CWW - Let's talk about... Threats and opportunities for Abruzzo, Europe’s most biodiverse region, with Rodrigo Redmont
2024-05-21 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London)
This is a very special Let’s talk about… online seminar – number 100 in the series!
Welcome to the mountainous and geologically fascinating region of Abruzzo, set between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Despite its importance – it is Italy’s fifth most productive wine region, ahead of Toscana and Piemonte – it is woefully little known or understood.
Our speaker, Rodrigo Redmont, will aim to correct that. Following a general introduction to the region, he will highlight changes in Abruzzo classifications and the rising importance of private wineries alongside the large co-operatives that revived the region’s fortunes in the 20th century. Climate change and such economic challenges as the decrease in wine consumption will also feature in Rodrigo’s presentation, as he explains how Abruzzo is particularly well able to respond to the pressures of both.
He will also cover the activity of the Custodes Laureti Association, where six wineries, including Talamonti, have come together to protect and enhance the landscape, agriculture and heritage of the area around the historic village of Loreto Aprutino.
Rodrigo, who is of American origin but was raised in Italy, established Talamonti in 2001 with his fiancé as the latest step in a wine career which has included managing export sales in a number of leading Italian wine estates, inclding Castello Banfii.
Today, Talamonti is considered one of the country’s fastest growing sustainable boutique wineries, exporting its annual production of 200,000 cases to 65 countries.
For further information see: www.tenutatalamonti.it and Facebook @TenutaTalamonti, Instagram tenutatalamonti, Youtube Tenuta Talamonti, X (Twitter) 7 @TenutaTalamonti
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 21st May. 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/tZElfuqopj8rGdZTfEHT2lpboJX2-TDngTvU
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

CWW - Let's taste... Maremma rosé with Elisabetta Ceccariglia and Liz Gabay MW
2024-05-29 15:00 - 16:00
CWW – Let’s taste… Maremma rosé with Elisabetta Ceccariglia and Liz Gabay MW
Wednesday 29th May, 3pm BST
We’re delighted to announce the first CWW Let’s taste… online session of 2024, when Liz Gabay MW and producers from six wineries will discuss the highly individual rosé wines of Maremma, on the southern shores of Tuscany.
Maremma rosés cover a range of styles, originating from a complex combination of soils and varieties, with their defining character a combination of ripe fruit and saline minerality. The tasting will be led by Circle member and rosé expert Liz Gabay MW. Samples of new vintage wines from six wineries, Ampeleia, Azienda Bruni, Cantina I Vini di Maremma, Fattoria di Magliano, Moris Farms, Tenuta Monteti will be available to members based on the East Coast of the US (3 sample packs) as well as the UK and Europe (20 packs).
We ask members – particularly those in the US because of longer delivery times – to express interest asap (as there is limited availability). Full details will be circulated shortly, but please note that as with our previous ‘Let’s taste….’ seminars there will be a minimal charge to take part in the tasting and to receive samples to cover our administrative costs. Members who do not receive the samples are of course welcome to join the seminar, in which case there is no charge.
Please reply to Andrea/Helen on administrator@circleofwinewriters.orgpm

