The Club's diary of forthcoming events is here.

Forthcoming events are listed below.  For earlier events, please see the historic events page.

Saturday 14th December 2024 - French Wines from "Bordeaux and Beyond" with Tony Hill of Bordeaux and Beyond

We welcome the return of Tony Hill, owner of Bordeaux and Beyond, for our end of year celebration. Tony will take us to "Bordeaux and Beyond" with half of the wines from Bordeaux and the half from the rest of France including champagne ( plus another of their famous champagne quizzes), covering many different Appellations, some famous and some not so famous. Tony will give the story behind the wines from small independent vignerons in France, not usually available elsewhere.

Bordeaux and Beyond is a web based business and is now in its 17th year of trading, but continues to sell only wines that Bordeaux and Beyond imports, and more importantly, wines that they are happy to drink themselves . 

This could also be the occasion to launch the next VWTC wine tour - Bordeaux 2025 - start date of Saturday 14th June 2025

Saturday 18th January 2025 - Don Porter Battered Trophy - Blind Tasting Competition

To start our programme of events for 2025, it is with great pleasure and thanks that we welcome Peter and Sue Chasney to run our annual Blind Tasting Competition. As usual we will be tasked with identifying the grape variety and country of 4 white wines and 4 red wines tasted blind. A prize will be awarded to the winner of the whites and to the winner of the red wines and to the overall winner. In addition, the overall winner will be awarded the Battered Trophy which, in memory of the person who first conceived this very popular annual event back in circa 1992, is called "The Don Porter Battered Trophy". Don and Jan Porter are sadly missed by many of the longstanding members of the Club who, I'm sure, will remember their enthusiasm and help in making the Club the success it is today. 

Tuesday 26th January 2025 - Day trip to Denbies Wine Estate for Wine Tasting and Lunch - tbc

Members have been asked to express interest in this proposed trip which includes coach transport.

Saturday 15th February - Wild Washington with Jennifer Williams-Bulkeley of Ally Wines

Come explore wines from America's most exciting wine region, Washington state.  Extreme terrain, wild weather, own rootstock, exceptional vine material, diverse varietals and massive diurnal shifts all contribute to the making of interesting and delicious wines.  From Columbia Gorge to Walla Walla with a stop in Red Mountain, we will drink our way from from the Cascades to the Blue Mountains, West to East from Seattle to the border of Idaho, a unique directional journey and making the wines distinctively from Washington.

Jennifer 

Saturday 15th March - Wines of Emilia Romagna with Charles Dall'Omo of San Martino Wines

Over the years we have had tastings from various parts of Italy from Piedmont in the North to Sardinia in the South. Now we have the opportunity to taste the wines of Emilia Romagna. Taken from their website, here is there story.

"Charlie and Steph Dall’Omo, together with their advisor and friend in Italy, Gabriele, have a great enthusiasm for sharing all the delights that Italy has to offer. This venture came about partly as the result of a long awaited Dall’Omo family reunion, 65 years on from their separation. It was hosted by Gabriele at Chiesa Di Ignano, his wonderful B&B in the Apennines just south of Bologna. Gabriele and his wife Irene soon felt part of the family, and through a mutual appreciation of the great food and wines of Italy and a love for sharing those with others, San Martino was born" 

Saturday 12th April - Languedoc-Roussillon – La Tasque and friends

Juliet and Simon of Domaine La Tasque are returning with news from their organic estate in the Languedoc.  They will present their first white wine from Assyrtiko as well as La Tasque’s award winning Syrah and old vine Carignan. The tasting will also include other wines from the L-R, chosen to show the outstanding quality and diversity of this beautiful region. As well as an exploration of L-R wines, this will be a very personal account of growing grapes and making wine in the South of France.

Juliet

Saturday 17th May - Tyrrell's Wines, Hunter Valley, Australia - presented by Marcus Parry of Fells Fine Wines

Having arrived in Australia four years previously, in 1858 Edward Tyrrell took up a concessional allotment of 320 acres of land in the Hunter Valley.  Planting Semillon and Shiraz vines, Edward harvested his first vintage in 1864.  Five generations later and Tyrrell’s Family Winemakers are now the icon producer of this historic region, producing Australia’s most-awarded white wine – the famous Vat 1 Semillon.

Marcus from Fells will return to VWTC to present a selection from across the Tyrrell’s portfolio, exploring the unique and iconic styles of wine produced in the Hunter Valley today.

Saturday 14th June to Saturday 21st June - Bordeaux Wine Tour

Following the great success of the 2024 VWTC tour to Jerez and the Sherry Triangle, the VWTC 2025 wine tour is to Bordeaux, where we will be visiting vineyards in Pauillac, Margaux, St Emilion, Sauternes and Blaye. Details to follow.

Saturday 20th September - Lesser Known Wines with Duncan Gammie of Wee Vinoteca, Hitchin

A tasting of "lesser known" wines with Duncan Gammie of Wee Vinoteca. An opportunity to taste wines from countries, regions or varieties which you may not be familiar with. Wines which are often excellent value for money.

"The Wee Vinoteca, which is nestled in the heart of Hitchin, is a cosy haven for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. Specialising in carefully curated wines from around the globe, we focus on quality, variety, and a touch of adventure. Whether you're after a unique bottle for a special occasion or a casual drink with friends, our friendly team is here to guide you"

Duncan G. 

Saturday 18th October - Wines of the Mediterranean with Duncan Ross of Berkmann Cellars.

The allure of the Mediterranean extends beyond its sun-soaked beaches and azure waters; it’s also revered for its rich tapestry of wine regions. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, creates an ideal environment for grape vines, allowing a variety of grapes to flourish and produce wines that are as complex as they are flavourful.

You’ll encounter an array of grape varieties that have adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Red wines typically showcase the robust flavours of Cannonau, Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese reflect the character of specific locales. For white wines, local indigenous varieties from Crete stands out, along with Vermentino from Sardinia

Duncan R.

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Saturday 15th November - Wines of the Rhone with James Bercovici of The Big Red Wine Company

We welcome the return of James Bercovici for a fine selection of Wines of the Rhone.

Over the last 25 years, The Big Red Wine Company has been one of the UK’s leading Southern Rhône specialists, importing directly from an impressive selection of estates from the region known for great value and food-friendly wines. There has been an unprecedented amount of innovation in the valley over recent years so James’ presentation will include some of the region’s classic wines and some lesser known treats. BRW also imports from elsewhere in France and Italy but always and only wines which James enjoys to drink himself and share with friends. (www.bigredwine.co.uk)

Saturday 13th December - Quentin Sadler

We welcome the return of Quentin Sadler for our end of year celebration. Theme and further details to follow.