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The Wine Society

  • The Society’s Exhibition “Selección Especial” Rioja Reserva

    The Society’s Exhibition “Selección Especial” Rioja Reserva

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    Simon Judge

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    I first came across this wine at The Society’s recent press tasting, when it was such a new vintage that it did not yet have a label. Wines without labels always make me wonder whether they will feel quite the same once they are actually on sale. For me, this was one of the best wines in the tasting, so I had to give it another try now that it is generally available. First of all, it comes from La Rioja Alta, one of the names best known for traditional, age-worthy Rioja wines, and widely considered one of Rioja’s classic…

  • The Wine Society Spring Summer

    The Wine Society Spring Summer

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Society, established in 1874, is the world’s oldest member-owned wine community. Today, it has more than 180,000 members and offers over 1,400 wines from around the world, sourced from more than 700 suppliers. With a strong focus on member interests over profit, it has built a reputation for quality, trust and value. In mid-April 2026, I was invited to The Wine Society’s Spring/Summer press tasting in London, where around 120 wines were showcased. These were the bottles that particularly stood out to me: The Society’s Champagne Brut NV 12.5% £36.50A blend of 52% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and…

  • Our Fathers ‘There is a Light’ McLaren Vale Shiraz-Grenache

    Our Fathers ‘There is a Light’ McLaren Vale Shiraz-Grenache

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    Simon Judge

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    From McLaren Vale, Australia, this red comes with a great endorsement. Jancis Robinson asked, “Surely wines like this would normally be much more expensive?”, which made it impossible not to investigate. It also forms part of The Wine Society’s Wine Champion selection, a curated collection of wines rigorously blind-tasted by their expert buying team and judged to be among the finest in quality and immediate drinkability. But before getting into the wine itself, the story behind it deserves attention. The Our Fathers Project was founded by British Master of Wine Giles Cooke MW, who already carries a strong reputation for…

  • Silbador Carménère

    Silbador Carménère

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    Simon Judge

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    Silbador Carménère by Emiliana is produced in Chile with an approach rooted firmly in organic farming and ecological balance. Named after the Silbador, an insect-eating bird that roams their vineyards, this wine owes part of its existence to a natural cycle where birds, insects and animals work in harmony. Without the need for pesticides, Emiliana’s land flourishes. Hens, geese and alpacas roam freely between the vines, while flowers sown between the rows draw in beneficial insects that keep vine-damaging pests in check. The result is a living, breathing vineyard buzzing with biodiversity. Made entirely from Carménère grapes, this 2023 vintage…

  • The Society’s Portuguese Red

    The Society’s Portuguese Red

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    Simon Judge

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    The Society’s Portuguese Red, from Península de Setúbal in Portugal, south-east of Lisbon, is made by the family-owned Casa Ermelinda Freitas. This winery has been in operation since 1920 and remains under the guidance of successive generations of dynamic women. Their wines have impressed me previously, especially those made with the Touriga Nacional grape, but this bottle offers something different. Here, Castelão takes the lead, supported by a touch of Alicante Bouschet. Castelão, also known locally as Periquita or João de Santarém, is occasionally used in Port production, while Alicante Bouschet is often blended in to deepen the colour. This…

  • Magec Piedra Fluida

    Magec Piedra Fluida

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    Simon Judge

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    This is a return to a wine I first encountered during The Wine Society’s Autumn Press Tasting. A blend of Tenerife’s red Listán Negro and white Listán Blanco, this 2023 release comes with a story shaped by adversity. The devastating fires that swept across the island in August 2023 were the worst seen in four decades. In response, the winery made the unusual decision to bottle only a small portion of their red harvest, selecting the best of what could be salvaged from each vineyard. What has emerged is a unique cuvée, drawing together fruit that would typically be reserved…

