Independent Champagne Growers
Thursday 20th October 2011
Canada Square Canary Wharf London
6.30 – 9.00pm
Presented by Keith Lyon on behalf of specialist importer French Bubbles.
A second chance this year to experience what was an enormously popular and oversubscribed event.
Keith Lyon will be returning again with six different Champagne wines.
A presentation then of seven excellent Champagne wines, representing the latest trend in the Champagne industry, wines from independent growers direct to the UK.
Keith will provide a full explanation for each of the wines, with particular regard to their style in relation to geographical origin, composition and winemaking techniques.
This event will be accompanied with suitable light food to match Champagne.
Tickets £40 per person
Tickets and further information available via the contact page on this site;
Via email christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
Or call Chris Rawlings on – 0779669088
Rawlings & Wine Ltd in association with French Bubbles.
www.frenchbubbles.co.uk
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Wine Australia - Are you bored too?
The Phoenix Rises!
Date - Thursday 17th November.
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Venue – Canada Square, Canary Wharf, Docklands, London
There is no doubting that the Australian wine bubble has well and truly burst. Following incredible growth in demand from the UK public stretching back to the mid 1980's, Australia now finds itself having to completely reinvent its identity and quite literally from the roots up!
Overproduction, drought, rising production costs, a strong dollar and constant but now unsustainable UK supermarket discounting, are major contributing factors.
In addition, there is strong evidence that as UK palates become more educated and demanding, Australian wine has become a bit of a dull and unexciting picture, good for cutting ones "wine teeth" on but that's about it.
Not a pretty picture then? Well, all of the above considered, many in the wine industry both here in the UK and in Australia, regard these issues as a blessing in disguise. For several years now, many have been wondering if the big dominating brand names, would ever allow us a proper chance to see and experience the highly crafted, interesting wines with unique signatures, which Australia can and does produce.
Circumstances mentioned, are forcing the issue and now there are quite a good number of "new" wines on offer and the best news is, they are not expensive! £9 - £15, can get you an awful lot of wine!!
Come and experience some for yourself, as we sample our way around some of Australias best new wave wines.
Suitable light finger food will accompany this event.
Tickets £35 per person
Numbers are limited
For further information or to book a place, please use the contact page on this site or e.mail
christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
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Wines to Accompany Traditional
English Christmas Dinner
Event date Thursday 15th December
6.30-9.15pm.
Venue, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, Docklands, London.
Presented for the third consecutive year.
A relaxed social and festive evening, providing you an opportunity to unwind and try some excellent wines to match traditional Christmas fare… and get you in the Christmas spirit.
Presented by Rawlings and Wine Ltd and hosted by Keith Lyon and Chris Rawlings.
Relevant to subject, light food will accompany the evening, to demonstrate matches to the wines which will include Champagne, first and second course, plus dessert wines. Madeira and Port will also be featured.
The cost for the evening will be £40 per person and there are limited spaces available.
For further information or to book a place,
please use the contact page on this site or e.mail
christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Thursday 23rd June 2011
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Venue – Canada Square, Canary Wharf, Docklands, London
A hugely popular grape and undoubtedly responsible for some of the worlds best and most iconic red wines. But is Cabernet Sauvignon right to be among the "noble" few?
When unblended, expressed as a 100% example, the wines can be one dimensional.
Ironic then, that in an industry where quite often, new world wines are criticized for being just that, I find that the finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, often come from new world countries and are indeed, interesting and above all, very pleasing. So I am inviting you to come along and explore the isssue with me. You be the judge! Included in the evening will be wines from;
Coonawarra - Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Spain and Greece
Tickets £25 per person
Numbers are limited
For further information or to book a place, please use the contact page on this site or e.mail
christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
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Wines for the Autumn & Associated vinous quiz challenge
Thursday 29th September 2011
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Venue – Canada Square, Canary Wharf, Docklands, London
The second chance this year, to taste what we think are some of the best new comers around in 2011 and perfect for the chilly season ahead.
A collection of 10 wines all under £10, available from easily accessible retailers. They offer great character and fantastic value for money, without busting your purse/wallet.
Examples shown originate from both currently popular locations for wine lovers, together with some from more unfamiliar parts, which may find particular appeal with those wishing to broaden their wine horizons?
Guaranteed to please, they all offer abundance in character and great value.
Chris Rawlings will guide you through each wine, providing a brief explanation of the reasons, which account for their style, taking in local geography, grape varieties and wine-making techniques used.
Seasonal food and subsequent matching has also been considered in the wine selection.
Tickets £20 per person
Numbers are limited
For further information or to book a place, please use the contact page on this site or e.mail
christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
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Eclectic Wines Wednesday 23rd June 2010
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Venue – Canada Square Canary Wharf Docklands London
Hosted by Keith Lyon and Chris Rawlings
A must for real wine enthusiasts. A chance to sample some truly unique wines not readily available.
