Spring Programme 2012
We're delighted to bring you news of just some of our events for early 2012, with wine Dinners and masterclasses at Northern Counties Club in Newcastle, courses to start the week with wine on Monday mornings in North Shields, and a new course revealing the truth about French wine at Carruthers & Kent in Gosforth.
Helen's authoritative presentations are second to none. She's much in demand for other wine events nationally and around the region. Contact us for more information and booking details - treat yourself, or give any of our courses as an unusual gift.
The Truth about French Wine
Six linked tastings, beginning Wednesday January 25
7.00 - 9.00 pm at Carruthers & Kent, 4 Elmfield Road, Gosforth
£17.50 per tasting or just £95 for all six.
There was a time when everyone but the Italians agreed that the French made the best wine in the world. That time is long gone. French wine gained a new reputation for being over-priced, over-pretentious and increasingly, no longer over here.
Everyone now knows that Chile offers exciting flavours, amazing reliability and great value for money. Everyone knows that you'll not go far wrong with a bottle of New Zealand wine. But what about France? Has it pulled its socks up yet?
Over six weeks, under the expert guidance of Helen Savage, you can discover the truth about French wine today.
- Are French wines value for money?
- Are they as good as their reputations once led us to believe?
- Does France give us the kind of wine we most want to drink?
It will be a journey full of surprises, most of them delicious. Rather than wander from region to region each week, each tasting will be on a theme, which together add up to a remarkably comprehensive perspective on French wine today:
Week One - January 25: Fragrant Whites
In which we uncover the truth about Sauvignon Blanc and discover that France has many other world-class grapes with a seductive smell.
Week Two - February 1: Elegant Reds
In which we learn that you don't have to be a millionaire to afford great Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Week Three - February 8: Fabulous Fizz
In which we discover that champagne is not the only French fizz worth drinking, but why it's hard to beat.
Week Four - February 15: Reds with Attitude
In which we learn how the sunny south is taking on the world and doing it rather well.
Week Five - February 22: Real Dry Whites
In which we rediscover the incredible potential of Chardonnay to make great wine and learn some surprising truths about barrels.
Week Six - February 29: Pale Pinks and Sensuous Sweeties
In which we discover why rosé is back in vogue and why, when it comes to the very best sweet wine, France has a head start.
Tastings at Northern Counties Club
All our tastings at Northern Counties Club (website) finish with a delicious two-course dinner, plus coffee.
The Club, at 11 Hood Street, is an ideal venue and just around the corner from Monument Metro.
Austria Masterclass
Thursday 2 February at 6.30pm
Discover how Austria has become one of the most exciting wine producers in the world and taste some of the top wines under Helen's expert guidance. As part of her Master of Wine studies Helen will spend a week in Austria in January and will have access to the best growers and latest information.
£37.50
Syrah/ Shiraz International Challenge
Thursday 16 February at 6.30pm
From the Northern Rhône to Central Otago Syrah/Shiraz produces some of the world's most sensuous, satisfying red wines. In this very special tasting Helen will contrast four top French Rhône wines with the best of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile.
£37.50
The Canny Drinker's Guide to the Côte de Beaune
Wednesday 7 March at 6.30pm
The Côte de Beaune is the heartland of fine Burgundy, but some of the most delicious wines and without doubt the best value comes from villages that are not well known. This will be a wonderful voyage of discovery featuring superb red and white wines from St Aubin, Maranges, St Romain, Savigny-lès Beaune, Ladoix and Chorey-lès-Beaune, with a bit of red Meursault thrown in for fun.
£39.50
New Zealand Pinot Noir Masterclass
Tuesday 20 March at 6.30pm
In South Island New Zealand, Pinot Noir has found its promised land. This is an exciting opportunity to taste some of the best new releases from Marlborough and Central Otago under Helen's expert guidance.
£39.50
Start the Week with Wine - The Monday Class
Is Wine Changing?
Six sessions starting on Monday 23 January 2012
10.30 am, at 22 Cecil Street, North Shields
Come and join us for lively discussion, eight or more great wines to taste and a simple, tasty, home-cooked lunch: it's the best way to start any week.
Things just aren't what they used to be. Chablis doesn't taste like it used to 20 years ago; nor does claret. Australia is being forced to go up-market, Chile is planting new vineyards on the edge of the desert. Global warming is a huge challenge. Fashion has stuck its knife into Chardonnay and Viognier. Is Pinot Grigio about to go the same way? Each well we'll look at one of the latest trends in the world of wine. You'll taste it here first!
£22.50 per session (£120 for all six)
How to Book
By cheque, made payable to 'Vine Visit Ltd' and sent to;
Mrs Elizabeth Brown
Vine Visit Ltd.
19 Manor Road
North Shields
NE30 4RJ
To book by e-mail, and for further information: contact Elizabeth on 0191 259 1280 or email: .