.
Strict measures will be in place to ensure that visitors will be tasting in as safe an environment as possible.
Instead of the additional free pour table line-up of previous years, this year there will be a spotlight on specific wine styles:

Classic Method Sparkling White Wines aged for minimum 36 months on lees
Classic Method Sparkling Rosé
Still Red Wines
Bacchus – all wine styles
Innovations – including Pet Nat, canned wines and Charmat

The tasting will take place from 10.30am – 6.00pm. Visitors will have to register with timed slots available to book. Register here on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winegb-trade-press-tasting-2021-tickets-163400566493. The link is also available on the WineGB Website (visit the Trade/Press area)
Entry times are as follows:
10.30am-1.30pm
12.00-3.00pm
1.30-4.30pm
3.00-6.00pm
The safety measures will include the following:

The tasting will be run on split entry times – guests will book their slot when registering
Visitors, exhibitors and staff are requested to take a lateral flow test before coming to the tasting
All wines will be poured for the guests to prevent cross- contamination
The hall will be well ventilated throughout the day
There will be regular cleaning undertaken discreetly during the event
Guests will have a ready supply of disposable, hand-held spittoons. There will be plenty of bins to dispose of these spittoons and contents and spare spittoons.

If government guidelines are changed prior to the event WineGB will supply any additional information as soon as possible.
Further information:
Madeleine Waters madeleine@weareco.co.uk 07778 702221
Julia Trustram Eve julia@winegb.co.uk 07775 760451

Bureau de la Région Occitanie - Top 100 Discovery Tasting Event for trade & writers
2021-09-09 10:00 - 17:30 | One Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA
Taste the very best of Occitanie – all 100 winning wines from the 2021 Top 100 competition
The big reveal will be hosted live for the first time in two years. It’s the opportunity to taste all 100 top wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon / Sud de France and South Ouest Top 100 under one roof. Whilst there is plenty of scope by the trade for new discovery, as 60% of the winning wines are seeking UK distribution, some of the wines are already being successfully distributed in UK supermarkets, independent retailers or wine merchants.
The event in London showcases the diversity of the Occitanie, which is the largest wine region in the world.
The day includes two masterclasses presented by Tim Atkin MW, who also chaired the panel of buyers and experts for selecting the Top 100. He presents the great white wines of the region at 12 noon, and personal picks from the Top 100 at 2pm.
Registration is free and visitors can sign-up to the tasting and masterclasses now.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/top-100-discovery-trade-press-tasting-tickets-161609507387
Visitors can also select their own choice of boxed sample wines from the Top 100 to take away.
www.suddefrancetop100.co.uk
Twitter & Instagram: @Suddefranceuk #LeTop100

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens - Launch of the Sculpture Park and ‘The Walk of Life’ Exhibition
2021-09-16 12:00 - 15:00, 2021-09-17 12:00 - 15:00 | Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, RH13 6PP
Circle members are invited to attend the following:
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex – the South African-style wine and leisure destination created by entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE at the 240-acre Grade I Listed woodland estate – is launching a sculpture park with a major exhibition of work by the celebrated South African artist Anton Smit.
Penny Streeter acquired Leonardslee in 2017 and reopened if after two years of intensive restoration work, following eight years’ closure and neglect. Leonardslee features the first commercial planting of Pinotage in the UK. Attractions include wine tastings and tours – including of the 15-hectare vineyard at Mannings Golf and Wine Estate, just three miles away and also owned by Penny Streeter.
The Anton Smit Sculpture Park at Leonardslee is almost three years in the making and will be the largest of its kind in Europe this year.
Please RSVP, stating either 16th & 17th September art@leonardsleegardens.co.uk. Please confirm you are a member of CWW.

'Let's talk about State of Play – Brexit Today'
2021-09-17 14:00 - 15:00
Recording available via the CWW website.

'Let's taste and discuss Navarra Authenticity with Sarah Jane Evans MW'
2021-09-24 14:00 - 15:00
You’re invited to taste an exclusive selection of both and debate with Spanish specialist Sarah Jane which are to be preferred. Are local varieties always best? Should Tempranillo prevail? Or Garnacha? What is wrong with growing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain?
DO Navarra is making available samples of 10 wines for 30 UK members. The discussion, though, will be relevant to members everywhere, who are warmly invited to join in.
As with our previous ‘Let’s taste…’ seminars there will be a minimal charge of £10 to each member wishing to take part in the tasting and to receive samples (£15 to non-members) to cover our administrative costs. Members who do not receive the samples are very welcome to join the seminar, in which case there is no charge.

