Past Tastings
Uncovering great wines from consumer, trade and press tastings
-
WineGB Trade and Press Tasting
The WineGB Trade and Press Tasting, in early September 2024, offered an impressive selection, showcasing over 300 wines from 80 producers. The event featured individual exhibitor stands, regional vineyard association stands and themed tasting tables. English sparkling wine has reached an exceptional level of quality, frequently rivalling and occasionally surpassing some of the finest Champagnes. Although I tasted a some traditional method sparkling wines, my primary interest lay in exploring the wines outside this well-established category. I wanted to see how English sparkling wines are evolving and also to investigate what still wines were on offer, particularly those made with…
-
Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting
Swig is an online retailer founded by Robin Davis, 25 years ago, which has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s best independents. They also supply some of the UK’s top restaurants and independents, and in 2021, Decanter Magazine awarded them Best Midsize Online Retailer. In September 2024, I attended the Swig Autumn Portfolio Tasting at Crypt on the Green. The venue’s naturally cooler temperature was ideal for showcasing red wines at their best, a refreshing change from warmer venues that can sometimes compromise the tasting experience. The event featured 265 wines, with a particularly wide range of Italian…
-
Italian Wine Tasting
In July and August 2024, when press tastings were sparse, I decided to host a few wine tastings at home. For this third tasting of the Summer, I invited PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit Italian wines. I also included a few wines recommended by participants from previous tastings, as well as a blind tasting to challenge expectations. Nine family members and friends, all sharing my enthusiasm for wine, joined me in tasting eleven different wines. The wines were paired with delicious Italian pizza and pasta from Squisito Italian, complemented by fresh salads and homemade tiramisu, allowing us to…
-
California Dreaming Wine Tasting
I attended the “California Dreaming” consumer wine tasting event at Majestic in August 2024, hosted by the knowledgeable Andrew from Majestic Woking. Nine of us sampled a selection of wines that highlighted the diverse range of grape varieties available from California, going beyond the typical expectations. We started with a Champagne welcome drink, as Majestic didn’t have any Californian sparkling wine, a rarity in the UK. The chosen opener was Maurice Delabaye Cuvée Prestige Brut (12.5% ABV), which provided a refreshing start on the warm August day. With bright lemon and apple notes, it was a great palate cleanser, priced…
-
BBQ Wine Tasting
During July and August, when press tastings are few and far between, I decided to host a few wine tastings at home. For this tasting, I invited PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit wines that would be suitable for a BBQ setting. Ten family members and friends, all sharing my enthusiasm for wine, participated in the tasting, with one exception – someone who didn’t drink but still offered some insightful comments on the aromas. The wines were paired with BBQ food, including beef burgers, sausages, fish (prawns) and a variety of salads, allowing us to assess how well each…
-
Majestic Italian Wine Tasting
In August 2024, I went to an Italian wine tasting at my local Majestic in Woking, just a few doors down from the infamous Woking Pizza Express. It was an enjoyable evening, sampling a variety of Italian wines, including Franciacorta, Soave, Gavi, Greco Di Tufo, a Rosso Veronese, Chianti and a Brunello. Among these, a few wines stood out as particularly memorable. Gavi Groppella La Chiara DOCG 2023 (12.5%)Made entirely from 100% Cortese di Gavi grapes, I thought this wine was the best of the evening. The 45-year-old vines and the 10-month aging in 225-litre French oak barriques imparted a…
-
Wines of Rueda, Navarra and Toro
In July 2024, I attended a trade/press wine tasting event in London, the first ever bringing together Rueda, Navarra and Toro wines from Northern Spain. Rueda, northwest of Madrid, is the second most popular denomination of origin (DO) in terms of sales in Spain. It is renowned for its mainly white wines, particularly those made from the Verdejo grape. These wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring notes of apple, tropical fruits, citrus and occasionally a hint of nuttiness. Navarra, located in the north-east of Spain near Rioja, is a prominent wine region known for its diverse offerings. The…
-
Awards Wines Tasting
July and August have very few press tastings, so I decided to host some tastings at home. I invited a few PR agencies, importers and retailers to submit wines for these tastings. This first event featured award-winning wines, tasted by nine family members and friends, all of whom share my enthusiasm for wine. We enjoyed the wines together with canapés, allowing us to assess how well each wine paired with food. The wine submissions turned out to be very affordable, award-winning wines primarily available from supermarkets. As previously, this event provided interesting insights into the variability of people’s tastes as…