CWW - Let's talk about... Sustainability in drought conditions with Domaine Lafage and Cheval des Andes
2024-06-04 17:00 - 18:00
Across the globe climate change is challenging wine growers. One issue of increasing concern is drought, in areas where rainfall has long been limited but now also hitting vineyard regions once considered wet. Cheval des Andes, high in Mendoza and in the Uco Valley, and Domaine Lafage, whose vineyards stretch from the Mediterranean shore into the Pyrenean foothills, are showing how to counter this threat with practices which increase soil water retention.
Our presenters are Gérald Gabillet, technical director at Cheval des Andes, and Jean-Marc Lafage, founder of Domaine Lafage and leading wine producer in Roussillon. Their approaches have similarities in their emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity but there are differences too. In Argentina, a major emphasis on agroecology, with planting of native trees plus a return to the polyculture of the past. The Lafage soils in Roussillon are particularly benefitting from the water and nutrient retention properties of Biochar, and there is experimentation with drought resistant grape varieties. Our speakers will explain how their efforts will provide examples to winemakers worldwide.
Gérald Gabillet studied winemaking and oenology in Bordeaux and has held senior posts at major Bordeaux estates, including Château Angelus. He works closely with Cheval des Andes’ parent estate, Cheval Blanc, in creating its ‘grand cru’ of the Andes. Sustainability is at the core of the initiative. Before establishing his own domaine in 1995 Jean-Marc Lafage worked in Australia and Chile, and was chief winemaker for the French group Foncalieu. He now owns 350ha and also works on winemaking projects in France, Spain and Chile. Most recently he has been much involved in climate change and drought R&D projects with the University of Montpellier. He is considered a pioneer in how to ‘cultivate’ water.
For further information see: www.chevaldesandes.com and www.domaine-lafage.com
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 4th June. 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/tZwod-qsrj0tHdaCOkJeOvXR7kMJmeu_YvRF
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The Ultimate CEE Wine Fair Premieres in London
2024-06-18 10:00 - 17:00 | St John’s Church, Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8TY
The Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) Wine Fair will debut in London on Tuesday 18th June 2024 to showcase the diverse wine scene at the heart of Europe.
This is the first tasting of its kind, being organised by Wine Communication, and will bring together producers from a wide range of countries throughout the Central and Eastern Europe region, from the Danube to the Black Sea.
A cross regional tasting event of this kind has never been organized before and there are plans for it to evolve in years to come. Featuring producers from 14 countries, will be a great opportunity for trade and press to discover the incredible diversity of unique grapes from Alibernet and Areni to Zghihară and Žilavka and taste wines from countries from the region’s western to eastern borders.
Exhibitors will include wineries that are seeking representation in the UK market as well as distributors and importers who already have CEE wines in their portfolio.
The event is being organised by Zsuzsa Toronyi and Caroline Gilby MW of Wine Communication, specialists in the wines of CEE, who have carefully curated a list of quality producers to celebrate some of the best wines from this untapped part of Europe.
Caroline Gilby MW says, “I’ve been working in and writing about this region since the beginning of the modern era, and I’ve seen a complete revolution in winemaking. I have long wanted to share these wines with their authentic but personal stories and tales of challenges overcome. This wine fair is a great opportunity to do just that along with my like-minded event partner Zsuzsa Toronyi.”
Zsuzsa Toronyi adds, “The idea is to move beyond individual country borders to gain more attention than any one country can achieve on its own. Stronger together. Not just working collaboratively to raise awareness of these wines and winemakers, but also the strong links between the different wine growing regions from the grapes grown and the history, through to vine cultivation.
“For the UK trade, wines from Central and Eastern Europe offer a great opportunity to add interest and excitement, along with new stories, to their wine ranges. After all this is the last undiscovered part of the wine world with deep authentic roots, unique grapes, and modern winemaking combining to bring high quality in the bottle.”
As part of the event, Caroline will lead 2 masterclasses introducing the audience to the countries and their wines. Wineries seeking distribution will be represented by owners or wine makers, while producers with UK agents will be looking to raise awareness with press, retailers, independents and sommeliers.
Mark your calendars for this must-do tasting and sign up here: https://bit.ly/TheUltimateCEEWineFair
If you would like more details about the tasting, or would like to interview Caroline or Zsuzsa for more details: eleanor@randr.co.uk

CWW - Let's talk about... Through the Lens: Getting the Shot, Getting the Story with Kevin Day
2024-06-18 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for……
Through the Lens: Getting the Shot, Getting the Story. Wine writer and photographer Kevin Day will share practical advice for capturing the essence of wine and place through both written and photographic storytelling.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkcO6vrTssEtD7T638wfGHUDDeXGskf6Od
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Watch this space for full details in due course or contact Andrea/Helen on administrator@circleofwinewriters.org

Fine Rosé Day
2024-06-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Trivet, 36 Snowfields, London, SE1 3SU, United Kingdom
Circle member Elizabeth Gabay MW and Ben Bernheim are organising their first Fine Rosé Day in London on 19th June 2024, exploring over 50 of the world’s most exciting rose wines; new and old vintages, innovative wine making, old vines, unusual varieties, small producers, from all over the world. Please do contact Liz or Ben if you would like to attend.

