Circle of Wine Writers

Wines of Hungary ‘Blue of the Danube’
2019-10-28 11:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Merchant Taylors Hall, 30 Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8JB
Wines of Hungary UK is delighted to announce its inaugural event ‘Blue of the Danube’, the largest UK tasting solely dedicated to the most important black grape of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)– Blaufränkisch.
It will be the first time the UK wine trade has had the opportunity to taste and get to know the grape variety in such a high diversity, all under one roof. Blaufränkisch, known as the ‘blue grape of the Danube’, has several names across the regions it’s grown within, including: Kékfrankos, Blaufränkisch Frankovka Modra, Burgund Mare and Lemberger.
Elizabeth Gabay MW, who is hosting masterclasses on the day, explained “Blaufrankisch is a dark-skinned, late-ripening variety which produces red wines that typically have fine tannins and pronounced spicy characters. It can range from rich fruity opulence to restrained silky elegance. There is great potential for this variety in the UK”
More than 40 producers from Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania and Slovenia will be showcasing their Blaufränkish-based wines, demonstrating the variety of wines produced with one grape variety. A highlight includes the unique, high quality Kékfrankos based cuvees e.g. Bikavér, also known as ‘Bull’s blood’.
There will be two masterclasses during the day:
– 11:30am Understanding Blaufränkisch and its region with Elizabeth Gabay MW
– 13:30pm Blaufränkisch Blended – an introduction to Hungary’s Bull’s Blood with Orsi Szentkirályi.
Trade 11am – 4pm and consumers 5pm-8pm.
Sign up to the Blue of the Danube Tasting
Contact
Rachel Davey
T:07725118093

Alsace Rocks!
2019-10-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Chandos House, 2, Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 9LQ
Join us for a walkaround tasting with a series of themed tables featuring top wines from possibly the most geologically diverse region in the world.
Plus hear from top Alsace winemakers about what it is that makes their wines so special at the winemaker hosted Masterclass.

Vignobles & Signatures Tasting
2019-10-15 11:30 - 17:30 | University Women’s Club, 2 Audley Square, Mayfair, London, W1K 1DB, United Kingdom
Please join us at the University Women’s Club as the Vignobles & Signatures winemakers return to London for the second time.
The tasting will include a great selection of wines from the crème de la crème of producers from a wide range of French regions. Contact Eleanor Standen for more details.

Ribera del Duero Trade Tasting & Masterclass
2019-10-15 11:00 - 17:00 | Chamber Space, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD
A selection of wines from Tim Atkin MW’s Top 100 will be presented, and each venue will host a masterclass with Tim Atkin MW (London & Manchester) and Tom Cannavan (Edinburgh).

Ribera del Duero Trade Tasting & Masterclass
2019-10-08 11:00 - 17:00 | ASIA House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP

Vérité & Cardinale private presentation 2016 vintages and masterclass
2019-10-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Claridges, Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
The UK private presentation of 2016 vintages and a selection of other vintages for a comparative tasting will be presented with a masterclass at 2.30pm (reception at 2pm) at Claridge’s in Mayfair.
Vérité, located in Sonoma County, California, produces three reputable Bordeaux-inspired wines that represent a meticulously formed union of grape varieties, climate, soil expression and winemaking technique. Crafted by Vigneron Pierre Seillan, the wines have been highly acclaimed, receiving more than 15 100-Point Scores from Robert Parker Wine Advocate. Impeccably balanced and sumptuously textured in their youth, they have the weight and foundation to age for many years and are deemed to be outstanding investor wines.
The 2016 vintages will be hosted by Barbara Banke and Christopher Jackson. Spaces are limited, please RSVP to Fi Low fi@luxxpr.co.uk

Wines of Germany - Somm Sessions
2019-09-25 10:00 - 12:00 | 20 Stories, No 1 Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB
This month, we’re heading to 20 Stories restaurant in Manchester for the third in the ‘Somm Sessions’ series hosted by top sommelier Jan Konetzki.
If you’re a sommelier and want to join us for ‘Pinot – for breakfast (and any other time of the day)’ – a free tasting and tutorial of exciting wines on 25th September, then sign up now.
Pinot – for breakfast (and any other time of the day)
Date: Wednesday 25th September
Time: 10am – 12.00 noon
Venue: 20 Stories, No.1 Spinningfields, Manchester, M33EB
RSVP: germanwine@thisisphipps.com