CWW - Let’s talk about Criolla: South America’s native grape varieties with Amanda Barnes
2021-10-01 14:00 - 15:00
Amanda Barnes, author of the much acclaimed South America Wine Guide and editor of the Circular, will be presenting a masterclass on the old vines and Criolla grape varieties of South America. First planted on the continent more than 500 years ago, these founding varieties have developed into a complex net of native varieties. Amanda will explore the Criolla family tree and share stories of the history and revival of these unique South American varieties.
Although this is a Let’s Talk… session, there are a limited number of samples available for UK-based members. The wines available are Marchigiana Criolla by Catena Zapata, Torrontés by Chakana and País Viejo by Bouchon. Please email Andrea – deadline this Friday, 24 September – if you would like to request samples to taste in the session. She will need your address and to know where you would be publishing the tasting notes.
To learn more about Amanda’s book, see: https://southamericawineguide.com/book/
This will be a fascinating session, so do join Amanda on Friday 1 October at 2 pm (BST). The session, including Q&As, will last for approximately one hour. Guests will be very welcome, but please let Andrea know their names – administrator@circleofwinewriters.org

Champagne Show 2021 - trade and press only
2021-10-29 12:00 - 16:00 | Green Room, 1 Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA
Expect over 100 wines from The Whisky Exchange’s unrivalled range of Champagne to taste, including new producers this year such as Telmont and new to the show, Billecart Salmon and Palmers. As well as an incredible lineup of masterclasses and panel discussions with global ambassadors, wine makers and cellar blenders. The Comité Champagne will be running sessions with Erik Lorenz and we are including a growers Champagne section at the show.
Do let us know if you can join us so that we can register your attendance. (If you are only able to join in virtually, please let us know and we can organise access for you.)
For more details please visit www.champagneshow.com or via https://champagneshow.com/london/

CWW - 'Let's talk about Willamette Valley Sparkling Wines'
2021-11-04 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on Thursday 4 November at 4 pm for a seminar featuring three of the Willamette Valley’s most respected sparkling wine producers for a stimulating panel discussion on the history – and diversity – of Willamette Valley traditional method, and why it has an advantage over most other sparkling winemaking regions beyond Champagne. CWW member L M Archer will Chair the presentation.
The presentation lasts around 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session. Check out the Circle’s FB page or your email for details about this week’s topic and also for the link to join us. Please advise if you wish guests to attend. See you then.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87991550588?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 879 9155 0588
Passcode: [REDACTED]

New York State of Wine webinar - Riesling Battle Royal
2021-11-16 17:00 - 18:00
Please join us on Tuesday 16th November at 5:00PM for the second season of our New York State of Wine webinar series, an exploration into New York’s star varieties side by side with other great wine regions of the world.
In this first episode, a Riesling Battle Royal, wine writer Jamie Goode and sommelier Caroline Furstoss will host a panel of New York winemakers to explore what is arguably one of the world’s finest white grapes – Riesling – with examples from New York State, Mosel, Alsace, and New Zealand.
Jamie and Caroline will be joined by:

Kelby Russell, Red Newt Cellars
Nova Cadamatre, Trestle 31
Oskar Bynke, Hermann J. Wiemer

Crafted in New York, but inspired from everywhere, New York is a unique community of passionate producers who approach winemaking with a multitude of personalities and backgrounds—they’re not alike, and they like it that way.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2GC1cF1GRhKPp1VLoEL8Fg
Sample packs (100ml) of all six wines are available. Once registered, if you would like to receive a sample pack, please reply with your address and any special delivery details and we will get a pack sent out to you before the webinar – these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

CWW - 'Let’s talk about Wine Miles: the New Zealand perspective, with Ed Massey'
2021-11-18 17:30 - 18:30
Join us for this seminar when our guest speaker will be Ed Massey, general manager sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers and he will discuss ‘wine miles’ from the NZ perspective.
This event will be held at 5.30 pm (GMT). The presentation lasts around 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session. Check out the Circle’s FB page or your email for details about this week’s topic and also for the link to join us.
More details to follow.
Please advise if you wish guests to attend. See you then.
November 18th, 5.30pm:

CWW - 'Let's taste Vintage Cognac, with Eric Forget, Master Distiller at Hine'
2021-11-25 14:00 - 15:00
You’re invited to taste Vintage Cognac, with Eric Forget, Master Distiller at Hine
Hine is making available samples of vintage cognacs for UK members. The discussion, though, will be relevant to members everywhere, who are warmly invited to join in. Full details will follow.
As with our previous ‘Let’s taste…’ seminars there will be a minimal charge of £10 to each member wishing to take part in the tasting and to receive samples (£15 to non-members) to cover our administrative costs. Members who do not receive the samples are very welcome to join the seminar, in which case there is no charge.