-
Petersham Cellar, Vini Franchetti
Petersham Cellar is a London-based independent specialist in cult and fine wines. It was founded by Giovanni Mazzei from the Marchesi Mazzei family, owners of the Castello di Fonterutoli in Tuscany since 1435 and Lara Angelica Boglione from Petersham Nurseries in London. Petersham Cellar is associated with Petersham Nurseries and the group of restaurants including La Goccia and The Petersham in Covent Garden, London. Petersham Cellar has recently been appointed as the UK agents for Vini Franchetti, owner of well-reknowned Tenuta di Trinoro and Sancaba in Tuscany, as well as Passopisciaro in Sicily. I was pleased to be invited to…
-
Istituto Grandi Marchi
On 25 June 2024, I attended the Istituto Grandi Marchi wine tasting event in London. The Istituto Grandi Marchi, founded in 2004, is a group comprising eighteen top Italian wineries. Their mission is to promote the culture and trade of high-quality Italian wine. As part of their global tour, they brought a selection of exceptional wines to London’s Plaisterers’ Hall. All these wineries are family-owned and have been operational for at least 25 years, with some having histories spanning centuries. They own estate vineyards, notable for their rich history and longstanding traditions. They are dedicated to maintaining a strong focus…
-
Lidl Summer and French Wine Tours
In June 2024, I went to a Lidl wine tasting in London, which showcased wines planned to be introduced during the Summer (mainly Iberian wine) and French Wine Tours, at the end of June 2024 and July 2024 respectively. Additionally, a selection of wines from Lidl’s core range was also being shown. Wine Tours at Lidl have wines displayed in wooden crates, each labelled with ratings. Typically, a wine from the tour is available for up to two months, though popular selections may sell out sooner. The aim of these tours is to frequently refresh the selection, encouraging variety and…
-
Wines of Sicilia DOC Tasting
On 10th June 2024, there was a trade and press event showcasing around 150 wines from 25 producers from the Wines of Sicilia DOC. It was an excellent opportunity to explore Sicilian wine styles, taste new releases and learn about the different regions of Sicily. While Sicily boasts approximately 70 native grape varieties, Grillo (white) and Nero d’Avola (red) dominated the tasting tables. However, I also discovered a few different wines. I also particularly focussed on those already available in the UK, ensuring the wines I mention are available for purchase. Here are what I thought were the standout wines…
-
Borsa Vini Italiani
I had the pleasure of attending the Borsa Vini Italiani, a trade event hosted by the Italian Trade Commission, at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on 4th June 2024. The event featured 41 exhibitors showcasing 197 wines from 13 regions including Piedmont, Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzo, Campania, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia and Umbria. My aim for this visit was to explore mainly atypical Italian wine offerings. This approach led me to discover some unique wines, including rosés made from unexpected red grape varieties, wines from non-native grapes and even Champagne-like wines. However, I couldn’t resist sampling…
-
Tesco Spring/Summer Press Tasting
In May 2024, I had the pleasure of attending Tesco’s Spring/Summer Press Tasting event in London. The selection was curated to cater to the warmer months, with a clear aim to inspire customers at every price point. The event showcased an impressive array of 138 wines, including 23 new additions to the range and numerous fresh vintages. Among this selection, these are the wines I thought stood out and left a lasting impression: Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne Brut NV 12.4% £25This wine is composed of 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir. It is produced by Cédric Jacopin, the Chef…
-
Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting
The Co-op Spring & Summer Wine Tasting was held in May 2024, in London, showcasing 84 wines. With consumers becoming more price-conscious, the Co-op has seen a noticeable shift towards choosing own-label wines over branded ones. In response, Co-op has expanded its own-label wine ranges. There is also a strong demand for rosé wines, which, surprisingly, are popular year-round. To make the wine section less intimidating, the Co-op is re-merchandising by arranging wines by grape type or variety and updating labels to use simpler language. These efforts aim to help customers make easier choices. The Co-op has also started online…
-
London Wine Fair
