Wine Tastings for 2013

We are delighted to announce that we have a fresh new face at our Wine Tasting Evenings…….

Laura, our new face for our wine tasting evenings

Our current wine expert Karen Hardwick, who recently won the award for the Best Wine Educator in the World sponsored by Riedel Crystal, has stepped aside to follow a new career path and has brought on board, a new look to The Wine Academy, Laura Young….

Laura joins Karen Hardwick at The Wine Academy and brings with her a wealth of wine trade experience and knowledge gained during her career with Carlsberg UK.  Here she advised a range of restaurants, hotels and bars on their wine offerings and helped train their staff, as well as running wine related events and tastings for customers.  She also supported the sales team she worked with in relation to wines and spirits. Laura is currently studying towards her Diploma in Wines and Spirits which is viewed universally as the stepping stone to the Master of Wine Qualification.   Laura will be fully responsible for the day to day running of The Wine Academy and the delivery of both WSET Training and events such as the First Friday Wine and Food evenings at Chapters Hotel.

These Wine evenings offer our guests the chance to learn about wine in a relaxed and informal way, in the fantastic setting of Chapters Hotel.

These evenings are aimed at people who enjoy wine and would like to learn more. The evenings consist of a tutored tasting of at least 7 wines conducted by Laura Young, Director of The Wine Academy.

The evenings are relaxed and informal, we want to share our passion for wine and not bamboozle you with Jargon!

DATES for 2013

Friday 24th May 2013      - NEW DATE AGREED 

New Zealand    

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

Due to the success of the 3rd May, we have decided Although famous for it’s Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand has much more to offer.  Join us as we sample wines such as Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, other varieties this country is quickly gaining a great reputation for in relation to quality and style.  An exciting menu of fusion cooking will compliment these wines and show them at their best.

Friday 7th June 2013      

Champagne & Sparkling

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

As this is one of our most popular evenings, we actually hold two of these evenings to ensure everyone gets to attend!  We’ll look at how you put the sparkle in sparkling and the different styles of sparkling wine produced around the world.  Fancy trying bubbles from Tasmania?!

Friday 28th June 2013

Champagne & Sparkling (2^nd evening)  

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

As this is one of our most popular evenings, we actually hold two of these evenings to ensure everyone gets to attend!  We’ll look at how you put the sparkle in sparkling and the different styles of sparkling wine produced around the world.  Fancy trying bubbles from Tasmania?!

Friday 5th July 2013       

Chile & Argentina          

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

South America is really setting the pace for well made & great value wines however did you now they also make wines to rival the best of France? From Malbec to Merlot, Cabernet to Carmenere we have a chance to try some of the best wines from this diverse region.

Friday 2nd August 2013

Spain & Portugal             

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

Ever popular our Spain and Portugal evening involves a selection of mouthwatering tapas served throughout the evening with wines to match. From full bodied Rioja Reserva to crisp Albarino, luscious port & refreshing rose there is something to please everyone.

Friday 6th September 2013        

Northern Italy  

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

Italy – where wine is made for food.  The first of our Italian evenings will focus on Northern Italy.  We’ll enjoy some seasonal game to match such delicious wines as Barolo and Amarone.

Friday 4th October 2013               

Southern Italy  

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

With over 350 indigenous grape varieties we’ll be sure to find some interesting wines to taste for our second Italian wine evening.  This time we are focusing on Southern Italy.  From Negroamaro to Nero D’Avola, Fiano to Percorino we really are spoilt for choice.

Friday 1st November 2013

Australia             

Priced at £49.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

We love Australian in the U.K. and it’s not difficult to see why. Open a bottle of Barossa Shiraz or Hunter Valley Chardonnay & you are opening a bottle of sunshine. We’ll talk a look at some favourites as well as some lesser known varieties from this much loved wine producing country.

Friday 8th November 2013         

Champagne

Priced at £69.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

Epitomy of luxury & indulgence; Champagne.  This evening we focus exclusively on Champagne. We explore different styles, vineyards & vintages with dinner to match. An exceptional evening with a selection of the finest prestige cuvees including Krug and Bollinger. Not to be missed!!

Friday 29th November 2013        Black Tie Event….

Bordeaux

Priced at £69.95 per person. Due to a number of last minute cancellations from the 2012 calendar, we have had to introduce a £10 per person deposit for all Wine Tasting events for 2013, with the full payment to have been received 28 days prior to the event

Something of an institution our December event sells out months in advance. On previous evenings we have opened Chateau Margaux &Chateau Lafite as well as luscious Sauternes & fruity St Emilion. Whatever we choose to open this year an exceptional evening & a fitting way to kick off the Christmas season is assured.

Guests to arrive at 7pm

Special Feature Friday Night evenings

Sparkling Wine & Petit Fours in your room on arrival, The Feature evening menu for 2 people, Accommodation and Full English Breakfast in the morning.

The prices for 2013 are

Executive Rooms £195.00    (Bordeaux & Champagne Tasting rate £235.00)

Double Rooms £185.00  (Bordeaux & Champagne Tasting rate £225.00)

Please inform the receptionist when booking that you want to attend the Feature evening with the Gourmet package