Riedel Tasting at Vinopolis

Something a little different from the usual casual Wednesday tipple Wine on Wednesday is famous for, with Vinopolis hosting a Riedel wine and glass comparative tasting. Whether its marketing or scientific art, I don't care. I attended the Wine on Wednesday Riedel tasting at Wholefoods back in 2010 (see 23rd January 2010 post) and it was fantastic (however last time it only cost £10). This time the cost is £49 with the 'free' gift of £80 worth of glassware. I realise the cost for this event is prohibitive, but I highly recommend the experience. If you're interested in going, book online at http://www.vinopolis.co.uk/specialevents/riedel2011.php, although I'm not sure how many places there are, I've got my tickets already so you won't be alone. Vinopolis Website: "Join us for an enjoyable and life changing experience of discovering how a Riedel glass really can change our perception and increase our enjoyment of fine wines. Taste through 4 specially selected wines and be amazed at how the shape of the glass used, can transform their taste and flavours. Every person attending will take home £80 worth of Riedel Vinum glasses, free of charge." Date: Wednesday 13th April 2011 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Price: £49 Warning! These events can turn into very expensive exercises, I mean, who can drink shiraz from a merlot glass???

Bedales of Borough

After numerous trips to Borough Markets over the years, traditionally ending with a wine or two at Wine Wharf, this week saw mine and Wine on Wednesday’s first visit to Bedales, a lovely little wine bar with plenty of food options that complimented the wines to perfection.

Although the wine list was relatively short (only 4 or 5 of both reds and whites, as well as other options such as 3 types of sparkling), an interesting thing to note is their well stocked cellar (a very large selection), from which any wine can be bought take-away, or drunk in-store for an additional £8 corkage. Unfortunately there is no list for the cellar and I only had a few minutes to look around, but worth keeping in mind should you decide to try it out.

We had a great evening, Burnsy made an appearance after recently returning from his trip back to Aus, a few first timers made a welcome addition and Imke made the long journey into town after work which was a great surprise.

None of us knew any of the listed wines but by the end we had tasted the complete list of reds and one of the whites, including an exciting Italian syrah and a Spanish mencia.

Overall we had a very enjoyable evening, so many thanks to everyone who came along, especially those experiencing their first WoW.

Until next time, remember;

”What though youth gave love and roses, age still leaves us friends and wine.”
[Thomas Moore 1779 – 1852]

Getting the ball rolling for 2011!

Well, after a brief hiatus and change of control, Wine on Wednesday is back!

Following the busy festive break and hand-over, I have been given the privilege of continuing this fine tradition, so I'll endeavour to bring the same 'Veuve' to the WoW craze and keep the blog up-to-date and topical. Unfortunately we've missed some prime wine-drinking months so some effort will be required to catch up.

As most of you know, Charlie and Prue have headed off to explore the world prior to ending their London (and Indonesian) stint, I'm sure they're having a great time and I wish them all the best. I'll do my best to organise an evening (have to check with them if they're around for any more Wednesdays) to coincide with the next time they're in London.

For the next event, however, I have had a look at a number of options and have chosen the next venue to be Bedales in Borough Markets. I'm not sure if it's been done on WoW before but their philosophy sounds interesting:
"I aim to promote delicious, tasty, unmediated wines; diversity of style and indigenous grape varieties; the endeavours of small independent growers; and the importance of sustainable, organic viticulture ... reacquainting ourselves with 'real wines', seeking out and preserving the unusual, the distinctive and the avowedly individual..."

I hope as many of you as possible can make it as it's sure to be a great night.
30th March from 7PM
Bedales Borough Market
5 Bedales Street
SE1 9AL

Change of Venue - Wed 24 Nov

To avoid a set menu and a minimum spend I’ve switched this week’s WoW to Vats Wine Bar and Restaurant at 51 Lambs Conduit Street, London WC1N 3NB (nearest tubes are Russell Square and Holborn).

For those who know Greeny, he may make an appearance at what will be his last WoW before returning to Oz . . . so it could be a good warm up to the festive season.

Look forward to seeing you there from 7pm (let me know if you think you can make it, I’ll try to give them an indication of numbers on Tue night).

Charlie

November . . . really?

The challenge is to believe it is November and by the 24th Christmas will be a sneaky month away. Cold, wet and rainy weather to boot means there is no better cure than a warming glass of vin rouge. Join us for a glass or more at Vivat Bacchus on 47 Farringdon St EC4A 4LL (nearest tube Chancery Lane or Farringdon) from 7pm on Wednesday 24 November.

www.vivatbacchus.co.uk

Look forward to seeing you there.

Charlie

Fresh Legs

It was a famous five both in person and wine. Refreshing as always to have a newcomer to WoW this was probably one that featured more chat about the wine itself than most. Honey, fruitcake and port were all mentioned on first sip of the Austrian wine Burgenlander Pittnauer Zweigelt. You would have thought we were drinking a dessert wine but it opened up as we drank it, the sweetness countered by tannin and taughtness without loosing that togetherness that was the sign of some clever oenology. I know nothing about Austrian wine but given the prowess surrounding such a country it is no surprise that the arbitrary things we know as borders don't define the limits of those who are extremely capable in the art of winemaking. With the other wines we travelled the world including Italy, Mendoza and France. Accompanied by some great laughs and several decisions to stay for "one more" it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

28-50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen

Looking for a hat-trick of rainy Wine on Wednesdays we’re heading for 28-50 Wine Workshop and Kitchen. It’s a new restaurant/bar with a motive firmly embedded in the enjoyment of good wine. Join us for a couple from 7pm this Wednesday at 140 Fetter Lane EC4A 1BT (nearest tube Chancery Lane or Temple).

Why to 28 to 50? Let that be your homework for Wednesday.

http://www.2850.co.uk/