october – december 2016 - the wine society · wine dinners & special events fine food and...

thewinesociety.com/tastingsthewinesociety.com/tastings

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2016

3080 TWS T&E Oct-Dec 2016 AW.indd 1 27/06/2016 17:20

BOOKING INFORMATION

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

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

Tickets are usually despatched with your invoice.

Late cancellation for all tastings

We reserve the right to cancel or postpone any function if insufficient tickets are sold, in which case any purchase will be refunded.

If you need to cancel tickets purchased for an event, refunds will only be given if we are notified at least 14 days before a wine dinner or at least seven days before our other events. Refunds will only be given after this time if we are able to re-sell your tickets.

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

We offer a 10% discount on the standard price of wines tasted to all members attending who place an order before 8pm the following evening. In some exceptional circumstances (where wines are either in low stock or unavailable), we will be unable to offer this discount. Should this be the case, members will be made aware at the tasting.

GUIDE TO TASTINGS An overview of each tasting and event

Pages 3 – 9

INFORMAL, WALK-AROUND TASTINGSRelaxed, fun and very enjoyable

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

Page 10 – 12

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

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

Page 13 – 15

WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTSFine food and fine wine

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

Pages 16 – 22

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

Our lunches are very popular, with an aperitif, a tour of the cellars and a four-course seated lunch. We also offer a selection of workshops and winemaker dinners in our Members’ Room.

Pages 23

THE SOCIETY IN FRANCEDine in France and take advantage of the favourable duty rates

The Society hosts a series of popular wine dinners in and around Montreuil.

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

If they apply for membership of The Society after the event, they will receive a £20 credit on their account.

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


3

GUIDE TO TASTINGS An overview of each tasting and event INFORMAL, WALK-AROUND TASTINGS Relaxed, fun and very enjoyable

SOMETHING SPECIALThe 20 wines at this informal walk-around tasting range from £15 to £50 a bottle, offering members the chance to taste a host of special wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône, Tuscany, Piedmont and Rioja, as well as the upper end of what the new world has to offer.

The Society’s range of wines is rightly hailed as offering great value to members at all price points. Much of what we sell is under £20 per bottle and this is reflected in the choices we make in the wines we put on at our informal walk-around tastings; it does mean, however, that some of the gems that reside higher up the price scale can be overlooked. These two special tastings aim to redress the balance!

You are warmly invited to come and explore the upper reaches of our List!

LONDON

Merchant Taylors’ Hall 30 Threadneedle Street EC2R 8JB

Monday 3rd October From: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161003

BRIGHTON

Brighton Dome Church Street BN1 1UE

Tuesday 4th OctoberFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161004

3To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177


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

To view videos thewinesociety.com/tastings-videos4

BORDEAUX UNDER ONE ROOFBordeaux is a vast region whose wines range from the world-renowned crus classés to a huge array of lesser-known appellations, showing far greater diversity in character and style than many give it credit for.

Now more than ever, the wines of Bordeaux cover almost the complete price spectrum. From approachable, early-drinking petits châteaux and hotbeds of innovation such as the Côtes de Castillon, up to the lofty heights of the classed growths, the wines of Bordeaux offer something for every wine drinker.

To explore this diversity, and find your own favourites, we invite you to join us for a celebration of the best of Bordeaux, in the company of representatives from over 20 châteaux. Over 40 wines, from key communes across the region, will be available to sample in what promises to be a fascinating and highly enjoyable evening.

LONDON

The Thomas Lord Suite Marylebone Cricket Club Lord’s Cricket Ground St. John’s Wood NW8 8QN

Monday 10th OctoberFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161010

BRISTOL

The Great Eastern Hall Brunel’s SS Great Britain Great Western Dockyard Gas Ferry Road BS1 6TY

Tuesday 11th October From: 5.30pm to 8.30pmTickets: £30

ref TG161011

The ‘Miroir d’Eau’ in Bordeaux’s city centre


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


LONDON

The Great Hall One Great George Street Westminster SW1P 3AA

Monday 24th OctoberFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161024

OXFORD

Main Hall Oxford Town Hall St Aldates OX1 1BX

Tuesday 25th October From: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG161025

PORTUGAL: A LAND OF OPPORTUNITYThe past 20 years have seen huge advances in the quality of Portugal’s non-fortified wines. Across the country forward-thinking producers are making wines which are modern in style, yet retain the unique Portuguese character that make them so individual.