I attended the London Wine Fair in May 2024, a three day trade event featuring 335 exhibitors and over 3,224 products, mainly wines. There were large pavilions for Italy, France, Greece, Georgia, WineGB, and even Japan, but Spain, New Zealand, and Australia were notably absent. However, on the day I attended, there was a pop-up New Zealand tasting. Spain, Australia and New Zealand recently held their own separate trade events, which allowed them to showcase a much larger number of wines. I mainly focused on wines already in the UK market but also explored a few seeking representation, as I…
-
Asda Spring Summer Showcase
In May 2024, Asda held a press tasting showcasing a variety of wines, perfect for Spring and Summer days. While the focus was primarily on wines ideal for warmer weather, there were also a few bold reds to complement BBQs. One of the highlights of the event was the re-launch of the Wine Atlas range, featuring five new wines. This range is designed to offer different and high-quality wines at an affordable price, with bottles priced between £6 and £7. Although keeping costs low is Asda’s key aim, quality is not compromised. In 2023, Asda wines were recognised with an…
-
M&S Spring Tasting
In May 2024, M&S held their Spring Tasting press event, showcasing over 130 wines. This year saw the launch of some new wine labelling and a fresh focus on competitive pricing. In April, M&S dropped the prices on 100 wines, shifting their strategy towards everyday trusted value with fewer monthly promotions. The selection at the event was impressive, offering a wide variety of excellent wines. Generally, choosing any wine from M&S usually means picking a great example of its type. However, some wines stood out, for me, for being a bit different and/or having an exceptional taste: Silver Frond Sauvignon…
-
Wines from Spain Tasting
The 36th Annual trade/press tasting of Wines from Spain took place in May 2024, featuring UK importers and Spanish wineries. The event showcased over 245 Spanish wineries and 789 wines. A highlight of the event was the Cava de Guarda Superior Masterclass, led by Master of Wine Peter McCombie. This session explored aged Cava and its potential food pairings, with food provided by Iberica Restaurant. Given the large number of wines, my initial tastings were focused on those already represented in the UK market. However, towards the end, I explored some wines seeking distributors, allowing for unexpected discoveries. These are…
-
The Bordeaux Experience
On 1st May 2024, the inaugural event of Vins de Bordeaux’s new global campaign, ‘The Bordeaux Crew’ came to London, designed collaboratively by the region’s winemaking community. This initiative was supported by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CVIB) and aimed to engage both the wine industry and enthusiasts. The event showcased a curated selection of over 100 Bordeaux wines, ranging from modern interpretations to classic vintages. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the diverse portfolio of Bordeaux wine through various activities staged throughout the venue. Among the activities were pop-up talks, providing insights into Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions and innovations. A unique…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Australian wine exports to China have collapsed from around $1.2 billion to less than $10 million. More
Wine’s aroma is not determined solely by which flavour compounds it contains. More
Low-to-moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality. More
Moderate water stress can be part of what creates flavour and terroir expression. More
Wine appears less frequently online than other alcoholic drinks. More
Independent retailers had 9% fewer customers in March 2026 than two years earlier. More
Average spend per bottle in independents has risen by 23% since 2019, compared with 21% in supermarkets. More.
Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More
Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More
In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
IMAGE WALL
Tools
Recent
Tags
25% Off Wine Aldi Amarone Argentina Articles Asda Australia Austria Award Awards25 Bizarre Blog Books Bordeaux Bulk Bottling Cabernet Sauvignon Carménère Cava Champagne Chardonnay Chile Climate Change Coop Crémant Decanter Duty English Wine EPR Fairtrade Food France Germany Glossary Greece Health Hungary Italy IWSC Jeroboams Laithwaites Legislation Liberty Wines Lidl Low Alcohol M&S Majestic Malbec Merch Merlot Morrisons Natural Nero d'Avola News New Zealand Non-Alcoholic Ocado Old Vine Organic Past Tastings Pick List Pinotage Pinot Grigio Pinot Noir Port Portugal Primitivo Prosecco Research Reviews Ribera del Duero Riesling Rioja Ripasso Rose Sainsbury's Saperavi Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz Sicily South Africa Spain Sparkling Supermarkets Sustainable Tax Terroir Tesco The Wine Society Unrepresented USA Valpolicella Virgin Wines Waitrose Wanderlust Welsh Wine What to Buy Wine Art WineGB WIne Glasses Zinfandel