  • Undurraga Candelabro Itata Reserva Cinsault

    Undurraga Candelabro Itata Reserva Cinsault

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    Simon Judge

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    This was an affordable pick I first discovered at The Wine Society’s Autumn press tasting and felt drawn to revisit. It’s named after the Candelabro cactus, a striking plant found in the protected Natural Monument Quebrada de Cardones, in Chile. Viña Undurraga support this conservation area through this wine. The wine comes from the Itata Valley, deep in the south of Chile, a region known for its dry-farmed old bush vines. These are unirrigated plantings of 100% Cinsault, rooted since the 1950s and 60s in the rugged terrain of Itata. There’s no oak involved in its making, allowing the fruit…

  • Poulsard Fruitiere Vinicole D’Arbois

    Poulsard Fruitiere Vinicole D’Arbois

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    Simon Judge

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    Given to me at the end of The Wine Society press tasting tucked inside a goody bag this wine came in a can that suggested something far simpler perhaps a run-of-the-mill Merlot-style red. It was a surprise to find something far more engaging inside. This wine comes from Jura in eastern France produced by Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois one of the country’s oldest co-operatives based in Arbois. It’s made entirely from Poulsard, also known locally as Ploussard, a red grape variety native to the region and grown almost nowhere else. Poulsard is known for its delicate skin and low pigment producing…

  • Marcillac ‘Lo Sang del Pais’

    Marcillac ‘Lo Sang del Pais’

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    Simon Judge

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    This red comes from Marcillac‑Vallon in Aveyron, South-West France, an area known for its deep red soils rich in iron that lend a distinct identity to the wines grown there. Domaine du Cros brings us this bottle with a name that translates loosely as “the blood of the land,” a reflection of the bond between vine, soil and region. Made entirely from Fer Servadou, a grape known locally as Mansois, this unoaked 2023 vintage comes in at 13% ABV and offers a refreshingly individual character. As is typical with many French reds, it’s best to let it sit a while…

  • The Wine Society Autumn Press Tasting

    The Wine Society Autumn Press Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    I was pleased to attend The Wine Society Press tasting this time, having missed the previous one due to bereavement. Prior to this, the tastings were held at the private wine members’ club, 67 Pall Mall, which was proving too small. This time, however, the tasting was held at a new venue with expansive views across London, offering a much more accommodating space. The Wine Society made use of it, increasing the number of wines to 120 from their usual 80 to 100. More than half the wines on offer were new additions to The Wine Society’s portfolio. Despite challenging…

  • Esporão Bico Amarelo

    Esporão Bico Amarelo

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    Simon Judge

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    This, 2024 vintage, wine has swiftly risen to prominence, securing a remarkable 96 points and claiming both the IWC Vinho Verde Trophy and the Portuguese White Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2025. Its lineage traces back to Quinta do Ameal, an estate established in the early 1700s, which Esporão rejuvenated a few years ago, bringing new vitality and renown to its white offerings. This particular vintage is a blend of Avesso, Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes and at 11 per cent alcohol it already suggests a departure from the lighter, lower-ABV wines typically associated with Vinho Verde. There is none…

  • A New Type of International Wine

    A New Type of International Wine

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine sold in the UK no longer needs to originate from one country because of Brexit, which freed the UK from EU regulations, including those governing wine production and labelling. Under EU law, wines that combine EU and non-EU fruit are prohibited, reflecting a strict adherence to the concept of terroir. Terroir emphasises the unique environmental factors of a specific region, such as soil and climate, which influence the wine’s character. However, these restrictions no longer apply to the UK, allowing winemakers to experiment with blends from different countries. The BBC is reporting how French winemaker Maxime Chapoutier has created…

  • Decanter Weekday Wines

    Decanter Weekday Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Decanter Magazine regularly features a “Weekday Wines” section showcasing top wines under £20, along with a “Weekend Wines” section highlighting selections priced between £20 and £50. These sections focus on the more affordable end of the wine spectrum, making quality wines accessible to a broader audience. I’m pleased to say that some of the wines I’ve picked out from huge number I’ve tasted at press events over the past six months have also been recognised by Decanter. In their latest issue for August 2024, they’ve highlighted the Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Signature Series’ Viognier Reserva and the Gibson ‘The Dirtman’ Shiraz,…