ALIVE 2021: Ground-breaking Virtual Wine Festival unveiled
2021-12-05 15:00 - 2021-12-06 20:00
A ground-breaking virtual wine festival for wine lovers, foodies and budding botanists. The content is fascinating – find out about how intelligent plants are and how much they affect the wine we drink and its terroir.
This is organised by one of the most powerful women in the wine world (Drinks Business), France’s first female master of wine Isabelle Legeron. Alive! offers a truly special experience for anyone curious to understand more about the world of plants, without which wine would not exist.
To book your ticket (£40), which offers exclusive two-day access to all sessions, visit alive.rawwine.com. Festival goers can join in at any time on either day.
Date: 5 & 6 December 2021.
Festival start: 10 am EST (3 pm GMT|4 pm CET|7 am PST).
Please contact Gemma Harris on: gemma@lineupmedia.co.uk for full details.

Let's talk about Virginia Wines - 2022 and beyond
2022-01-07 14:00 - 15:00
Join Virginia specialist and Frank Morgan wine writer to discuss the virtues of Virginia wine, where their industry is today and where it’s going tomorrow. Virginia is close to the hearts of many Circle members, following successful trips there. This will be a valuable update as well as a fine introduction for those unfamiliar with the subject. Though Virginia has a long history with the grape dating back to Acte 12 of 1619 requiring all colonists to plant and tend grapevines, the state’s wine industry began in earnest four decades ago. In that time, Virginia has emerged as one of the most important regions in the US. In this webinar, Frank will cover the state’s geological and grape diversity.

Let's talk about Burgundy 2020 (+2021)
2022-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
This year’s round of new vintage Burgundy face-to-face tastings in London has been much reduced by the current level of Covid-19 infections and restrictions, so for the second Circle event of 2022 we’re stepping in to fill some of the information gap for members in the UK and beyond.
Join Jack Chapman, head of private client sales at respected London wine merchant Lea & Sandeman, for an expert overview of the acclaimed 2020 vintage. Jack has spent his entire professional career in the wine trade, working across sales, buying, auctioneering and retail, while running a small hobby vineyard as a sideline. He joined L&S at the start of the pandemic, and has been fortunate enough to escape to Burgundy for both the ’19s and ’20s.

Let's talk about Wines of Israel - from Kosher to Terroir
2022-02-04 14:00 - 15:00
For this seminar we will travel to a new and fascinating location. Circle member, Moshé Cohen, will introduce the wines of Israel, including those resulting from innovative viticulture in the Negev desert which are predicted to become the country’s finest.

The many faces of Barossa Shiraz
2022-02-17 10:00 - 11:00
Home to some of the oldest grape vines in the world, Barossa is one of Australia’s most historic wine regions. Its dynamic wine community includes long-established names as well as younger new wave producers.
Mark Pygott MW will be joined by three bold and brilliant winemakers from Barossa to talk about the people and personalities that make Barossa unique.
Get to know some of the many faces of Barossa Shiraz and discover how Barossa is well deserving of its reputation as one of the country’s most prominent and celebrated wine regions.
In a conversation that will bring the region to life, Daniel Hartwig (Chaffey Bros Wine Co), Craig Stansborough (Purple Hands Wines) and Andrew Quin (Hentley Farm Wines) will talk about the wines that sum up the region for them. The winemakers will share their passions, experiences and why Barossa is so special – to them, and to their wines.
For more information and to sign up, please visit https://conversations.australianwine.com/wine-australia/The-many-faces-of-Barossa-Shiraz

Let's talk about Fantastic Furmint and why it's the next great white grape
2022-02-18 14:00 - 15:00
For the second of the Circle’s February webinars, we’re delighted to welcome back the Circle’s own expert on Eastern Europe, Caroline Gilby MW. On the eve of Furmint Feb, a week of celebration, Caroline will take a look at Hungary’s flagship white grape and tell the story of the new generation of great dry whites from Tokaj and beyond and more….