The Wine Society was founded on casks of Portuguese wine in 1874, and we have maintained close relationships with its winemakers since, winning awards in recent years for our range. This informal walk-around tasting provides the perfect opportunity to try a snapshot of the quality, character and value we see in Portugal today.

This is one of our biggest tastings of the year, with around 40 wines being shown. The line-up will include elegant reds from the steeply terraced slopes of the Douro valley, the modern, eminently drinkable wines of the centre, and a selection of fortified wines from our Port and Madeira ranges.

We hope you can join us.

The Douro valley




A WALK-AROUND THE USAWe cordially invite you to join us for an informal, walk-around tour of The Society’s North American range. This tasting aims to assemble a variety of wines that express balance, elegance and terroir, spanning top producers from California, Oregon and Washington.

California is rightly famous for producing world-class zinfandels from Sonoma, pinot noirs from Santa Barbara and cabernets from Napa, alongside unpretentious ‘everyday’ wines from Lodi and the Sonoma Coast. Washington is increasingly being flagged as a region to watch for more European-style cabernets, Rhône blends and fresh rieslings. Oregon, on the same latitude as Burgundy but with more consistently bright summers, is now established as a producer of fine pinot noir and chardonnays.

For this celebration of North America’s wines, we are delighted to be joined by winemakers and representatives from, among others, Delicato (who produce our Society’s Zinfandel) and of course our North America buyer, Sarah Knowles MW. They will be on hand to talk to us as we taste, introducing us to and enhancing our knowledge of North America’s regions, vineyards and wines.

We hope to see you there.

LONDON


Monday 31st OctoberFrom: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161031

STOKE-ON-TRENT

Jubilee Hall Stoke Town Hall Kingsway ST4 1JH

Tuesday 1st November From: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG161101

Above: Napa Valley

Left:

Sarah Knowles MW




THE WINES OF SPAINSpain is one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in the world. Neatly blending tradition with innovation, long-established regions and producers are making their best wines ever, and dynamic new producers are rising swiftly to the top.

At this tasting, we will be familiarising ourselves with a host of characterful wines made from indigenous varieties. Cool-climate whites from Catalunya and Galicia will be complemented by richly flavoured reds from Rioja, Navarra and Ribera del Duero, not to mention sherries. Each has its own individual expression stemming from grape variety, soil type, climate and winemaking, and together they paint a picture of the wonderful and varied landscape of Spanish wine.

Wines from esteemed estates, including Bodegas Muga, La Rioja Alta, Pazo Señorans and Viña Zorzal will be featured, and we are delighted that a number of winemakers and winery representatives are making the trip to discuss their wines with members and guests.

LONDON


Monday 7th NovemberFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161107

EDINBURGH

The Music Hall The Assembly Rooms George Street EH2 2LR

Tuesday 8th November From: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG161108

The sunny vineyards of Rioja




YOU’D SWEAR BLINDOpen your mind and your palate, cast those preconceptions aside and get ready for a tasting with a difference! At this ever-popular Society tasting guests are invited to focus solely on what’s inside the bottle, rather than on it…

The identities of the wines will be concealed throughout the evening allowing us to sip, indulge and enjoy with nothing to influence us except the aromas and flavours in the glass.

All we ask is that you decide how much you like each wine! At the end of the evening, we will ask you to vote for your favourites with a show of hands before unveiling the wines.

You may well find some new favourites, and we can certainly guarantee a few surprises!

LONDON


Monday 21st NovemberFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG161121

YORK

The Great Hall Merchant Taylors’ Hall Aldwark YO1 7BX

Tuesday 22nd November From: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG161122



A CHRISTMAS RECIPE Christmas is a time for friends, family, food, seasonal cheer and, of course, delicious wines. Here at The Wine Society, we understand how important that last ingredient is, and we aim to provide members with well-chosen wines for all manner of eventualities throughout the festive season.