  • The Wine Society Press Tasting

    The Wine Society Press Tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Society held a press tasting event in March 2024, in London, showcasing a curated selection of about 100 wines. This introduced the newest wines and vintages within their core range, alongside a special 150th range designed to commemorate the Society’s 150th anniversary. These are the wines that particularly stood out for me together with my notes: Black Chalk Classic English Sparkling 2020andBlack Chalk Rose 2020These English Sparkling wines from Hampshire, from a classic Champagne blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes have an ABV of 12.5% and have been aged for at least 18 months on…

  • Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

    Red Bordeaux Wine From Supermarkets Under £20

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    Simon Judge

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    The Scotsman has an article on Best red Bordeaux wine from supermarkets for under £20. The article discusses the author’s evolving appreciation for wine, particularly Bordeaux wines. Initially viewing Bordeaux as exclusive and expensive, the author, Rosalind Erskine, has discovered affordable and quality options available in supermarkets. The journey has highlighted both the traditional appeal of Bordeaux wines and the value found in lesser-known regions and producers, proving that quality does not always come with a high price tag. Here is a summary of the wines mentioned, along with their prices and suppliers. It’s strange two of them are not…

  • Wines From Major Wine Outlets

    Wines From Major Wine Outlets

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    In his article for the Guardian Newspaper, David Williams discusses the evolving landscape of wine retail in the UK, especially highlighting the performance of major wine outlets like Majestic, Naked Wines, Virgin Wines and The Wine Society. He notes that during and after the pandemic, these retailers faced various challenges including the inflation and cost-of-living crisis. Despite these, Majestic reported a successful Christmas in 2023, with an increase in sales and interest in fine wines. The following wines were recommended: MajesticBodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell from Alicante, Spain, 2022 vintage, priced at £9.99 or £8.99 in a mixed six.Invicible Número Dois…

  • Finding Good Value

    Finding Good Value

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    Simon Judge

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    Victoria Moore, a wine correspondent from the Telegraph Newspaper, discusses the impact of inflation on wine prices in her recent article (article might be behind paywall by the time you read this). She notes that British shoppers are typically thrifty when buying wine, often seeking the best deals, particularly in supermarkets. Moore acknowledges the challenge in assessing the value of wine due to three main factors: general inflation, the increased cost of materials like glass and a significant duty rise on wine. It is suggested that to maintain the same quality of wine as 18 months ago, consumers should expect…

  • Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

    Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Wine: The Bottle Weight Accord

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    Simon Judge

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    The wine industry is increasingly under scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly its carbon footprint. A recent report by Dr. Peter Stanbury, prepared for the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) (pdf), has shed light on the significant but often overlooked aspect of the weight of wine bottles. The report reveals that the single largest source of carbon emissions in the wine industry is the glass bottle. This is attributed to the energy-intensive manufacturing process and the emissions generated during transportation. To address this, the SWR has announced a Bottle Weight Accord which aims to reduce the average weight of a 750ml…

  • 1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting

    1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting

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    Simon Judge

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    The Wine Society have a 1874 Autumn – Walkaround tasting in London on 11 September 2023 6:00 – 08:30pm. There are also similar events in Lancaster on 19 September and Leamington on 20 September . Based on the Wine Society’s 1874 magazine’s Autumn edition, this tasting will encompass a series of brief walkaround sessions featuring a variety of themes. They will cover South Africa’s dynamic wine scene, pairing tradition with sustainability and showcasing an array of wines from emerging young producers, following Jo Locke MW’s recent trip there. Twelve selected wines will illustrate the old and new facets of this…

  • Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria

    Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria

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    Simon Judge

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    I recently had the pleasure of trying a Primitivo that has been given an award by Gambero Rosso magazine, a global authority on Italian food, wine and travel. With a rating of 4.1 on Vivino and an impressive 4.3 for its latest 2022 vintage, this wine piqued my interest. Upon tasting, I found it to be medium to full-bodied, maintaining a good balance with Black Forest-fruit flavours and a subtle note of vanilla. It’s not as intense as, for example, La Masseria Del Borgo, but rather more akin to a classic Primitivo. In my opinion, it’s more suitable to be…

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Did You Know?

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

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