Bredon Wine Fayre
2024-06-29 12:00 - 18:00 | Deer Park Vineyard, Worcestershire, WR10 3DN
Deer Park Vineyard is excited to announce the launch of the Bredon Wine Fayre, June 29th 2024. Worcestershire, WR10 3DN.
The Bredon Wine Fayre is a celebration of the best of British wine, from the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
The Fayre is perfectly timed to extend English Wine Week, and show off how far this exciting new sector has progressed in the past 10 years.
With multiple award-winning vineyards and champagne style cider producers, guests will be able to sample over 30 premium British wines, both still and sparkling. Surprising them with premium quality wine that is grown on their doorstep.
Featuring expert talks on viticulture and the wine making process, as well as knowledgeable sommeliers talking you through the day’s wines.
With vineyards tours, Masterclass tutored tastings, live music, and quality local foods and craftspeople, the Bredon Wine Fayre is set to be a fantastic day out, and an absolute must in any wine lover’s calendar!

CWW - Let's talk about... How sustainable is Burgundy? with Richard Bampfield MW
2024-07-02 17:00 - 18:00
Sustainability has many aspects, as Richard will make clear in this important topical discussion. He will cover environmental sustainability: the current situation with regards to frost, hail, mildew, drought, organics/biodynamic/conventional and, generally, the impact of the ever more extreme climate.
Also on the agenda are social sustainability: workers’ welfare and employment; and economic sustainability: the impact of variable yields, interest rates, pricing and land values.
Richard, Master of Wine, CWW member and past chairman of the Association of Wine Educations, regularly visits Burgundy as part of his work with Maison Albert Bichot. A graduate in French from Cambridge University, he decided the wine trade was the best place to practise his French and pursue his nascent interest in wine. Following ten-year spells in retail and with Australian producer Brown Brothers he is now freelance and is best known for his work with Lidl.
He urges everyone joining this webinar to pour a glass of Burgundy – red, white or sparkling – to enter into the essence of the discussion.
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 2nd July. 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.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvcu2qpz4qG9U5Td2Iq6kLWslj2_-vrPT3

CWW - Let's talk about... The influence of water on making wine in New York with Roman Roth and Colleen & Seb Hardy
2024-07-16 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for…..
The influence of water on making wine in New York with Roman Roth, winemaker, Wolffer Estate, Long Island, and Colleen & Seb Hardy, owners, Living Roots, Finger Lakes.
Watch this space for full details in due course or contact Andrea/Helen on administrator@circleofwinewriters.org

CWW - Let's talk about... Behind the Scenes at the Old Vine Registry with Alder Yarrow
2024-09-03 17:00 - 18:00
In the next of the Circle’s Let’s talk about… webinars Alder, pioneer wine blogger, author and columnist for jancisrobinson.com, will provide a timely update on the Old Vine Registry, the world’s first and most authoritative database of old vine vineyards around the globe, which was set up just over a year ago. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
Alder will explain the story behind the database, describe how it was built and how it is evolving, indicate how helpful it is to wine communicators and reveal some highlights among the information it contains. There will also be guidance on how users can contribute to the database and become more involved with it, plus time for questions and answers.
Described by San Francisco Magazine as ‘the wine world’s brightest cyberstar.’, Alder, a Circle member, has been publishing vinography.com daily since 2004. His book The Essence of Wine has been highly praised. In his spare time, he helps to run the non-profit Glancy Wine Education Foundation and is volunteer project manager for the Old Vine Registry.
See more at oldvineregistry.org, vinography.com, jancisrobinson.com
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 3rd September. 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 here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldOmorD4oEtzLTSCfA77YC0H7bOlogBYv
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you then.
If you can’t attend the live session, there will be a recording available to watch afterwards on the Circle’s YouTube channel (links to this and earlier sessions are in the members’ area of the website).
Michèle Shah & Liz Sagues, CWW online events organisers
More dates for your diary:
September 17th Let’s talk about Trebbiano in Tuscany with Asa Johansson
October 21st Taste the Virginia Governor’s Cup Case with Frank Morgan, live in London