With this in mind, we have put together a selection of 20 different wines at this informal walk-around tasting that would grace any festive occasion, however formal, informal or gastronomic.

Whether you’re looking for celebratory bubbles to get any gathering off with a bang, light whites for aperitifs or the ideal match for the Christmas turkey, we believe we have all bases covered.

We hope you can join us to sample them and enjoy an evening of festive cheer!

NOTTINGHAM

Osborne Suite The Albert Hall North Circus Street Off Derby Road NG1 5AA


ref TG161128

BIRMINGHAM

The Cascade Suite Copthorne Hotel Paradise Circus B3 3HJ

Wednesday 30th NovemberFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG161130

LONDON


Monday 5th DecemberFrom: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG161205

GLASGOW

Trades’ Hall 85 Glassford Street G1 1UH

Tuesday 6th DecemberFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG161206

LIVERPOOL

The Concert Room Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Brownlow Hill L3 5TQ

Wednesday 7th DecemberFrom 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG161207




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


CROSSING THE RUBICON: MEERLUST TASTING WITH CHRIS WILLIAMS

Ten miles south of Stellenbosch, and only three miles from the sea, lies the iconic Meerlust vineyards and winery. The farm was founded in 1693, and the Myburgh family bought it in 1756.

This renowned estate majors on Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as producing excellent pinot noir and chardonnay. The flagship of the Meerlust range is Rubicon, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc with a proven track record of world-class quality and notable longevity in bottle.

Having worked as assistant winemaker from 1995 to 2000, the talented Chris Williams was appointed cellarmaster at Meerlust in 2004. He studied oenology at Elsenburg and gained international experience in France while working for Michel Rolland, where he developed a love of classic French wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley.

We are delighted that Chris will be here in person to talk us through a range of his wines, including Rubicon. Book early to avoid disappointment.

LONDON

The Council Room One Great George Street Westminster SW1P 3AA

Tuesday 18th OctoberFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £90

ref TG161018

Top: Meerlust Estate

Above left: Chris Williams

Above right: Rubicon


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


Above: Sebastian Payne MW and Sarah Knowles MW

GIANTS OF THE WORLD OF WINE WITH SEBASTIAN PAYNE MW AND SARAH KNOWLES MW

There are more wines to explore than ever before, and yet there is also comfort in the familiar: those stalwarts of the wine world that stand alone as the greatest of their type, which cannot be duplicated and are rarely matched.

At this tasting our two hosts, Sebastian Payne MW, who has been buying wines from throughout the ‘old world’ for over 40 years, and Sarah Knowles MW, who is responsible for most of The Society’s new world range, will take us through 10 wines that they each believe to be ‘Giants of the World of Wine’.

Famously individual styles such as white Burgundy, Australian shiraz, mature claret and rioja will be served, as we taste and discuss just what it is that makes these wines so special. A fascinating and enjoyable evening awaits!

LONDON

The Livery Hall Vintners’ Hall Upper Thames Street EC4V 3BG


ref TG161114


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


DEMYSTIFYING BURGUNDYThe best of Burgundy’s wines are ethereal, sensuous, complex and captivating, characterised by a bewitching elegance. Burgundy can, however, be a difficult wine to understand. This seated, tutored tasting aims to help demystify this féted region via a selection of the region’s treasures.

Even though there is no plethora of grape varieties (the question of ‘red or white’ can essentially be substituted for ‘pinot noir or chardonnay’!), Burgundy’s complexity comes from its vineyards. Unlike Bordeaux, where the classification system is based on the châteaux or communes, in Burgundy it is the vineyard which is rated. The influence of the grower on the finished wine is also key, frequently resulting in a distinct sense of personality in the wines that reflect the producer’s philosophy.

We hope you can join us to spend an enjoyable evening getting to grips with the rudiments of the region, tasting through a selection of eight wines as we shine a light on what makes Burgundy so special.

