Circle of Wine Writers

Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting
2023-11-08 13:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, Elverton Street, London, SW1P 2QW
Join the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and its members for an exclusive tasting of the 2021 vintage. Created in 1973, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux is a group of 131 top châteaux based in the finest appellations in the Gironde including the Médoc, Graves and Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes, Barsac, Saint Emilion and Pomerol.
A list of exhibitors will be available on ugcb.net late October.
Please register here: https://ugcb23.smartreg.co.uk/Visitors/Visitors/register

Winemaker dinners - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore
2023-11-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2023-11-06 19:00 - 22:00
Crurated are offering an exclusive group of wine lovers to have the chance to experience winemaker dinners in either Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore with Vincent Dancer of Domaine Vincent Dancer and Charles Lachaux of Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux and Charles Lachaux. More details about these exclusive events will be available in the coming weeks.
Please contact the organisers for availability, they will reserve up to two seats at each event for the press and therefore they are subject to availability.
Also, timings tbc.

Let's talk about... Greek Wines with Florence Tilkens Zotiades
2023-11-07 17:00 - 18:00
Let’s talk about… Greek Wines with Florence Tilkens Zotiades
Greece, one of the oldest of wine regions yet also one of the most modern, will be the subject of our next online seminar, presented by Greek expert Florence Tilkens Zotiades. Florence will lead us through the historical reasons behind the decline of Greek wine over the ages and on into its revival at the beginning of the 21st century.
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 7th November. The session, including Q&As, will last for approximately one hour. To register, follow the link below. Guests will be very welcome, but please let Andrea know their names.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdu2tpjMrHdcbBYdiNufw2FP_fqCasEpR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

IWSC x Margaret River Award-Winning Wine Tasting
2023-11-01 10:00 - 16:00 | St James’s, 67 Pall Mall, London, London, SW1Y 5ES, United Kingdom
Following on from the “Save the Date”, please find here full details for the day.
You can register to attend directly via the link here or feel free to just drop Astrid and the team at Spritz a line directly and they’ll add you to the guest list.
Trade and press only.

2023 D.O. Penedes – Focus on Xarel.lo Tasting
2023-10-30 12:00 - 16:00 | ASIA House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP
At 11am guests will have the opportunity to attend a masterclass led by Álvaro Ribalta MW and Sarah Jane Evans MW, titled “Unveiling the Essence of Xarel.lo”. This class will highlight some of the unique aspects of Xarel-lo and explore the diverse variety of wines it produces. Places for the masterlcass must be prebooked in advance.
From 12 noon until 4pm the doors are open for pre-registered guests to enjoy a self-guided walk-round tasting featuring over 50 wines from around 20 wineries in the Penedès, all made from varieties native to the region. Guests will meet winemakers and representatives who will answer questions and taste with you.
The DO Penedès is well-known for its long history of winemaking, stretching back more than 2,700 years. Despite this history, the DO Penedès has managed to strike a balance between preserving their heritage and embracing modern innovations. This commitment to both old and new has given the region significant prestige and recognition within Spain and beyond.
Today, more than 60% of DO Penedès wines are organic and their goal is that by 2025, all wines released as DO Penedès must be organic.
#dopenedès
Please note that attendance at this tasting is restricted to bone fide members of the wine and hospitality industry. The event organisers reserve the right to deny admission or request evidence of professional qualifications.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2023-do-penedes-focus-on-xarello-tasting-tickets-703314722267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sud de France Top 100 Discovery Tasting
2023-10-26 10:30 - 17:00 | The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE
All will be revealed for the new 11th edition of the Sud de France Top 100 best wines from Languedoc, Roussillon & the South-West. Please come and meet visiting producers who will also show their extra choices to reflect the breadth of their production.
Registration is now open: www.suddefrancetop100.co.uk/discoveryshow
Notably, a rise in wines of £20 and over: 37% compared to 23% in 2022.
Also a surge in winning wines from co-operatives highlights the steady rise in quality in that sector: 22% in 2023 compared to 15% in 2022.
New this year, our judges recognised many strong contenders for the top trophies and added a second tier of ‘wines of distinction’ after the trophy wines.
Trade judges at the blind tasting this past July included senior buyers from Co-op, Jeroboams, Majestic Wine, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Waitrose, and specialist retailers Ellis, Jeroboams, Tanners and Wine Society.
Please contact Su-Lin Ong for further details

