New 2008 Wine Tastings!

            - INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF WINE -  

DATE: TUESDAYS 1 APRIL/8 APRIL/15 APRIL/22 APRIL/29 APRIL/6 MAY/13 MAY/20 MAY/27 MAY/3 JUNE  2008             PRICE: £18.00 per Evening   TIME: 7.00PM

These One-Evening Tastings build into a comprehensive introduction & exploration of the current World of Wine. They are 'stand-alone' evenings in their own right looking at & tasting the grape varieties and wines that each country does best including -

• Spicy Shiraz & zesty Riesling from Australia

• Warm blends of Grenache/Shiraz from Rhone

• Stylish Cabernet & Merlot from Bordeaux

• Complex, rich sparkling wine from Champagne

• Black berry flavoured Malbec from Argentina

• Soft, plummy Carmeneres/Merlots from Chile

• Zingy, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

• Complex, earthy Pinotage from South Africa

• Minerally Sauvignons from Sancerre/Loire Valley

• Gamey, complex Pinot Noirs from Burgundy/New World

Throughout the Evenings you will be given useful wine tips on how to store, decant, and serve wines. How to taste like a professional, where to buy the best wines locally at the best prices (with exclusive NWS discounts). The best places to find unknown gems in the Newcastle area & how to unravel the mysteries of matching food & wine!

           - WINES FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST -  

DATE: THURS 8 MAY/15MAY/22 MAY/29 MAY/5 JUNE 08             PRICE: £18.00 per Evening   TIME: 7.00PM

On these Thursday Evenings we will taste the delicious wines from different countries around the Mediterranean coast. They all have one thing in common  - a superb dry and sunny climate resulting in perfectly ripe grapes.  We start the tour with some stunning Reds from Languedoc & Roussillon made from Syrah and Grenache, not forgetting the deliciously floral Muscat grape which makes ideal aperitifs and dessert wines. We move onto Spain with its excellent sparkling Cava and superb reds from Alicante & Priorat. In Italy we will sample some wines from the new cutting-edge wineries in Morellino di Scansano as well as top-quality Chianti. Greece is a revelation if you have never tried its modern wines - nothing like Retsina! Whites from the stunning Aglianico grape and delicious Reds from Agiorgitiko. We finish this Mediterranean tour with the superb reds from Provence dominated by Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre grapes, but not forgetting the superb Roses of Provence - land of olive oil and sunshine. Prepare for your Summer holidays by learning about some of the best wines from the regions you may be visiting! The evenings are suitable for beginners and experts alike and with our tasting tuition you will soon be deducing the identity of our mystery wines!

      - ITALIAN WINES FROM TUSCANY & CAMPANIA -

DATE: THURS 22 MAY 2008    PRICE: £18.00   TIME: 7.00PM

Come & taste some delicious wines from these two great Italian wine regions. We will taste some high quality Chiant Classicos, not a straw-covered bottle in sight! We will also taste the lesser-know and more expensive, concentrated wines from Montalcino and Montepulciano - all made from the Sangiovese grape. Not forgetting wines from the new cutting-edge wineries in Morellino di Scansano. We will also journey southwards to the ancient province of Campania where we will taste some wonderful white wines made from ancient grape varieties brought to Italy by the Greeks such as Greco di Tufo & Falanghina. BOOK IT!    

                    - ODDBINS SUMMER WINE FAIR -

DATE: SUN  1 JUNE 2008    PRICE: £15.00   TIME: 3-6.00PM

VENUE: As You Like It, Jesmond

Nothing to do with Newcastle Wine School, but now a regular event for the Summer – Oddbins Wine Fair. There are always at least 50-60 wines on show, including sparkling wines, malt whiskies, port, & dessert wines – so leave the car at home! A good opportunity to taste the Oddbins range and chat with their very knowledgeable staff. Tickets are available from their Gosforth (2858151) & Newcastle (2617488) shops or you can pay by credit card over the phone. If you could mention Newcastle Wine School when you book - we would be eternally grateful ! Limited Availability – first come, first served.