Wines Of Chile Trade Tasting 2019
2019-09-24 11:00 - 20:30 | The Boiler House, 152, Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU
We will have wines on tasting from wineries of all sizes, showing the 2019 vintage which was a
hot vintage, with very little rain, but none the less has produced some fantastic wines. Innovation
is very topical in Chile today and you will see some interesting examples of what wineries are
doing adding to the excitement which is alive in Chile today.
THEMED TASTING AREA
• Artisan Producers: Discover new wines from Chile’s boutique producers.
• Ancestral Wines: Unearth the history of Chile with varietals including País, Muscat and Field blends.
• Ethical Wines: Appreciate the surge of vegan, vegetarian, organic, biodynamic, natural and orange wines produced in Chile today.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Experience the explosion of differing styles that Chile produces and see how regionality plays a part in this. Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted white variety in Chile.
• Chile Champions: Enjoy gold & trophy medal winning wines from this year’s International competitions. DWWA, IWC, SWA & Drinks Business Masters.
WINE BAR WAR:
• Three teams of sommeliers will battle against each other in a fantastic competition to literally ‘design and build a wine bar’ and open it for business at our on the 24th. We need you to vote for your favourite wine bar based on the overall concept, visual appearance of their bar, as well as the wine selection and service they offer. The winning team will be crowned UK Champions 2019 and win a trip to Chile in January 2020.
IWSC:
• Will be announcing the award winning wines from Chile from this year’s competition and have a selection on tasting.
To register to attend please go to this link: https://woc19.smartreg.co.uk/Visitors/Visitors/register?promoid=Cwwbanner

Australia Redefined 2019
2019-09-17 11:00 - 17:30 | OXO2, OXO2, OXO Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street,, London, SE1 9PH
Experience Australia’s fine wine offering, taste the country’s most iconic wines, explore new trends, and meet the winemakers.
From the revered classics and regional heroes to alternative varieties and new styles, you’ll taste Australian wines that are some of the most diverse and thrilling in the world.
• A line-up of 200 wines over £20 a bottle
• Experience Australia’s most iconic and treasured wines
• Meet renowned winemakers and multi-generational family producers
Flying over to London to pour their wines are producers from a mix of regions, from Margaret River in the west to Hunter Valley in the east. These winemakers and winery owners will be showcasing Australia’s most classic and iconic styles of wines. They’re wines that put Australia on the map, all-time greats, which best represent the region, its terroir and the personality of the maker.
Attending winemakers and owners include Bruce Tyrrell (Tyrrell’s Wines), Chester Osborn (d’Arenberg), Justine Henschke (Henschke),
Sam Barry (Jim Barry Wines), Susie Campbell (Campbell’s Wines), Christian Dal Zotto (Dal Zotto), Alister Purbrick (Tahbilk Winery), Brad Hickey (Brash Higgins) and Rebecca Santolin (Santolin Wines) amongst others.
More information and registration: https://www.wineaustralia.com/whats-happening/events/australia-redefined-2019/attend

Carpenè Malvolti 1924 Prosecco launch tasting & lunch
2019-09-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, 11-15, Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DG
Hallgarten & Prosecco pioneer Carpenè Malvolti invite you to a tasting and lunch to celebrate the launch of CARPENE MALVOLTI 1924 PROSECCO a new wine dedicated to founder Antonio Carpenè, credited with creating the Prosecco sparkling method.

Liberty Wines Annual Portfolio Tasting
2019-09-10 10:00 - 17:30 | The Oval Cricket Ground, Kia Oval, London, SE11 5SS
Liberty Wines would be delighted to invite you to their annual portfolio tasting on Tuesday 10th September 2019 from 10 am – 17.30 at the Oval cricket ground.
Lunch will be served from 12.30 – 14.00.
Please RSVP to events@libertywines.co.uk.

