I can’t think of anywhere better to have an annual Wine Festival than at the Vineyard, the place where the wine list is in fact a very heavy hard backed book! This was the fourth annual Festival and was well attended. There was a magnificent dinner put on the night before with a menu developed by the wonderful Daniel Galmiche which perfectly complemented the wines from the suppliers showcasing the event. These included Vineyard Cellars, Peter Michael Winery, Georges Barbier, Paritua, Hatch Mansfield, The Wine Treasury, Les Caves de Pyrene, Nyetimber and Hallgarten. Both James Hocking, the Director of Wine – The Vineyard Cellars, and Alan Holmes, the Restaurant and Wine Director from the Vineyard, were on hand to offer advice help and masterclasses. These included The Art of Wine Tasting, The Ultimate Dinner Party and Call my Bluff amongst others. Great fun and loads to learn. However I am not at the point of being able to get a ticket to the Master Sommeliers Dinner on Sunday 24th November although it looks fabulous.
Just to give a sprint through some other events happening, the ones that stood out for me were the Champagne Discovery Dinner on 1st December, £145 for 5 delicious courses with champagne. There is a Taste of Christmas on the 2nd December where there will be unique crafts, wine tastings, cookery demonstrations and much more from 12 – 8pm and only £5, a percentage of the proceeds will go to the Pelican Cancer Foundation and West Berkshire Mencap. Then there is the Taittinger ladies lunch on the 16th December 12-3pm, £75 for 3 courses. That is calling my name. Check the website for all the other events on offer.
This is the way to learn about wine. Take one of the courses offered by The Vineyard through WSET which take you from a basic level to an accredited one. They offer several different courses according to your ability or need and are recognised professionally. The course is £150 and includes lunch, what a bargain, to leave with more information and a tummy full of Daniel’s food.
Sadly the closest I got to Daniel Galmiche this time but hey, there is always another and as long as I get to eat his food I am one happy bunny. (see many previous posts)
Some of the items on display which were wine connected although that really is the entire hotel
This was the stall I found it hard to leave. The Taittinger champagne stall. I learnt more in ten minutes than I have learnt in many months of trying before. Fascinating stuff but you need to go on a course to find out, it will be well worth it!
Two locals enjoying their day. They were very happy and this was before the wine tasting. The Vineyard wants to make wine accessible and not a snobby affair. They have persuaded me that good wine and good food work well together, 2 and 2 make 6 or 8 not 4. My aim is to do a course next year and learn how this can happen. Thank you to the Vineyard for the invitation, there is an interview on Kennet Radio including past interviews so that you can catch up.
#food of wonderfulness and #wine to match