MANCHESTER

The Banqueting Room Manchester Town Hall Albert Square M2 5RT

Tuesday 15th NovemberFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £55

ref TG161115

Hospice de Beaune, Burgundy


SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGS Flagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTS FINE FOOD AND FINE WINE


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

The latest in this series takes us to Manchester, and specifically The Lime Tree in Didsbury. This long-established and well-regarded family business serves exceptional cuisine, including rare-breed pork, lamb and other produce sourced from the family’s farm.

The wines served with the meal will take us on a vinous tour of the vineyards of Europe, with each bottle selected specially to match The Lime Tree’s four-course meal to perfection, whilst showing the very best of the different regions and styles they represent. A mouthwatering evening awaits!

MANCHESTER

The Lime Tree Restaurant 8 Lapwing Lane M20 2WS

Wednesday 19th OctoberTickets: £110

ref TG161019

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pmDinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm


WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTS FINE FOOD AND FINE WINE


DOG POINT DINNER WITH MATT SUTHERLAND

This leading Marlborough winery produces a small but top-quality portfolio of four incredibly exciting wines using sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. At this special dinner we will explore the range in the company of Dog Point’s Matt Sutherland.

Dog Point is a partnership between viticulturalist Ivan Sutherland (Matt’s father) and winemaker James Healy, both formerly of Cloudy Bay. After leaving Cloudy Bay the pair began making wine from fruit sourced from Sutherland’s own vineyards in the Wairau Valley. Abundant sunshine, low rainfall and cool autumn nights here make for a long grape-growing season, enabling the slow evolution of a rich array of vibrant fruit flavours.

The wines will be paired with a menu specially constructed by the chefs at the excellent Sign of the Don restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you for what should be an extremely enjoyable evening.

LONDON

The Sandeman Vault The Sign of the Don 21 St Swithins Lane EC4N 7AD

Wednesday 16th NovemberTickets: £125

ref TG161116

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pm Dinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm

Above: Dog Point vineyards

Left: Matt Sutherland





Top: Château Canon

Above: Château Rauzan-Ségla

Left: Nicolas Audebert

FESTIVE DINNER WITH NICOLAS AUDEBERT OF RAUZAN-SÉGLA AND CANON

Enjoy the wines of two excellent Bordeaux châteaux with Nicolas Audebert himself, in the magnificent surroundings of Merchant Taylors’ Hall.

Nicolas has taken up the reins at Rauzan-Ségla and Canon following the recent retirement of John Kolasa. With a winemaking CV which includes Krug’s Clos du Mesnil and Cheval des Andes in Argentina, the properties are clearly in safe hands.

Château Rauzan-Ségla was placed top of the second growths in the 1855 Classification and has seen a significant return to form in the last 15 or so years. Canon, a Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, is well loved for its silky texture, fine perfume and body.

Over the course of the evening, we shall taste wines from both of these properties, introduced by Nicolas. After a Champagne reception we will be served a six-course dinner designed by the chefs at Merchant Taylors’ to complement the wines.

A wonderful tasting with which to finish the year.

LONDON


Monday 12th DecemberTickets: £195

ref TG161212



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


LUNCH AT THE WINE SOCIETYA warm welcome and a cool glass of fizz awaits you in The Cellar Showroom, where we will learn a little about the 142-year history of The Society.

A walking tour of the cellars follows, including a chance to look inside our most recently constructed eco-friendly fourth warehouse, one of the tallest in Europe which alone holds more than two million bottles of wine.

After the tour we will move upstairs to our refurbished Members’ Room where a four-course lunch, freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients and designed to complement a tasting of five wines, including a fine and rare example from The Society’s archives, will gently take us through to the early afternoon. At the end of lunch a member of The Society’s Tasting Team will give a short talk on the wines and, just for fun, take a vote to discover the favourite wine of the day. In a nutshell, far more than your average lunch!