Clementine Communications Annual Showcase Event
2019-09-10 09:00 - 13:30 | Heals, 196, Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7LQ
We are delighted to invite you to our annual showcase on the 10th of September. Please find further details below.

Annual WINEGB trade tasting
2019-09-04 10:30 - 17:00 | RHS Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London, SW1P 2QW, United Kingdom
The WINEGB Trade tasting will feature over fifty producers, grouped into regions, as well as its popular Free Pour table divided into styles and grape varieties, including wines from the famed 2018 harvest, and a series of half-hour seminars ranging from a ‘state-of-the-nation’ Industry Briefing and Update to a discussion panel on Travel, Tourism and Vineyard Visits. The WINEGB Awards 2019 Trophy winners, announced on 23rd July, will also be on show on a special table.
Entry is free, but to register, visit winegb.co.uk/trade or email: tradetasting@winegb.co.uk
Twitter: @Wine_GB #WINEGBTT

Discovering Diversity In Rioja
2019-07-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Carousel, Carousel, 71 Blandford Street, London, W1U 8AB, United Kingdom
Tutored tasting, followed by lunch with dishes matched by Carousel Chefs to Ramón Bilbao wines
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, and probably has the greatest concentration of old vines in the world; producers have long identified the best areas to produce their best wines – but does anyone actually know how diverse it is in terms of climate, soils, geology and altitude?
For 20 years, Rodolfo Bastida has been digging deep into the terroirs and vineyards of Rioja – from turning to the high altitudes of Abalos and Vilalba for his icon Mirto wine, to his first foray into single vineyards in the Rioja Baja and the purchase of a ‘dream parcel’ of vineyards in the Yerga mountains.
Along the way, he has formulated some firm thoughts about blending vs single vineyards, and what this means for the next generation of winemakers in Rioja.
His conclusion? Come along on Wednesday 10th July to find out.

Circle Summer Party
2019-07-08 17:30 - 20:30 | Farr Vintners, Commodore House, Battersea Reach, Juniper Drive, Battersea, London, SW18 1TW
All members and trade are invited to join us at the Summer Party with wines generously served by our sponsors for the evening, Louis Latour Agencies.
The evening will be taking place at the delightful offices of Farr Vintners, with an enviable river-front location in Battersea, all is set for a successful summer soirée.

CWW - Cru La Livinière Seminar
2019-06-17 11:00 - 13:00 | The Naval Club, 38 Hill Street, London, W1J 5NS
Come along to this seminar which will be a showcase of the best wines from an annual selection of the top 9 Cru La Livinière wines.
2019 marks the 20th anniversary for this southern France appellation, lost in the backcountry of the Languedoc, halfway between Toulouse and Montpellier. The very stony soil and the hot, dry climate of the terroir – with barely 400 to 500 mm of rain per year – set the tone for these powerful and velvety wines. The trio syrah-grenache-mourvèdre forms the backbone (there must be a minimum of 60% of these three varieties in total). Nowadays, syrah has taken the upper hand, and represents, along with grenache and Carignan, 90% of the grape varieties grown in this cru. Forty two winemakers are included in the Cru La Livinière today in a delimited area of 2700 hectares of classified vines, of which 350 hectares are in production.
The wines featured retail in the UK.
Cost: £10 per member (£15 for AWE members, £20 for Friends & guests)
Book your place with Andrea via administrator@circleofwinewriters.org.