Let's talk about... The wines of Tokaj, with Agnes Herczeg and András Győrffy
2023-10-17 17:00 - 18:00
Let’s talk about… The wines of Tokaj, with Agnes Herczeg and András Győrffy
Hungary’s renowned Tokaj wine region – is the subject of the Circle’s next online session. Our expert speakers Agnes and András will provide a general introduction covering such topics as grape varieties and wine styles, then move on to current challenges, including global warming and market changes, and hot topics in the region, from sustainability to sparkling wines. They will conclude with discussion of the Grand Tokaj company, best known for its sweet Aszú wines.
Together, they aim to celebrate the extraordinary world of Tokaji wines.
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 17th October. The session, including Q&As, will last for approximately one hour. To register, follow the link below. Guests will be very welcome, but please let Andrea know their names.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf-mtpzMiE9RgNiWjjdGXThDaqBLxUjKu

Neusiedlersee DAC x IWSC Austrian award-winners
2023-10-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Institute of Contemporary Art (Brandon & Nash room), accessed via 12 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH
On behalf of the producers of Neusiedlersee DAC Spritz Marketing are delighted to invite you to a tasting of the most recent vintage releases on Tuesday 17 October.
They are collaborating with the IWSC who will be showcasing the recent gold and silver medal winning wines from the IWSC’s wine judging in Austria.
Press and trade are invited to register to attend the event on Eventbrite.

Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés 2019-2022
2023-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster, London, SW1P 3NZ
Join some of Bordeaux’s finest Grands Crus for a rare opportunity to taste 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 vintages.
Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien
Château Canon, Saint-Emilion
Château Canon La Gaffelière, Saint-Emilion
Château Gazin, Pomerol
Château Guiraud, Sauternes
Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien
Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe
Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan
Please register here by Friday 6th October: https://bgcc23.smartreg.co.uk/Visitors/Visitors/register
Admission to wine trade professionals and the press only

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG trade & media tasting
2023-10-10 10:30 - 16:30 | Icetank, 5, Grape Street, London, WC2H 8DW
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a category that is an underexploited opportunity for the trade. Conegliano Valdobbiadene represents the historic area for Prosecco production and it is the most important source of premium Prosecco Superiore. As Champagne prices rise, Prosecco Superiore offers an accessible alternative. The nuance and diversity of the finest wines of the region are waiting to be discovered by the UK market.

Meet 15 producers and taste the wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG in a walk around tasting and attend one of two Masterclasses hosted by Sarah Abbott MW:
11.00 – 12.30: Artisanal producers of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
A masterclass exploring the wines of seven small growers over a wide range of styles, including Sui Lieviti, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry and Dry.
14.00-15.30: Rive and Cartizze: the terroirs of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
A masterclass exploring the soil and climatic zones of the region, with wines from single vineyard Rive and Cartizze
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Asador Etxebarri, Spain exclusive winemaker dinner
2023-10-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Asador Etxebarri, San Juan Plaza, 1, 48291 Axpe, Bizkaia, Spain
Crurated will host an exclusive winemaker dinner for 12 guests at one of the most celebrated restaurants, Asador Etxebarri, located in the Basque Region, a global gastronomique center of the world. Meet the winemakers and taste a selection of wines from Pomerol’s La Conseillante and Champagne Pierre Péters. Guests will also enjoy a deliciously paired menu from Basque Chef Victor Arguinzoniz.
Please contact the organisers for availability, they will reserve up to two seats at each event for the press and therefore they are subject to availability.
Also, timings are approximate.

Louis Latour Agencies' Journey through the Southern Hemisphere Portfolio Tasting
2023-10-04 10:00 - 16:00 | ASIA House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP
Register here: tiny.cc/z0v8vz

Let's talk about... Beaujolais with Cameron Jones
2023-10-03 17:00 - 18:00
Let’s talk about… Beaujolais with Cameron Jones
Full details to follow.