STEVENAGE

The Wine SocietyGunnels Wood Road

Thursday 6th October

ref TG161006

Thursday 27th October

ref TG161027

Thursday 3rd November

ref TG161103

Thursday 10th November

ref TG161110

Thursday 24th November

ref TG161124

Thursday 1st December

ref TG161201

Thursday 8th December

ref TG161208

Aperitif: 12 noon to 12.30pmTour: 12.30pm to 1.15pmLunch: 1.15pm to 3pmTickets: £55

Please note: both of December’s lunches will have a festive theme to the food and wine, and as such, the wearing of Christmas jumpers is actively encouraged!





AN EVENING WITH CONO SUR’S ADOLFO HURTADOWe are delighted to welcome one of the world’s leading winemakers, Adolfo Hurtado of Chile’s Cono Sur, to Stevenage for this special dinner.

Infectiously enthusiastic and charismatic in his approach to winemaking, Adolfo has earned countless gold medals and Winemaker of the Year awards. He presides over a superb range of wines, including Chile’s first ultra-premium pinot noir, Ocio.

The evening will start with a tutored vertical tasting of Ocio, including the latest 2013 vintage and some fine older vintages from Cono Sur’s own cellars. We will then enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner specially prepared to showcase a number of Adolfo’s wines, including the excellent ’20 Barrels’ Pirque Cabernet Sauvignon. We hope you can join us.

STEVENAGE

The Wine Society Gunnels Wood Road

Thursday 29th SeptemberTickets: £90

ref TG160929

Tasting: 7pm to 8.30pmSupper: 8.30pm to c10.30pm

Top: Colchagua valley in Chile

Above left: Adolfo Hurtado




PORT AND MADEIRA MASTERCLASS WITH MARK BUCKENHAM

Join us in Stevenage for a little fortifying winter cheer with Mark Buckenham, The Society’s buyer for Port and Madeira. As Christmas approaches and the temperature plummets, the rich and heady flavours of these world-renowned fortified wines are a welcome treat.

Rich, complex and capable of ageing almost indefinitely, there is a Madeira for every occasion. The drier styles make for an exceptional aperitif whilst its richer wines are ideal with the cheeseboard, or perhaps alongside a rich dessert or mince pie.

Port was first introduced into this country in 1703 as British merchants searched for an alternative to claret. Although they did not succeed, their attempts laid the foundations for an entirely new style of wine. Since then, a wide variety of Port styles have evolved to cater for different tastes, occasions and pockets. A post-dinner glass of Port beside a blazing fire is the perfect end to a winter’s day, but will it be tawny, crusted or vintage? And which styles of Port should be decanted?

With a selection of nine different Ports and Madeiras to taste and plenty of time for questions, this is the perfect Saturday morning for anyone keen to learn more about these classic wines in a relaxed and informal environment.

STEVENAGE


Saturday 29th OctoberFrom: 11am to 1pm Tickets: £45

ref TG161029

Above: Mark Buckenham





THE ULTIMATE DRINKS PARTYChristmas is a time for catching up with friends, family and neighbours alike over wine and canapés. It is a common lament often heard at this busy time of year that having to come up with so many combinations of nibbles and wine can be a tax on inspiration. Well, help is at hand!

Back by popular demand, this informal workshop with Emma Briffett will explore a range of aperitifs including Champagne and sparkling wines, bone-dry sherries and white and red wines, all perfectly paired with a range of interesting and delicious canapés.

As we sip and nibble we will also discuss the thorny issue of quantities needed for different styles of events in terms of both food and wine. This workshop is ideal for all those who have run out of inspiration, but would love to host the ultimate drinks party.

STEVENAGE


Saturday 12th NovemberFrom: 11am to 1.30pm Tickets: £55

ref TG161112

Left: Emma Briffett




THANKSGIVING DINNERSociety buyer Sarah Knowles MW is an unashamed fan of all things American. With a sister in New York, her love for American sports is only surpassed by her knowledge of US crime and comedy dramas.

A regular visitor to the US for Thanksgiving celebrations, she has proposed that this year The Society organise something a little closer to home!