ALBARIÑO & (NEW) GODELLO - TWO VARIETIES, ONE ATLANTIC INFLUENCE
2019-06-12 11:00 - 15:00 | TBA
Paula Fandino, Winemaker at Mar de Frades, DO Rias Baixas
Presents….
Albariño & (new) Godello – Two Varieties, One Atlantic Influence
Introducing the first single-varietal Godello from Rias Baixas…
Wednesday 12th June 2019
11am Masterclass Tasting, followed by lunch
Full details to follow

The Toast of Madeira
2019-06-06 14:30 - 18:00 | Portuguese Embassy, 11, Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP
After a gap of two years, the Madeira London Tasting is back – this time at the impressive Portuguese Embassy in Belgrave Square on Thursday June 6th, hosted by the Madeira Wine Institute and open to press, members of the wine trade, sommeliers and restaurateurs
The generic event will feature wines from six of the top Madeira producers – Barbeito, Blandy’s, JMBorge, Justino’s and Pereira de Oliveira – in an informal ‘walk round’ setting. There will be the opportunity to taste, discuss and compare & contrast the various styles of this well-known but little understood wine region, perhaps one of the wine trade’s best kept secrets…….
In addition, the Institute’s Tasting Director Rubina Vieira will present a special seated one-hour Masterclass for enthusiasts on ‘Madeira – the winemakers’ signature’ from 2.30 and featuring rare wines from the producers’ own cellars. Places for this will be limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Owing to Embassy security, entry to the Madeira London tasting is by ticket only. To apply for free tickets, please contact Fiona Campbell (fionaccampbell@btopenworld.com.) or on 07836 595131.

CWW - 2019 AGM
2019-05-24 00:00 | MH UK HQ, 12-18 Grosvenor Gardens, Belgravia, London, SW1W 0DH
Members are invited to attend the 59th CWW AGM – find out about recent activities and plans for the future. There will also be voting on new committee members. Please let us know if you would like to put yourself forward to be part of the team. After the proceedings enjoy a glass of something sparkling with compliments of our hosts Moët Hennessy and mix with your fellow members. We look forward to welcoming you. [timing to be confirmed]

CWW - South African Chardonnay masterclass at LWF
2019-05-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Olympia London, Olympia London, London, W14 8UX, United Kingdom

Canada Trade Tasting
2019-05-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1Y 5BJ, United Kingdom
Please note that Canada Trade Tasting is back on May 16th
To RSVP please get in touch or follow the link here:
https://www.canadatasting.co.uk/events/canada-trade-tasting-2019/form
Photo ID required

New Faces: New York Tasting
2019-05-15 10:00 - 18:00 | NOHO Showrooms, Fitzovia, London, W1W 7PT
Our speakers…
Jamie Goode (wineanorak.com) with Dan Belmont (Bedales) will be leading a masterclass on the History and Geology of New York State from 12:00 – 13:30.
Our special guest, Pascaline Lepeltier MS of Racines NYC, will be hosting a masterclass on New York Wines through the lens of Vitis labrusca, second generation hybrids and Vitis vinifera from 15:00 – 16:30.
The tasting will be with the particular aim of showing promising wineries that are seeking representation, but we will also show all of the wines currently in the UK market.

The Big G: Wines of Germany Trade Tasting
2019-05-02 11:00 - 17:00 | Somerset House, The Portico Rooms, South Building, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
The Wines of Germany trade tasting returns once again on the 2nd May 2019 at the iconic Somerset House. This year we are celebrating everything Germany, with a particular focus on German wines in the UK.
We’ll have importers and producers too, with all that German vineyards have to offer. Look out for special focus areas on Sekt, low-intervention wines and the award-winning 31 Days.
Click here to access the registration form:
***The Big G is open to registrations from the wine trade only. Please note that identification may be required to register***