Wines of Tejo Tasting & Masterclasses in Manchester - "Portugal's undiscovered wine region defined by its great river"
2024-09-16 11:00 - 17:00 | The Memorial Hall, The Fountain House, 14 Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5PE
11 of Tejo’s leading producers are bringing a selection of their diverse, relevant and exceptional value wines to Manchester!
Portugal’s oldest, fifth largest and least discovered wine region, Tejo is a close winemaking community located 30 minutes inland from Lisbon, dominated by the River Tejo which runs through the heart of the wine growing area imparting a distinctive freshness to all of its wines with its cool breezes and morning mists which cover the valley. The region’s multitude of microclimates, abundance of indigenous and international varieties and distinctive terroirs create a rich breadth of styles from everyday drinking to complex, estate grown wines.
The tasting will include two in-depth masterclasses led by Tejo expert Dirceu Vianna Junior MW – one taking a deep dive into the region’s two flagship varieties and the other focussing on Tejo’s diverse terroirs and microclimates.
There will also be a chance to taste wines from Campo do Tejo. Fresh, vibrant, zesty, lower alcohol whites made from the Tejo’s flagship grape Fernão Pires by a collaboration of wineries from the Campo terroir on the banks of the Tejo.
Come and be surprised by Tejo Wines!
4 producers are already in the market and 7 are looking for UK distribution. View the list of exhibitors here
Masterclasses led by Tejo Expert Dirceu Vianna Junior MW
11.30am-12.30pm – “EXCITING INDIGENOUS VARIETIES OF TEJO” – exploring different styles of wine made from two of the region’s most emblematic grape varieties: Fernão Pires and Castelão. Their versality will be demonstrated by tasting sparkling, still white and red wines as well as age-worthy fortified wine.
2.00pm-3.00pm – “WORLD CLASS WINES FROM AN UNFAMILIAR TERROIR” – discussing the various terroirs of the Tejo region and focussing on wines from different microclimates including some of the region’s best wines.
Registration via email: emma@eviva.co.uk
Strictly trade and press only

CWW - Let's talk about... Trebbiano in Tuscany with Åsa Johansson
2024-09-17 17:00 - 18:00
In the next of the Circle’s Let’s talk about… webinars Asa Johansson, freelance writer for Swedish and international publications and a specialist in Italian wines, will be joined by three prominent producers to explain how the often-overlooked Trebbiano Toscano is experiencing a resurgence in its homeland. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
Traditionally, Trebbiano Toscano was relegated to simple white table wines or blended into Chianti and Vin Santo. However, many producers in Chianti Classico are now investing in the variety with the aim of crafting age-worthy quality wines. Identical to France’s Ugni Blanc, it remains one of Italy’s most widely planted grapes, ranking fifth with more than 20,000 hectares under vine. Among white-wine grapes, only Catarratto has a larger footprint there.
Three prominent figures in this renaissance will join Asa: Stefano Capurso, CEO of Dievole; Sofia Ruhne, owner of Terreno; and young winemakers and owners Maddalena Fucile and Matteo Vaccari from Cigliano di Sopra. They will share their insights on Tuscany’s rising star and its journey back into the spotlight.
Topics to be explored will be the historical significance of Trebbiano in Tuscan viticulture and winemaking, the challenges and opportunities from vineyard to bottle, and the wine styles that producers are focusing on today.
Asa, a Circle member, moved to Italy from Sweden in 2001. She writes on wine, food and travel for Decanter, Quench Magazine, Corriere Vinicolo, Svenksa Dagbladet and more. She started Sweden’s first podcast on Italian wines, Italienpodden.se and produces her own Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, La Collina Blu.
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 17th September. 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 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-6qrD8tEtY7dLZ6vzKPlxBsr8ArFxS1
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Moet Hennessy brands tasting
2024-09-19 | 18 Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0DH
Spritz Marketing invite you to save the date.
Further information to be shared in the coming weeks.