Volcanic Wines of the World tasting
2023-10-02 10:00 - 20:00 | The National Liberal Club (David Lloyd George Room), One Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2HE
Still time to sign up, if not already.
The new UK-based generic organisation Volcanic Wines of the World invites you to its inaugural tastings to empower the trade in volcanic wines globally, and also offer an adventurous new event for consumers.
A few highlights of the spectacular line-up
-Some 40% of wines are new to the UK – from Tenerife, Lanzarote, Etna, Veneto, Campania, Santorini & Greece mainland, Oregon, Mosel and more.
-Meet the Makers – many visiting producers will fly in specially.
-Masterclasses eg. Alchemy of Flavour – Ever tasted a tiramisu made with a vin santo? Santorini v. mainland Greece, and more.
-Volcanic fruit, veg, cheese & wine pairings.
-Rare volcanic chardonnays curated by World Chardonnay Day.
Volcanic Wines of the World – Trade & Press Tasting, 10am-4pm
Trade & press registration HERE
Dynamic workshops and masterclasses from leading luminaries.
Updates on www.volcanicwinesoftheworld.org and on social media #VolcanicWinesoftheWorld #VWW2023
The Trade & Press event will be followed by:
Volcanic Wines of the World – Consumer showcase, 5-8pm
Taste fascinating wines from volcanic soils – Canary Islands, Italy, Greece, US, Germany and more. Enjoy tasting masterclasses, volcanic food & wine pairings, and meet the winemaker opportunities.
Tickets £35 early bird, to £50.
Also enjoy the spectacular volcano digital art show Savage Beauty by award-winning world wildlife photographer, Joseph Anthony, and other entertaining surprises.
Registration HERE
For further press information please contact direct, Volcanic Wines of the World directors
Robin Goldsmith MSc rob@writetaste.co.uk +44 (0)7941 044263
Fran Bridgewater FCIM fran@drinksnetwork.com +44 (0)7736 184124

Let's talk about... details tbc
2023-09-19 17:00 - 18:00
Let’s talk about…
Full details to follow.

Oldenburg Vineyards Masterclass and Tasting
2023-09-19 10:30 - 12:30 | The St James’s Room, 67 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES
Belleville Marketing invite you to join Oldenburg Vineyards Masterclass and Tasting
Oldenburg Vineyards is situated in an elevated valley of outstanding beauty. At the heart of the farm lies Rondekop – a spectacular round hill which influences the vineyards planted on and around it, creating an extraordinary terroir.
The unique location benefits from the camouflage of 8 Natural Elements, creating a distinctive terroir that truly reflects the place. The philosophy of working in harmony with nature provides the cornerstone for all their vinicultural activities, believing that wine is an encapsulation of what nature dies best.
Oldenburg Vineyards aims to produce stunning wines with balance and elegance at their core, taking great pride in their vineyards, team and mission to create Exceptional Wines from an Extraordinary Place.
Join Nic van Aarde – Winemaker, as he demystifies and translates Rondekop, the 8 Elements and the distinctive terroir that is found at Oldenburg Vineyards.
RSVP to: jo@bellevillemarketing.com

Coonawarra Cabernet webinar with Wine Australia
2023-09-14 10:00 - 11:00
Coonawarra Cabernet – elegance, identity and drinkability
Famous for its vivid red soil and age-worthy red wines, Coonawarra makes some of the world’s purest Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a small region, but with a big reputation. This year, a wine from Coonawarra was crowned the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon.
Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Coonawarra has 5,600 hectares of vineyards, with 62 per cent devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon. This late-ripening variety is Coonawarra’s undisputed star, producing wines that are elegant, vibrant and drinkable in their youth, yet will age wonderfully for many years.
In a conversation hosted by Sarah Ahmed, six winemakers discuss what makes Coonawarra the perfect spot for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Explore the region’s ancient landscape, its special terra rossa soil and the influence of the ocean, and find out how the wines differ from the rest of Australia and the world. Get to know the region’s community, old winemaking families and fresh new talent, and hear how wineries are combining tradition with innovation.
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is firmly in the spotlight, after picking up a haul of medals in international competitions this year.
Australia beat 20 other countries in the International Wine Challenge 2023 to claim the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, which was awarded to Riddoch The Pastoralist Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. This is one of the wines that will be discussed in the session.
This webinar is free and open to all.
Register to watch live or receive the recording.
For more information and to sign up, please visit https://www.wineaustralia.com/whats-happening/events/coonawarra-cabernet-elegance-identity-and-drinkability

Let's talk about... the OIV with Monika Christmann
2023-09-05 17:00 - 18:00
Let’s talk about… the OIV with Monika Christmann
Monika Christmann, head of Oenology / Wine Technology at the Hochschule Geisenheim University and former president of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) will speak on the role of the OIV on a global scale and its influence / impact on winemaking. She will also discuss research on climate change at Geisenheim and its implications for the future.
Full details to be sent out.