WINE X ART event with Swiss Wines
2019-04-10 17:00 - 22:00 | Wringer + Mangle, 13-18 Sidworth Street, London, E8 3SD
We’re so excited to launch this initiative in London. We believe wine is an art, so in 2018 a challenge was issued to Swiss artists – graphic designers, painters, photographers, students and amateurs – to devise concepts for wine bottle labels. These designs will be launched on the evening, with both artists and winemakers present.
The goal for the artists was to represent the grape varieties of the Valais in artistic terms, many of which are indigenous to the area. They include Fendant (Chasselas), Petite Arvine, Heida (aka Païen or Savagnin Blanc), Cornalin, Humagne Rouge, Syrah and Pinot Noir. The wines will be available to purchase in the UK later this year.
The following wines will be shown:
• PROVINS VALAIS
o Heida Chapitre, les Domaines
o Petite Arvine, Maître de Chais
o Humagne rouge, Maître de Chais
• DOMAINE JEAN-RENÉ GERMANIER
o Johannisberg, Chamoson Grand Cru 2017
o Dôle Balavaud, Vétroz Grand Cru 2017
o CAYAS, Syrah Réserve 2016
• DOMAINE DES MUSES
o Heida “Tradition” 2017
o Cornalin “Tradition” 2016
o Syrah “Réserve” 2016
• DOMAINE THIERRY CONSTANTIN
o Fendant 2018
o Petite Arvine 2017
o Cornalin 2015
Please contact Cristina Rasmussen for more details, and please do extend it to friends and colleagues both those in the wine trade, as well as wine interested friends. The event will be a casual format, with wine to taste, nibbles to be enjoyed and a DJ set by APEXAPE!
Please feel free to join any time between 5pm and 10pm.

Circle Mixer #2
2019-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | China Exchange, 32A Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JA
This is an informal evening giving members, and our Friends, the opportunity to meet up early evening for a quick drink and a catch up. A reminder that guests are asked to pay for their own drinks.
Do let us know if you wish to come along and email administrator@circleofwinewriters.org as we need to keep an eye on numbers.
The Club does have a dress code, although not too strict, asking members and guests to dress smartly.
Upon arrival please mention you are guests of either Colin, Kathy or Sumi.
It will be great to see you.

CWW Chakana Seminar
2019-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 | The Naval Club, 38 Hill Street, London, W1J 5NS
The first Circle seminar for 2019 – featuring the Biodynamic, Organic and Natural Wines in Argentina made by Chakana.
Smaller producers represent the most dynamic and innovative segment of the current wine scene in Argentina as they discover new terroirs and unusual varieties and take an original approach to winemaking. Organic, biodynamic and natural winemaking create a path to a more diverse and sustainable wine industry, one which Chakana is fully committed to. The winery produces a full range of wines from their own organically-managed vineyards and experiments with minimum intervention in the winery.
Juan Pelizzati is the founder and owner of Chakana. He will be presenting 8 of the latest vintages from the winery’s range of natural, organic, biodynamic and single vineyard wines.
Cost: £10 per member (£15 for AWE members, £20 for Friends & guests)
Book your place with Andrea via administrator@circleofwinewriters.org.

Climate Change Leadership Porto - Solutions for the Wine Industry
2019-03-05 - 2019-03-07 | Alfandega Conference Centre, Rua Nova Da Alfândega, Porto, 4050-430, Portugal
Vice President Al Gore, Keynote Speaker
Following the July 6, 2018 launch of the Porto Protocol by President Barack Obama, US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore will address the wine industry and its supporters March 5-7, 2019 at Portugal’s Alfandega Conference Centre in Porto of the challenges the wine world faces due to climate change during the Climate Change Leadership Porto – Solutions for the Wine Industry conference (CCL-Porto19).
Internationally renowned presenters Miguel Torres, Cristina Mariani-May, Prof. Roger Boulton of UC-Davis, António Amorim, climatologist Dr. Greg Jones, grapevine geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz, Fetzer Vineyards COO Cindy DeVries, Àlvaro Gonzalez of Concha y Toro, Bollinger’s Gilles Descôtes, Gerard Bertrand, Pierre Corvisier of JF Hillebrand, South African water specialist Heinrich Schloms, Spain’s Jaume Gramona, Britain’s Richard Halstead and Linda Johnson-Bell amongst many others will share their studies, practical experiences, and strategies in mitigating the effects of climate change.
With US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore its keynote speaker, CCL-Porto19 creates an international platform for the wine industry to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate enabling all sectors of the wine industry and its supporters to cooperate in developing a safe and sustainable future.
“The Climate Change Leadership conference will share real experiences and provide effective solutions of real examples of what companies are doing to mitigate climate change,” said Adrian Bridge, CEO of Taylor’s Port, the main organizer of the event. “By sharing our successes and experiences, we will all benefit. The Porto Protocol commits its participants to adopt and promote concrete actions reducing the impact of climate change, and welcomes the participation of institutions, companies and individuals from all areas.”
CCL-Porto19 will also feature an extensive Trade Show Area at the Alfandega Conference Centre where sponsors and exhibitors display their products, services, and initiatives pertaining to climate change to the approximately 700 delegates from over 50 countries coming to Portugal.
For conference information and registration please visit www.climatechange-porto.com.
More information about the Porto Protocol and membership is at www.portoprotocol.com.
David Furer, Host / Co-Organizer
CCL-PORTO19