IWSC Margaret River Award-Winning Wine Tasting
2024-09-23 10:00 - 16:00 | 67, Pall Mall, St James’s Room, London, SW1Y 5ES
Following the recent judging of wines from Australia’s Margaret River, Spritz Marketing invite you to attend a tasting of the IWSC’s 2024 award-winning wines.
Save your space if you haven’t already through Eventbrite. Book here.

CWW - Coravin - celebrating a decade of innovation in wine technology, with Greg Lambrecht
2024-10-01 17:00 - 18:00
For the next of the Circle’s Let’s talk about… webinars we are delighted to welcome back Greg, inventor and founder of Coravin. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
The Coravin preservation system uses a non-coring needle to pass through the cork of a sealed bottle, allowing small amounts of wine to be poured without damage to what remains – an invaluable aid particularly for those needing to taste multiple wines. Greg will share the story of Coravin’s evolution, featuring the first-ever prototypes – still functional today – and highlighting key milestones.
He’ll explore how global markets have adopted Coravin, from fine-dining establishments to increasingly popular at-home wine-by-the-glass cellars. He will also discuss his perspective on industry trends, such as sustainability and the rising demand for premium wines, and how these shifts are shaping the future of wine technology.
Greg is uniquely placed to explain everything about Coravin, the result of a convergence of his passion for wine with engineering degrees and a successful career in medical technologies.
For more, see coravin.co.uk or coravin.com (US).
NB Remember that there is generous discount on Coravin products for Circle members.
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 1st 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 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuf-qgpz0vGtyfVIVn8k2R6uegxUO3JQqR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you then.
If you can’t attend the live session, there will be a recording available to watch afterwards on the Circle’s YouTube channel (links to this and earlier sessions are in the members’ area of the website).
Michèle Shah & Liz Sagues, CWW online events organisers
More dates for your diary:
October 15th: Let’s talk about… Sherry – sustainability and more, with Victoria González-Gordon López de Carrizosa
October 21st Taste the Virginia Governor’s Cup Case with Frank Morgan, live in London

DRINK JAPAN
2024-10-04 12:00 - 16:00 | St Mary’s Church, York Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 1PQ
DRINK JAPAN is bringing the best of Japanese sake, shochu, whisky, beer, wine and spirits to London Friday 4th – Saturday 5th October! Don’t miss out on the chance to meet the producers flying over especially to bring new wave and exclusive artisan drinks straight to you. For more information on who’s exhibiting, please visit the Drink Japan website.
This event will be open exclusively to the trade 12:00 – 16:00 on Friday 4th October to bring you closer to the drinks, brands and producers redefining the Japanese drinks industry. Further sessions are open to both consumers and trade: 4th October (Fri) 17:00 – 21:00 and 5th October (Sat) 12:00 – 16:00 and 17:00 – 21:00.
Food sampling, including sushi bento boxes and top grade Hida Wagyu beef, will be available to trade attendees from the food court on Friday afternoon, for a full Japanese food and drink experience.
The way to sign up is to register, using this QR to complete the Eventbrite form to register for trade entry on either day. A business card or other proof of trade accreditation will be necessary to confirm free access on the day.

Mount Langi Ghiran, Langi Shiraz an icon Masterclass, free pour tasting and buffet lunch
2024-10-07 10:30 - 14:00 | 67, Pall Mall, St James’s Room, London, SW1Y 5ES
Spritz Marketing invite you to join Mounth Langi winemaker Darren Rathbone, together with Matthew Jukes for a retrospective tasting.
10.30am – 12.00pm Masterclass
12.00pm – 14.00pm free pour tasting and buffet lunch
Spaces are very limited, but to express your interest email astrid@spritzmarketing.co.uk

