Saturday Italian Wine Lunch at Selwyn College

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

Starting with an Italian traditional-method sparkling wine (Champagne rival), we'll explore why Italy is one of the most fascinating wine-producing nations in the world.

From elegant Barolo and rich Amarone to the charm of Chianti, Gavi, Soave and beyond, we’ll journey through Italy’s most iconic wine regions. Expect a sweep through Piedmont and Veneto down through Tuscany, Abruzzo, Puglia, Trentino and Sicily. No background knowledge needed, curiosity is enough.

During lunch, we delve into the art of matching food and wine, comparing how different styles interact with each dish. You’ll notice how acidity, tannin, texture and flavour respond to the food, bringing the subject to life in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Once lunch draws to a close, enjoy a dramatic sabrage demonstration before taking a short tour to learn more about the venue’s history. We round off the afternoon with further wines, stories and insights, finishing 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)

• Italian traditional-method sparkling wine (a true Champagne rival)
• Pinot Grigio with real flavour
• Lugana (why this wine is suddenly in the spotlight)
• Fiano (southern Italy’s aromatic star)
• Gavi with canapés (acidity and pairing)
• Soave with canapés (body and pairing)
• Chianti with the main course (tannins and pairing)
• Barolo with the main course (structure and pairing)
• Dessert with Vin Santo (pairing principles for sweet dishes)
• SuperTuscan red
• Primitivo di Manduria
• Valpolicella
• Amarone della Valpolicella

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.