Courses for Autumn 2010
Vine Visit is delighted to announce our programme of events for the autumn. Helen Savage's authoritative and engaging presentations, as ever, offer incredibly good value for money.
There's a theme running all through our tastings this autumn - the wines we've chosen to feature all express the unique character of the place they've come from, formed by its geography, climate and culture. They are, as the French would say, 'vins de terroir', wines, in other words, with bags of individuality and character. We're going to have fun!
There's one special innovation too: our Thursday night course in North Shields now includes supper. And what a bargain!
To book any of our events please email Elizabeth Brown at Vine Visit Ltd: or phone her on 0191 259 1280. Places are limited!
Please also ask Elizabeth for details of our Vine Visit gift vouchers that can be exchanged for tastings, dinners and holidays.
Food and Wine Pairing
Another Asian Adventure
Thursday 9 September, 7.30 pm - at The Golden Swallow, West Percy Street, North Shields
After the runaway success of our Asian Adventures in the Spring (twice sold-out), we're delighted to be able to offer another evening of superb Chinese food matched (new dishes) with a range of fine wines specially chosen by Helen who will introduce the wines and talk about food and wine pairing.
£39.50
Midweek tastings with dinner at the Northern Counties Club
Our superb tastings series with dinner at the Northern Counties Club, 100 metres from Monument Metro, all include a delicious two-course dinner with coffee and at least eight fine wines to taste.
Fabulous Friuli
Thursday 23 September, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
The wines of the far north east of Italy are deliciously different. Friuli, with its beguiling mix of cultural influences (it once formed part of the Habsburg Empire) and high-standards of winemaking, is rather like Italy's Alsace. The better estates offer wines that combine real elegance with considerable local character, as Helen discovered during her recent visit to the region. The tasting will include six wines specially imported for the tasting as well as the few fine examples available locally.
£35
Red Hot Chile
Wednesday 6 October, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
After successfully building a reputation for quality and value, Chile's wine industry is now looking to make wines that express diversity, complexity and elegance, with a special emphasis on organic viticulture. The results are very exciting indeed, as Helen will reveal in a tasting that promises to be one of the most exciting of the season.
£35
Rasteau - a Story of Quality
Tuesday 19 October, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
On 9 June it was decreed that the reds wines of Rasteau, previously sold as Côtes du Rhône Villages, were now an appellation in their own right. This was a richly deserved promotion, as you will be able to taste in a selection of wines from the best producers.
In addition, Helen will introduce a selection of the rare and wonderful sweet, fortified wines of Rasteau ('vins doux naturels').
£35
An English Revolution
Wednesday 3 November, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
We can be proud of English and Welsh wine. It is better than even the most passionate of its advocates dreamed just a decade ago. English sparkling wines are winning respect throughout the world and the top still table wines demand the serous attention of any wine lover. This is an opportunity to assess some of the best - it promises to be a remarkable and exciting tasting.£35
Southern Rhône 2009
Tuesday 16 November, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
Nature was kind to the vineyards of France in 2009. The southern Rhône was especially successful, as we will discover in a wide-ranging and very special tasting of leading wines from the vintage, from Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueras, Vinsobres, Beaumes de Venise, Lirac and Tavel.
£3.50
A Sherry Dinner
Wednesday 1 December, 6.30pm, at the Northern Counties Club, Hood Street.
We begin December with a remarkable tasting of a wide range of top quality sherries. It will be an opportunity to discover not only the considerable variety of styles on offer this year, but also how well they complement fine food. Dinner tonight will include fine cheeses as well as dessert. An early Christmas present!
£40
Courses at 22 Cecil Street
22 Cecil Street, North Shields is just two minutes from North Shields Metro. Join us there for informal courses, with a choice of daytime or evening sessions - drop in for a one-session taster, or secure your place for the full course.
Monday Mornings at 22 Cecil Street
Languedoc
6 meetings: September 27, October 4, 11, 18, November 1 and 8 at 10.30 am
A fascinating profile of France's most innovative wine region that offers a huge variety of wines to enjoy. Helen brings her extensive firsthand knowledge of the region to a course suitable both for beginners and old hands.
£20 per session including home-cooked lunch, or £110 for all six weeks
Thursday Evenings at 22 Cecil Street
Languedoc
6 meetings: October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 18 and 25 at 7.00pm
A further opportunity to enjoy the remarkable wines of France's most innovative region. Suitable both for beginners and old hands.
£20 per session including home-cooked supper or £110 for all six weeks.
How to Book
By cheque, made payable to 'Vine Visit Ltd' and sent to;
Mrs Elizabeth Brown
Vine Visit Ltd.
PO Box 687
North Shields
NE29 1DG
To book by e-mail, and for further information: contact Elizabeth on 0191 259 1280 or email: .