Sustainability In Drinks exhibition
2024-10-15 10:30 - 17:30 | St Mary’s, Wyndham Place, London, w1h 1pq
Members are invited to attend the Sustainability In Drinks exhibition. If you have any interest in this topic you’ll find more advice, information and sustainably accredited products under one roof on one day than ever before in the UK . Please see below for more detail about this initiative.
Please register here: https://sustainabilityindrinks.com/visitor-registration-form/
ABOUT SUSTAINABIILTY IN DRINKS
The inaugural Sustainability in Drinks trade fair and exhibition on 15th October in London will feature the largest collaboration of global advisory bodies within the drinks industry, ever staged in the UK. What started as a simple idea to showcase the very best in drinks production, products, services and support ‘under one roof’ has grown into an unrivalled resource for all members of the drinks trade and press with exhibitors, thought leaders and visitors from around the world.
The organisers have managed to co-opt the support of 20 of the foremost advisors and experts who will contribute to SID Talks including how to get started on your sustainable journey, debates on packaging, regenerative practices, the race to net zero and creating sustainable supply chains. This is in addition to SID Associates having a physical presence or representation at the event, including Porto Protocol, IWCA (International Wineries for Climate Action), WSTA (Wines and Spirits Trade Association), Carbon Literacy Project, Carbon Trust and the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation – to name just a handful of contributors.
Other exhibitors include some of the UK’s leading importers, some incredible producers (including Catena, Emiliana, Gil Family Estate, Journey’s End, and Santa Tresa to name a few) and generic groups from Alentejo, New Zealand and Austria, spirits, beers, packaging, labelling and cork manufacturers. You’ll find the most recent list here: Exhibitors – sustainabilityindrinks.com
Talking with Vanya Cullen in London last week, she said “Climate change is the biggest challenge in the industry. I take my hat off to you for giving it a go!”. We hope you agree and hope you’ll support this very necessary and interesting event.
For more information contact Judy Kendrick at hello@sustainabilityindrinks.com / judy@jkmarketing.co.uk

CWW - Let's talk about... Sustainability in Jerez and beyond, with Victoria González-Gordon
2024-10-15 17:00 - 18:00
The next of the Circle’s Let’s talk about… webinars will focus on how the crucial challenge of sustainability is being faced in Spain, in both the sherry heartland and other wine-producing regions. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
Victoria González-Gordon, fifth generation member of the González Byass wine family, is responsible for leading all the company’s sustainability practices, a responsibility she took on in 2022 after directing the international marketing department for more than 15 years.
From its beginnings in Jerez in 1835, González Byass has grown to today’s 14 wineries, producing premium wines and spirits in Spain, Chile, and Mexico. Central to all it does is the preservation of the natural environment for the generations to come.
One current example of this commitment is the Vineyard Angel project launched in 2021, an initiative seeking to retrieve, maintain and preserve Spain’s old vineyards. Work is already underway at sites in Rueda and Penedès and more will be added. Much else besides – from biological plant health treatment to provision of free solar-powered electric vehicle charging points at its wineries – contributes to the company’s sustainability programme. Join Victoria to learn more.
See gonzalezbyass.com/int-en/sostenibilidad
To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 15th 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 here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcuivrzwrEtbIJ7UerGBJjU7kGJU4zUcr
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you then.
If you can’t attend the live session, there will be a recording available to watch afterwards on the Circle’s YouTube channel (links to this and earlier sessions are in the members’ area of the website).
Michèle Shah & Liz Sagues, CWW online events organisers
Unfortunately, the final event this month, the live tasting of the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case in London, on October 21st has had to be postponed as the presenter, Frank Morgan, is unexpectedly unable to travel to the UK. We hope to reschedule it early next year. Meanwhile, watch out for invitations for the November Let’s talk about sessions, to be held on the 5th and 19th, when we’ll travel to Italy and Cyprus.

Celebration of Stephen Barrett's life - London, 15th Oct
2024-10-15 17:00 - 18:30 | St Mary’s, Wyndham Place, London, w1h 1pq
We are organising a celebration of Stephen’s life when Circle and AWE members can share their memories of Stephen and also raise a glass to him. This life celebration will be held after the Sustainability In Drinks Event (SID) being organised by JK Marketing.
Please let us know if you plan to attend this event by replying to this email and also if you know of other friends who knew Stephen and would like to share in this celebration.
We are grateful to Judy Kendrick who has offered us the venue for this. Judy has requested that if you plan to attend if you could register with her so you have a badge and are official visitors. On the registration form there’s a question about why you want to visit, please add ‘drinks for Stephen’ or similar (unless of course you are attending the SID event). https://sustainabilityindrinks.com/visitor-registration-form/
We look forward to seeing you then.