We are therefore delighted to present our very first Thanksgiving dinner at Stevenage. Accompanying the classic meal (with turkey the centrepiece) will be a carefully matched series of wines from our current North American offering, as well as a few treats from The Society’s cellars.

Over the course of the evening, Sarah will talk us through the challenges of matching wine to the flavours of this classic meal as well as introducing us to her new and exciting range of wines from the United States.

STEVENAGE


Thursday 24th NovemberTickets: £80

ref TG161124

Aperitif: 7pmDinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm



21 To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177


CHRISTMAS FOOD AND WINE MATCHING

Whilst most of us have fairly fixed ideas as to what constitutes the perfect Christmas feast, choosing the perfect wines to complement and enhance our seasonal favourites can present more of a challenge. Emma Briffett from our Tastings Team is here to help!

Which wines will stand up to the richness of a Christmas pudding? What should you serve with the Boxing Day ham, or indeed the leftover turkey curry? Do any wines work well with sprouts?!

This fun and informative workshop aims to take the headaches out of these culinary conundrums whilst exploring the principles behind successful food and wine matching.

A selection of wines will each be paired with a variety of festive flavours, and with plenty of time for questions and discussion, this workshop is guaranteed to get us all in the mood for Christmas.

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS DINNER

As much of the discussion within the Tastings Team revolves around food, it is only natural that we have spent some time putting our heads together to consider a variety of food and wine matches for this important day.

We would therefore like to invite you to what we consider to be the ultimate Christmas dinner. Comprising classic dishes and wines to complement them to the full, we believe that we have come up with a winning formula.

However, Christmas dinner is one of those meals that each and every family across the country has very definite views on, and we expect and welcome some challenges from our guests! Lively discussion – another hallmark of the Christmas dinner table – is certainly to be encouraged, and dinner will be followed by the choice of charades or a snooze in front of the fire!

STEVENAGE


Friday 2nd DecemberTickets: £85

ref TG161202

Aperitif: 7pmDinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm

STEVENAGE


Saturday 26th NovemberFrom: 11am to 1.30pmTickets: £55

ref TG161126




TUSCANY WORKSHOP WITH SEBASTIAN PAYNE MW

One of the most beautiful parts of Italy, Tuscany is home to two of the country’s most famous fine wines – Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. These ancient regions have in recent times been complemented by the evolution of the ‘Super Tuscan’ wines that now rank among some of Italy’s best.

Society buyer Sebastian Payne MW has been buying Italian wines for over 40 years and his love of the region, as well as his encyclopaedic knowledge of the wines produced there, make him the perfect guide for this event. Over the course of this workshop he will talk us through a selection of nine wines which he feels best represent the variety and quality of this classic region, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

With plenty of time for questions, this is the perfect chance to explore the wines of Tuscany in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. We do hope you can join us.

STEVENAGE


Thursday 15th DecemberTickets: £45

ref TG161215

Aperitif: 6.30pm to 7pmTasting: 7pm to c9pm

Top: Fontodi

Above: Sebastian Payne MW


23 To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177

THREE EXPRESSIONS OF GAUTHIER: L’ANECDOTE

Born just 11 days after La Grenouillère opened with his father at the stove, Alexandre Gauthier is the son and natural heir of Michelin-starred chef Roland. Happily, the young Alexandre decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and in 2016 was named Chef of the Year by influential French restaurant guide Gault Millau.

Alexandre now owns three restaurants in Montreuil and all have hosted Society events over the year. Replacing Le Jéroboam, next to the Hermitage hotel, l’Anecdote is Alexandre’s homage to his father, its inaugural menu inspired by La Grenouillère’s bill of fare on 15th March 1979 when it was opened by his father. Traditional and simple dishes are given modern and stylish twists. Flavours are bold and exciting.

To finish off our trio of Gauthier events, what better way than to go back to some of the classics and where it all began? We hope you can join us for an evening of exquisite food and wine.

THE SOCIETY IN FRANCE Dine in France and take advantage of the favourable duty rates

CHRISTMAS IN MONTREUIL

We cordially invite you to come and dine in festive style with fellow Society members at the Hôtel Hermitage in Montreuil.