Veenus at the Amathus annual trade tasting
2023-09-05 10:30 - 18:00 | Royal Society of Chemistry, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA
Su-Lin Ong PR introduce Goldtooth Vermouth, which will launch in the UK this Autumn.
This range of small batch vermouths is blended from wine made with Spanish Parellada and Xarello grapes, and aromatized by a herbalist’s blend of wild and farmed botanicals from Ibiza.
Goldtooth was created by herbalist-blender Veenus Vortex and now partners with Amathus for UK distribution. Goldtooth Original and Goldtooth Springtime, both 15 percent abv, have gained a strong following in their Mediterranean Balearic home of Ibiza, and now also in Mallorca and Menorca. They will be the first two styles for the UK, and a new, limited edition third style specially for the UK will be released by the end of 2023. Guide retail price is £29 to £32 for a 75cl bottle.
Launch plans for the UK comprise a solid schedule of trade tastings, led by Veenus visiting individual on and off-trade outlets.
They hope you may like to come and meet Veenus at the Amathus annual trade tasting in Piccadilly, London W1 on 5 September 2023.
She’ll be there all day but if you want to fix a time please contact Su-Lin Ong direct. Veenus used to own Pinch, a wine shop in East London
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amathus-drinks-trade-wine-and-spirits-portfolio-tasting-tickets-652604767427

WineGB Trade & Press Tasting 2023
2023-09-05 10:30 - 17:30 | Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN
WineGB is announcing a new look and a brand-new venue for their Trade & Press Tasting 2023.
Taking place on Tuesday 5th September from 10.30 – 5.30pm, this year’s tasting will be at Battersea Arts Centre in London.
The tasting will be packed with different features to make it the go-to event for GB wines on the wine trade calendar:

Individual exhibitors and brands, from long-established to new arrivals
Stands representing regional vineyard associations, putting a spotlight on smaller commercial producers, some exhibiting for the first time
Focus, free-pour tables to highlight some of the styles now produced in Britain including:

o Still wines from the 2022 vintage
o 2018 Classic Method sparkling wines
o Pet Nat wines

A tasting of the Trophy Winners in the WineGB Awards 2023
Masterclass sessions in an adjoining room

Head of Marketing Julia Trustram Eve explains: “Our industry is growing fast, with plantings predicted to reach 7,500 hectares in the next decade. We felt that the time was right to refresh the tasting, explore a new venue and give the event a whole new look. There is a great deal of excitement about the sector, not only in the UK but in key export markets too, and we want to reflect that dynamism, innovation and energy in our event.
“Visitors can look forward to discovering new wines from across the UK, meeting many of the producers in person and immersing themselves in this exciting industry, all under one roof.”
To sign up for the tasting please visit: https://winegb.co.uk/events/winegb-trade-and-press-tasting/
Further information:
Madeleine Waters madeleine@wareco.co.uk 07778 702221
Notes to Editors: WineGB will be holding an Industry Briefing for press from 9.30-10.30am, before the main tasting opens. To book a place, email Madeleine Waters.

Let's talk about... An Update on Chianti Classico
2023-07-21 14:00 - 15:00
Let’s talk about… Chianti Classico
This talk will include an update on Chianti Classico’s new UGA (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) system which was introduced in 2022. Full details to be sent out.

Anglo Israel Association Wine Tasting
2023-07-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HS
Joshua London and The Anglo-Israel Association (UK registered charity No 313523) invites you to a private Israeli wine tasting reception.
The Anglo-Israel Association Wine Tasting Reception will be celebrating Israel 75 with Israeli Wines with presentations to run from 7-8 pm, followed by more canapes and wine tasting.
They will be tasting some of the very best Israel wines with Bruce Anderson, noted Drinks Critic for The Spectator, along with Eli Ben-Zaken winemaker of Domaine du Castel and Etti Edri of Yatir Winery.
Please contact Josh direct for further details.

Kedem Europe wine tasting (trade)
2023-07-11 14:30 - 17:00 | Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR
Kedem Europe, a London-based importer and distributor of specialty wines and spirits are offering complimentary invitations to their afternoon trade tasting (they have a public tasting in the evening – Kosher Food & Wine Experience / KFWE).
The event will be showcasing hundreds of different wines and dozens of different wineries from all across the wine producing world (France, Spain, USA, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, etc.) as well as some distilled spirits and liqueurs.
More information can be found here: https://www.kfwelondon.com/
Please contact Joshua London direct for further details.

