August 2026: This month’s topic was Lidl wines, specifically their Wine Edit, consisting of 16 wines, paired perfectly to the summer season (unfortunately we only had time to sample 6 of them!). We started with Asti Rosato sparkling rose wine (7%, £4.99) from Italy, which was considered to be quite sweet but probably ideal for warm summer days. The next wine was a medium Reisling from Australia’s Clare Valley (11.5%, £8.49 per bottle), with notes of apple and lemon zest. The second white was Gavi Castel di Sierra (12.5%, £9.99 per bottle) from Piemonte, Italy, which was well received.  The… Read More

July 2026: We started with a white sparkling wine from the Western Cape Rose, followed by an Australian Pinot Grigio and a Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc before the trio of reds. These were a New Zealand Merlot, an Australian Shiraz Reserve and a South African Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot blend.  The Commonwealth of Nations (often referred to as the British Commonwealth or simply the Commonwealth) is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of its predecessor, the British Empire. They are connected through their use of the English language and cultural and… Read More

June 2026: It might be coming home? Wine tasting this month had the theme of World Cup Countries. The whites chosen (from Sainsbury’s} were from England, Austria and USA. They ranged from £16 pounds (originally) to £8.50; all were well received and a little different. The English Chapel Down, from Kent, made from the Bacchus grape was very tasty, having a similarity to Riesling and was probably the favourite. The Austrian - Gemischter Satz - a field blend wine, was also light and fresh, a very nice Summer wine. However, the U.S.A ‘Buttery Chardonnay’, a Chardonnay with a twist, was… Read More

May 2026: May’s meeting topic was Wines of South Africa, presented by Chris Russell. All wines were purchased from Sainsbury’s. We started with a Western Cape Rose, followed by a Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc and finally a Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc before the trio of reds. These were a Stellenbosch Pinotage, a Stellenbosch Merlot and a Western Cape Cabernet Sauvignon. There were interesting stories provided for each wine, the most notable being the origin of the Stellenbosch Pinotage. The Pinotage grape variety was created in South Africa in 1924 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University.… Read More

April 2026: All wines were purchased from Majestic Wines with full retail prices ranging from £9 - £23. Realistically with in-store specials and group discount most were £8 - £14. As usual, 3 whites (France, Chile and Spain) and 3 reds (Portugal, France and California) were sampled over the evening. Blended Wine is created by mixing 2 or more grape varieties, vineyards or vintages to achieve balanced, consistent and complex flavours, that exceeds that of a single grape. It can happen before, during or after fermentation, often during maturation. In Champagne blending different vintages is frequently done to maintain a… Read More