Saturday Intro to Wine Lunch at Selwyn College

Enjoy a friendly and informal journey through the wonderful world of wine, hosted in the historic surroundings of Selwyn college and accompanied by a delicious 3-course lunch.

Starting with Champagne we'll taste and learn about wines from all over the world (no previous experience needed). 

From understanding Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay we'll learn why French wines are often spectacular with food as we try them with canapés.

We'll also explore wines from California, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Chile and Argentina learning the difference that climate makes as we go.

Throughout our lunch we’ll explore the principles of food and wine pairing, tasting several wines alongside the dishes to see how flavours, structure and balance change in the glass. It’s practical, insightful and great fun.

After lunch, enjoy the spectacle of opening Champagne with a sabre, followed by a short tour of Selwyn College and a glimpse into its history. The afternoon then continues with more tasting, stories and insights, finishing at around 4pm.

All diets can be catered for at lunch. See an example menu here.

Beautiful Selwyn College was founded in 1882 in 7 acres of immaculate grounds. It was one of the first all-male Cambridge University colleges to admit women. Actors Hugh Laurie and Tom Hollander studied at Selwyn alongside students who later became prominent MPs, writers and leading scientists. 

Wines you are likely to taste
(precise wines may vary slightly)

• Start with Champagne 
• Sauvignon Blanc 
• New World Chardonnay
• Gewurztraminer
• Touraine with canapés (acidity and pairing)
• Chablis with canapés (body and pairing)
• Saint Emilion with the main course (tannins and pairing)
• Red Burgundy with the main course (structure and pairing)
• Dessert with Sauternes (pairing principles for sweet dishes)
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir from the New World
• Rioja Reserva
• Barossa Shiraz

The experience offers a tutored tasting of 13 wines in total with clear, practical guidance on how to pair food and wine.

All our experiences can be purchased as a Gift, either as a dated or undated voucher.