Saturday CHRISTMAS Introduction to Wine at Selwyn College

Join us in a Cambridge University venue for a fun wine tasting day focused on Christmas.

We'll look at which wines pair best with Christmas dinner and seasonal snacks (and why). No previous tasting experience is needed.

Plus - watch and learn how to open a bottle of Champagne using a sword!

We'll be hosted in a beautiful college founded in 1882 set amidst 7 acres of immaculate grounds. Selwyn 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. We'll be hosted in the spacious wood-panelled Harrison room.

Course outline

• Start with Champagne
• Introduction to the world's major wine regions
• New World Wines (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, California)
• Old World Classics (France, Italy, & Spain)
• Major Red Grape Varieties – Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo & others. Which is the best red for the Christmas dinner table?
• Major White Grape Varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, & others. Which is the best white wine for the Christmas dinner table?
• How wine is made - grapes, fermentation and ageing
• Improve your tasting and senses
• How to taste wine like a professional – aroma, flavours, describing wines
• Recognising elements of wine - tannin, acidity, body, oak
• The effect of climate on the taste of wine
• Which wines to buy, where to obtain the best value for money, storing & serving wine, understanding wine labels
• Tutored Tasting of 13 wines
• Christmas Food & Wine matching tips & advice

Halfway through the day, we will take a break from the hard work of tasting wine to enjoy a delicious two-course lunch, followed by a mini tour of the college to appreciate its history.

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