Wine Appreciation Group 1 Photos

The first tasting we had was in October 2011 when we looked at inexpensive wines from Asda Waterlooville. This was followed by a talk entitled ‘Wines for Christmas’ given by Mr. John Boyes of Waitrose, Waterlooville.

The group then got into its stride with a number of sessions themed, ‘Favourite or Memorable Wines.’

These sessions were followed by a fascinating evening looking at sparkling wines when it was shown that it is not always the more expensive wines that taste best. The Cherry beer was an interesting bonus courtesy of the evening’s leader.

Another outstanding evening was a wine and food pairing given by a lecturer from South Downs College.

Our first year drew to a close with a visit to Wickham Vineyard, since closed, but now re-opened, and a Summer get-together at a group member’s house where unsurprisingly the food was accompanied by wine.

The second year has been even more successful than the first with the group reaching what is felt to be an optimum number and a reserve/waiting list now in operation with a view to starting a second group.

A very pleasant Italian-themed Christmas meal took place at O Sole Mio restaurant in Cowplain, with accompanying wines!

Since Christmas some of the topics looked at include Dessert wines, wines from Southern Italy, the Merlot grape and a wine tasting combined with a tour of Waitrose, Waterlooville which took place in February.

The rest of the year reflected how well-travelled a group this is, with wines from southern Italy, South Australia, California and Portugal being sampled.

Individual grape varieties were not over-looked with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon representatives assessed. Wines from a well-known ‘discount’ supermarket beginning with ‘A’ were also rigorously sampled – and not found wanting!

The second annual Christmas meal was again a very enjoyable experience with a full complement of members attending.

August 2013

 

July 2013

 

Wickham Vineyard - July 2012