After a Champagne aperitif, we shall enjoy a five-course meal prepared by François Granderie (formerly of Le Jéroboam and now running his own restaurant, Le Bistronome) and team. Accompanying the meal will be a selection of wines picked specially from The Society’s cellars to be perfectly á point this Christmas.

The opportunity to stock up for Christmas is, of course, provided by our Montreuil showroom, where 200 wines are kept in stock for on-the-spot purchases. We look forward to welcoming you to a delightful dinner in good company!

MONTREUIL-SUR-MER

Hôtel HermitagePlace Gambetta

Friday 9th DecemberTickets: £100

ref TG161209

Aperitif: 6.30pm to 7pmDinner: 7pm to c10.30pm

Dress code: Black tie

MONTREUIL-SUR-MER

Restaurant l’Anecdote 1 Rue des Juifs62170 Montreuil-sur-Mer

Friday 18th NovemberTickets: £100

ref TG161118



A note on ordering from Montreuil

Should you wish to buy more than one case of any wine, benefi ting from French rates of duty, we recommend pre-ordering. Please allow enough time for your pre-order to be available for collection and contact Member Services on 01438 741177 to organise. Visit thewinesociety.com/montreuil for more information on opening times, payment and directions to the showroom.


DIARY PAGE UPCOMING TASTINGS AND EVENTS

123 LONDON

Something Specialpg3

4 BRIGHTONSomething Special

pg3

56 STEVENAGE

Lunch at The Wine Societypg16

789

10 LONDONBordeaux Under One Roof

pg4

11 BRISTOLBordeaux Under One Roof

pg4

12131415161718 LONDON

Crossing the Rubicon: Meerlust Tasting with Chris Williams

pg10

19 MANCHESTERVenues and Menus

pg13

2021222324 LONDON

Portugal: A Land of Opportunitypg5

25 OXFORDPortugal: A Land of Opportunity

pg5

2627 STEVENAGE


2829 STEVENAGE

Port and Madeira Masterclasspg18

3031 LONDON

A Walk-Around the USApg6

SEPTEMBER1 STEVENAGE


2 STEVENAGEThe Ultimate Christmas Dinner

pg21

345 LONDON

A Christmas Recipepg9

6 GLASGOWA Christmas Recipe

pg9

7 LIVERPOOLA Christmas Recipe

pg9

8 STEVENAGELunch at The Wine Society

pg16

9 MONTREUIL-SUR-MERChristmas In Montreuil

pg23

101112 LONDON

Festive Dinner with Nicolas Audebert of Rauzan-Ségla and Canon

pg15

131415 STEVENAGE

Tuscany Workshop with Sebastian Payne MW

pg22

16171819202122232425262728293031

DECEMBER1 STOKE-ON-TRENT

A Walk-Around the USApg6

23 STEVENAGE


4567 LONDON

The Wines of Spainpg7

8 EDINBURGHThe Wines of Spain

pg7

910 STEVENAGE


1112 STEVENAGE

The Ultimate Drinks Partypg19

1314 LONDON

Giants of the World of Winepg11

15 MANCHESTERDemystifying Burgundy

pg12

16 LONDONDog Point Dinner with Matt Sutherland

pg14

1718 MONTREUIL-SUR-MER

Three Expressions of Gauthier: l’Anecdote

pg23

192021 LONDON

You’d Swear Blindpg8

22 YORKYou’d Swear Blind

pg8

2324 STEVENAGE


STEVENAGEThanksgiving Dinner

pg20

2526 STEVENAGE

Christmas Food and Wine Matching

pg21

2728 NOTTINGHAM


2930 BIRMINGHAM


NOVEMBER

To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings

01438 741177

TLJ

AN

16

29 STEVENAGEAn Evening with Cono Sur’s Adolfo Hurtado

pg17

OCTOBER

To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings

01438 741177

TLJ

UL1

6


october – december 2016 - the wine society · wine dinners & special events fine food and...

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