Famille Helfrich Portfolio Tasting
2019-02-25 10:00 - 2019-02-27 17:00 | Warwickshire Suite, Edgbaston Stadium,, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU
Famille Helfrich Portfolio Tasting – wines for the on-trade & independents by Les Grands Chais de France

The inaugural portfolio trade tasting by Famille Helfrich, the premium on-trade and independents arm of Les Grands Chais de France.
Over 300 wines from their 45+ premium French domaines and new properties in Spain, Germany, Hungary and the New World covering the entire spectrum of styles, destined exclusively for the on-trade and independent merchant channels.
A day dedicated to sommeliers & restaurateurs on Wednesday 27th February
Specialist sections will include; crémant, vegetarian, vegan and organic wines, O% abv and PET.
A culinary demonstration by Calvet brand ambassador and local Michelin starred chef, Glynn Purnell, to celebrate the launch of the new Calvet range created for the on-trade and independents
A round-table discussion on Crémant in association with The Wine Merchant

All GCF’s regional winemakers will be on hand to share their expert knowledge
To register please contact:
Trade: Chris Davies, Sales Director for On-trade & Independents at Famille Helfrich on cdavies@lgcf.fror +44 (0)7789 0008540
Press: Emma Roberts Director at Eviva Communications on emma@eviva.co.ukor +44 (0)7931 578117

Davy’s Wine Merchants Portfolio Tasting 2019
2019-02-06 11:00 - 18:00 | Royal Overseas League, Park Place, St James's, London, SW1A 1LR
Taste from 250 + wines on show, 70% exclusive to Davy’s, all available retail and to the on-trade
Meet 5 new producers
Discover 3 focused free-pour collections:

Small is Beautiful – wines made in tiny quantities and rare parcels from the cellar, exclusive to Davy’s
The Indie Top 20
By the Glass Top 10
Plus…
Masterclasses on Beaujolais from legendary winemaker Jean-Paul Brun, and the art of blending in Tawny Port by rising-star, Quinta da Silveira, which will include cask samples spanning 3 centuries!

Louis Latour Agencies Annual Trade Tasting
2019-01-31 10:30 - 17:00 | OXO2, OXO2, OXO Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street,, London, SE1 9PH
Join us for our 2019 annual trade tasting to learn more about our range of wines, champagnes and cognacs.
Taste products from across our entire range and meet:
• Louis-Fabrice Latour, Maison Louis Latour
• Jean-Philippe Archambaud, Simonnet-Febvre
• Laurent Chevalier, Henry Fessy
• Bertrand Verduzier, Champagne Gosset & Cognac Frapin
• Damien D’Ovidio, Vidal-Fleury
• Jgor Marini, Castello Banfi
• Cristian Urzua, Viu Manent
• Adrian Atkinson, Wakefield Wines
• Leah Seresin, Seresin Estate
Delicious refreshments will once again be provided by Manna Eating.
Masterclass: 11am – 12 noon
A Tuscan Experience with Castello Banfi
A virtual journey through Banfi’s Tuscan vineyards celebrating their achievements from Montalcino, to Chianti, to the Tuscan coast. The wines will be paired with produce from Banfi Estate and other local foods.
Booking Essential. Contact emma.alsos@louislatour.co.uk
Event Details
Thursday 31st January
10.30am until 5pm
OXO2, Level Two OXO Tower Wharf,
Bargehouse Street, London, SE1 9PH.
Please RSVP before Friday 25th January to:
Trade: emma.alsos@louislatour.co.uk
Media: info@limmpr.com