The 6th Edition of The Old Vine Conference - online
2024-10-17 14:00 - 18:00, 2024-10-18 10:00 - 14:00
Gain invaluable insight on the subject of old vines from around the world and a deeper understanding of the role that old vines play in the wine industry’s adaptation to climate change & sustainability. The conference will take place live, on-line, across two days at different times of the day. It’s free to register >https://www.oldvines.org/the-old-vine-conference-2024

Pessac-Léognan L'Esprit Bordeaux Masterclass
2024-10-21 11:00 - 15:30 | The St James’s Room, 67 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES
Masterclass from 11am – 1pm followed by a light lunch
Free Pour Tasting from 2pm – 3.30pm
Jacques Lurton, President of the appellation accompanied by Séverine Bonnie of Château Malartic-Lagravière, Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier, Ghislain Boutemy of Château Haut-Lagrange and Marc Perrin of Château Carbonnieux will conduct a tasting and present Pessac-Léognan, L’Esprit Bordeaux. They will be joined by semiotician Pascal Beucler who worked with the appellation on their re-branding.

2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Tasting - LAST FEW PLACES AVAILABLE
2024-10-21 11:30 - 14:30 | 10 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DH
Tickets can be purchased via the PAYMENTS page on the website. Places are now limited so please check with Andrea for availability. For more details about this tasting followed by light lunch please read on…..
About the event?
A tasting of the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case, the top 12 scoring wines from the 2024 Governor’s Cup wine competition. The 2024 Case includes seven red wines, five whites and one sparkling wine, representing three regions across the Commonwealth — the Monticello AVA, Northern Virginia, and Shenandoah Valley.
In its 42nd year, the competition received 752 entries from over 135 producers across the state this year. Wines were tasted and evaluated by 36 judges over two rounds. To see the full list of medallists, visit virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards.
The tasting will be led by Virginia Governor’s Cup Director of Judging Frank Morgan who is also a fellow Circle member. The tasting will be followed by a light lunch. The event is being sponsored by Virginia Wine.
Timing: 11.30 am – 2.30 pm starting with the tasting and followed by a light lunch.
Cost: £15 for members, £20 for AWE members, £25 for guests
We do hope you can make it and please reserve your place now via this link.

CWW - Let's talk about... The diversity of modern Italian winemaking and its adaptation to climate change, with Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella
2024-11-05 17:00 - 18:00
The next of the Circle’s Let’s talk about… webinars will presented by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, who are ranked among Italy’s top winemakers and have both made important contributions to the quality and diversity of modern Italian wine. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
They will talk from their different perspectives, Riccardo as consultant to more than 100 major wineries in Europe and beyond, and Renzo as head of one of Italy’s most acclaimed family wineries.
Riccardo, founder of consulting company Ciasso Cotarella, professor of oenology at the University of Tuscia and recognised as the President of Global Enologists and National President of Assoenologi, Italy’s national enologist association, stresses the importance of distinctiveness that sets Italy apart: “So many grape varieties, so many territories, so many appellations, so much diversity within the same appellations, varieties of soils, exposures, microclimates.” Alongside that lies the human element, and he puts great emphasis on the value of the co-operative system. “Fifty-four per cent of wine in Italy is produced by co-operatives today, and this also gives them a great responsibility for the future of our country’s wine.”
For Renzo, who is responsible for Famiglia Cotarella 200 hectares of vines and nearly two million bottle annual production, climate change is both a challenge and an opportunity. “We obviously cannot change the climate, but we can certainly manage it.” Referring to the present desire for refined, more varietally characteristic yet intense wines, after the powerful, very rich styles of the 1980s and 90s, he highlights the ‘turning point’ as older vineyards are replanted. “In the face of past experience and the current change in climate and style, we ask ourselves: how should we do it?’
To join what promises to be a very stimulating seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm GMT on Tuesday 5th 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 meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-6opj8iHNzjdb0rIZp7uF3HrrsHGCCo
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you then.
If you can’t attend the live session, there will be a recording available to watch afterwards on the Circle’s YouTube channel (links to this and earlier sessions are in the members’ area of the website).
Michèle Shah & Liz Sagues, CWW online events organisers
The final Let’s talk about… in 2024 – number 110 in the series – will be on November 19th, when Marcos Zambartas will be presenting modern Cyprus, visited by Circle members earlier this year.