Wines of Hungary - Furmint February
2022-02-21 11:00 - 17:30 | Merchant Taylors Hall, 30 Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8JB
We’d love you to join us at Wines of Hungary’s Furmint tasting on Monday 21st February at Merchant Taylor’s Hall – for the opportunity to taste over 150 wines.
To keep things COVID-safe, we are asking attendees to book in for one of the following sessions:
Session 1: 11am-2pm
Furmint and Terroir, focus on single vineyards – Dr Caroline Gilby MW
Sign up HERE
Session 2: 2.30-5.30pm
Sparkling Furmint, introducing Furmint bubbles – Dr Orsi Szentkiralyi
Sign up HERE
Full details are below, along with the details of two masterclasses. If you would like to join one of the masterclasses, please reply with your name, role and company, and I will add your name to the list of the session you would like to attend. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

CWW - Let's talk about Not-so-Sauvignon Sauvignon blancs
2022-03-04 14:00 - 15:00
For the first of the Circle’s March webinars, we’re delighted to welcome Matt Day, winemaker from South Africa’s oldest-established wine estate, Klein Constantia, who will reveal all about the somewhat enigmatic title of his presentation.
Matt’s main aim will be to highlight how Sauvignon Blanc, when well made, is truly one of the noble wine grapes. Let him explain: ‘I will chat about the old and the new and how times are changing and the trends that people are following. And hopefully by the end I will have confused everyone enough to think that Sauvignon blanc is actually something to be taken seriously and isn’t just a tooty-fruity cultivar’.
He will also discuss the uniqueness of South Africa’s icon sweet wine Vin de Constance, with a focus on the future rather than the past.
Do join us on the 4th.

Occitanie Annual Trade Tasting for Trade & Press
2022-03-10 10:30 - 17:00 | The View, Royal College of Surgeons of England,, 38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields,, London, WC2A 3PE
10th anniversary Occitanie Annual Trade Tasting brings organic wines and innovation from South of France to London
The Occitanie Annual Trade Tasting returns to celebrate its 10th edition [after three years away] to present the diverse wines from the south of France in a brand new London venue. Twenty producers and three importers will show how much has been steadily progressing in the world of Occitanie winemaking and will feature over 300 chosen wines from the largest wine producing region in the world. This year’s line-up focuses on innovation, organic and sustainable production. Visiting producers will show new wines not yet available in the UK, and importers will show latest vintages. Masterclasses by Occitanie expert Matthew Stubbs MW will put into context the strong and distinctive appeal of these wines for the UK market, from entry level to top end. UK wine professionals, including importers, retailers, sommeliers, journalists, wine merchants and agents are welcome to register now: https://suddefrance.co.uk/annualtasting2022/
Producers and winemakers coming from the Languedoc, Roussillon, South-West and the Rhône Valley include well-established co-operatives and negociants, as well as artisanal producers looking for distribution. The sunny South of France mood is reflected by the bright and airy top floor venue, The View at The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE (Holborn tube).
Isabelle Kanaan, Executive Director for the Bureau de la Région Occitanie in London, comments, “Our 2022 calendar of events will resume and will present a fresh year of initiatives. We, our producers and importers very much look forward to meeting and supporting the wine trade as consumer business picks up again. There are opportunities to discover the progress and experimentation that has been going on quietly in the region, and our Occitanie Annual Trade Tasting will be an essential diary date to discover all the latest happenings directly from the producers.”

CWW - Let's talk about Yarra Valley
2022-03-11 09:30 - 10:30
For the second of the Circle’s March webinars, our presenter will be dynamic winemaker Mac Forbes, who will talk about Yarra Valley’s distinctive sub-regions, his passion for making thrilling cool-climate wines, and how he’s blazing new trails.
The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s leading cool-climate regions, with varying elevations and a diverse landscape capable of producing many different wine styles across a range of varieties. Known as the birthplace of Victoria’s wine industry, its history stretches back to 1838, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that it really started to shine thanks to a second wave of winemaking pioneers.
Mac will describe the Yarra Valley’s unique landscape and his mission to create wines with freshness and personality, challenging convention and constantly experimenting. He will share his insights and stories, as well as reveal some of his exciting upcoming projects.
Do join us on the 11th, please note the earlier time of this webinar.

The Essential Guide to Italian Wine 2022 - launch by Daniele Cernilli
2022-03-14 14:00 - 19:00 | The Dilly, 21 Piccadilly, london, W1N 0BH
One of Italy’s most prominent and celebrated wine experts, with a knowledge of Italian wine second to none, Daniele Cernilli aka DoctorWine will be in London personally to launch the 2022 edition of The Essential Guide to Italian Wine.
RSVP m.thompson@doctorwine.it