Sabina Ibiza lunch
2023-07-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Sabina, Sabina Calle Motril s/n Calle Motril, Urbanización Montecarlos, Balearic Islands, s/n, 07829 Sant Agustí des Vedrà, Spain
Ecologically inspired Sabina Ibiza welcomes Crurated and 16 attendees to their five-star clubhouse for a delicious lunch-time experience. Food will be served from restaurant La Paloma and guests will meet the producers and taste wines from Domaine Vincent Dancer and Domaine Pierre Girardin.
Please contact the organisers for availability, they will reserve up to two seats at each event for the press and therefore they are subject to availability.
Also, timings are approximate.

Let's talk about... Crémant and charmat in the Loire Valley, and reviving an ancient grape variety
2023-07-07 14:00 - 15:00
Let’s talk about… Crémant and charmat in the Loire Valley, and reviving an ancient grape variety
Learn about intriguing initiatives from leading sparkling wine house Ackerman. Confirmation and more information shortly.
Please note the timing of 2-3pm BST (TBC)

Let's talk about... Naturally Bordeaux
2023-06-16 14:00 - 15:00
Let’s talk about… Naturally Bordeaux
Naturally Bordeaux is a group of three organic winemakers from Bordeaux, Château Fourcas Hosten, Château Jean Faure and Château de La Dauphine, who are focussed on developing sustainable winemaking. More details to follow.

Trip to Champagne region
2023-06-12 - 2023-06-14
Join Crurated for a special trip for only 10 lucky guests to the Champagne region with visits to top estates. Attendees will also dine at family maisons and exclusive restaurants and meet producers that include Mathieu Roland-Billecart, CEO of Billecart-Salmon, Frédéric Rouzaud, owner of Louis Roederer, Alexandre Chartogne of Chartogne-Taillet, Raphaël Bérêche of Bérêche et Fils, Rodolphe Péters of Pierre Péters. Luxury accommodations will be provided by Residence Eisenhower.
Please contact the organisers for availability, they will reserve up to two places at each event for the press and therefore they are subject to availability.

Tim Atkin’s 2023 Chile Report - masterclass & tasting
2023-06-05 14:00 - 17:30 | ASIA House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP
“Researching this report – my seventh – was more pleasurable than ever. I’ve had a front row seat to witness the changes of the last decade, and I couldn’t be happier about what has happened. After all, I was the person who described Chile as the “Volvo of the wine industry”, a justified comment that it took me a long time to live down”. Tim Atkin MW – April 2023
Tim Atkin MW dedicated just over three weeks during December 2022 in Chile to compile his seventh Chilean Special Report, his most comprehensive to date, where he discovered new wineries and wines, as well as tasting new releases.
Wines of Chile invite you to attend a masterclass featuring a selection of wines that received accolades from Tim’s 2023 Podium. Each winemaker will join the masterclass (via Zoom) and discuss with Tim their wines, giving a fascinating and anecdotal update from Chile.
Timings: Tasting opens: 14:00 – 17:30 pm
Masterclass: 15:00 – 16:30pm
To compliment the masterclass, there is a free pour tasting of wines that Tim awarded 90 or more points to, the tasting line-up includes:
• Wineries that are seeking representation in the market
• Wineries of all sizes – boutique to large production
• Ancestral, single varietals and blends
• A fortified wine made from Grenache & Monastrell
• A chardonnay-based blend made from vintages between 2017 and 2020
You can register your attendance to the tasting or to both the masterclass and tasting via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/619018680537
Please let Wines of Chile know if you need any further information on the above event (info@winesofchile.org.uk)
To purchase Tim’s report: https://timatkin.com/product/2023-chile-special-report/
Please note that this event is only open to bona fide members of the trade and press (your trade credentials may be requested).

Let's talk about... The alternatives to glass bottles
2023-06-02 14:00 - 15:00
Friday 2nd June, 2-3 pm BST [Image – Cramel Recas – PET wine bottle trial]
We have secured presenters who have first-hand experience of the effectiveness of alternatives to glass. They include Philip Cox on Recas winery’s innovative PET bottle and Nick Taylor of Laithwaites on paper bottles, who will be joined by a speaker on cans. Are they sustainable alternatives? This is one of the many questions you may have. Please join us. More details to follow.