Neusiedlersee, Niederösterreich & IWSC Wine Tasting
2024-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | The Stables, WC2H 9LH
Spritz Marketing invite you to taste the IWSC’s 2024 medal-winning Austrian wines, together with the latest releases from Neusiedlersee DAC and Niederösterreich.
If you haven’t already done so, tickets can be booked through Eventbrite. Book here.

Les Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Annual Tasting
2024-11-14 10:00 - 15:45 | 67, Pall Mall, St James’s Room, London, SW1Y 5ES
Format: Free pour tasting
Armelle Cruse, Vice President of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc will be presenting a selection of wines from the remarkable 2022 vintage, the final vintage of the current 2020 classification. Wines will be from across the 3 tier system: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. Please join us to celebrate the success of the 2020 classification and to learn more about the upcoming 2025.

IWSC Award-Winning Chinese Wine Tasting
2024-11-14 10:00 - 16:00 | China Exchange, 32A Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JA
On behalf of the wine judges of the IWSC, Spritz Marketing invite you to taste the award-winning wines from the 2024 wine judging in China.
This is bound to be an interesting opportunity to taste a range of wines from China. Book your place via Eventbrite here.

CWW - Let's talk about... Cyprus wine: a historical review 1920s - 2020s, by Marcos Zambartas
2024-11-19 17:00 - 18:00
For the final Circle Let’s talk about… webinar of 2024 we are delighted to welcome Marcos Zambartas, who members on the Circle trip to Cyprus earlier this year will happily remember. As usual, the webinar is on a Tuesday at 5pm UK time, with advance registration.
This session will be an opportunity to be reintroduced to the Cypriot wine industry. Marcos will describe 100 years of wine making on the island, from the 1920s to 2020s. He will cover the progress from homemade wine in traditional clay pots to multi-million-litre production units exporting in bulk to all continents, and on to today when there is a 90% drop in vineyard land but quality is as high as ever. What are the lessons of the past and what will the future bring?
Marcos is owner and MD of Zambartas Winery, a medium-size winery near Limassol founded in 2005. He joined the family company after completing degrees in chemistry at Imperial College, London, and oenology at Adelaide University, and in 2014 he succeeded his father in managing the winery. Today, Marcos oversees all operations and sets the strategy and goals of the winery. He is the winery’s ‘face’ in promotional activities locally and internationally, is a Master of Wine student and is involved with the 14-strong growers association WINECORE (WINEries’ of Cyprus Own Rooted Evolution), which focuses on promoting and elevating Cyprus’s unique local varieties.
See @Marcos Zambartas, @Zambartas Wines, #cypruswine www.zambartaswineries.com
To join this Zoom seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm GMT on Tuesday 19th 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 here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-ChqTksHNRlgxU8C-Ok_41cRbplQkAz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
We look forward to seeing you then.
If you can’t attend the live session, there will be a recording available to watch afterwards on the Circle’s YouTube channel (links to this and earlier sessions are in the members’ area of the website).
Michèle Shah & Liz Sagues, CWW online events organisers
Already on the schedule for 2025, when the first Let’s talk about will be held on January 7th, are an update on Jura from Circle member Wink Lorch and explanation of regenerative viticulture with a presenter from the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.

Can You Taste Chilean Terroir?
2024-11-21 11:00 - 14:00 | St James’ Room, 67 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES
A talk & blind tasting hosted by Tim Aitkin MW & Ventisquero’s Filipe Tosso. Including VWE’s new range from Chile’s most extreme southerly vineyards. Guest Speaker Professor Alex Maltman.