Successfully received on two previous occasions, yes this event is a little "left field" or "off the wall", yet the wines on show provide real interest, points of difference, complexity and are always well made by reputable wine makers, wanting you to experience their very best creations!
10 wines will be featured during the evening.
Rotkipfler Hartl 2008 Thermonregion Austria
Furmint Tornai 2007 Somlo Hungary
A A Badenhorst Secateurs White 2009 South Africa
Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2008 Dom des Bernardins Rhone Valley France
Jaume Mesquida Negre 2007 Pla i Llevant Mallorca Spain
Lambrusco Grasparossa Pederzana 2009 Emilia Italy
Dom Rimbert St Chinian Mas au Schiste 2006 Languedoc France
Dao Sul Grande Encontro 2006 Bairrada Portugal
Clos Fornelli La Robe d'Ange Rouge 2008 Corsica
Vinica Mavrud Zagreus 2007 Thracian Valley Bulgaria
Konick’ Tail Premium Vodka Poland
This event will be supported with accompanying savouries and biscuits.
To end the evening, Keith will be presenting a new premium Vodka, Konick’s Tail, just launched into the UK, paired with smoked salmon!!
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RIESLING RENAISSANCE
 Tuesday 5th May 2009
6.30pm - 9.00pm
Venue - Marriott Hotel West india Quay Docklands
At last……
Currently, the most up and coming white variety. But vastly misunderstood, will it be yet again just a temporary fad? This time… I don’t think so. With the backing of many critics and thanks largely due to the Aussies and Kiwis, the dry Riesling style and its aversion to oak, appear to be helping it hit the spot for many wine enthusiasts.
A chance then to discover and analyse this fascinating grape and its enormous style range.
Hosted by informed authority Keith Lyon, a presentation of numerous dry and traditional Riesling wines, representing the very best from around the world
Since Riesling pairs very with many food types, the wines shown, will accompany light food to demonstrate their compatibility.
 Tickets £45
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Austria – What’s your take?
 
Tuesday 30th June 2009
6.30pm - 9.00pm
WHAT'S YOUR TAKE?
Why attend a tasting event about Austria?
Well, the pleasant fact is that over the last year or so, Austrian wines have become much more accessible to the UK public and at great value.
Good news indeed, as this provides the chance to discover some of the wonderful quality and unique diversity that is Austrian wine, knowing that subsequent availability is secure.
An opportunity then to come and experience for yourself some truly great wines.
The whites include Gruner Veltliner, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
For the reds, Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch, St Laurent and one of the fascinating sweet wines from the east of the country.
  
Light food refreshment will also be provided, to demonstrate the marvellous diverse compatibility Austrian wine enjoys with cuisine.
Tuesday 30th June
6.30pm – 9.00pm Tickets £45
Venue - The Curve @ Marriott Hotel West India Quay Canary Wharf
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Argentina – Not just Malbec and Mendoza!!
Thursday 29th October 2009
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Argentinas reputation as a premium wine producer, seems to be ever finding new gears as it now pulls alongside Chile as a serious equal in this arena. Both countries are finding ways to harness near desert conditions, in the persuit of the finest wines which show a unique definition of origin. Uco Valley in Mendoza, Salta in the north, Neuquen and Rio Negro in Patagonia down south, are all locations found much more commonly on bottle labels, where suitable varieties are matched to the best growing sites. The result, some exciting Syrah, Pinot Noir and Malbec reflecting regional origin. For the whites, Chardonnay tops the bill, Semillon too and the Argentine signature white, Torrontes.
Tickets £45
Available via the contact page
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Understanding Sweet Wines
Tuesday 1st December 2009
6.30pm - 8.45pm
Its not just about drinking cloying flabby sweet wine in some fumbled attempt to match it with heavy puddings.
Yes, sweet wines do accompany desserts but it goes much further than that……
 The candlelit cellars in Tokay
For a start they shouldn’t be cloying and flabby and are often best enjoyed on their own, to fully appreciate the amazing complexities of aroma and flavour. However, they are extremely versatile with all manner of foods, not just desserts!!
Whats more,there are many different styles from around the globe and because they are not fashionable, are available at great value for money.
This event will be supported with light accompanying food, paired with the wines to be tasted.
Tickets £60
Available via the contact page
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THE 7 WEEK WINE COURSE
Tuesday evenings starting 13th October to 24th November.
6.30-8.30pm
This course was launched in 2007 and enjoyed enormous success*. Conducted in a friendly, social environment, learning without formal education, more about some of the best wine countries and regions. Accompanied tutored tastings of top wines during the evening, with explanations justifying their status.
Within a group, this course provides an excellent opportunity to taste and discuss numerous very expensive wines in an efficient financial manner, by sharing the cost.
This course is open to limited numbers. *See commendations page
Tickets £265 ; Includes 6 ISO glasses, all samples and full tuition
Click here for the itinerary and booking information
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In addition to the scheduled wine education courses in Docklands listed above, WSET courses are also available in the south east, at Thanet Technical College, Broadstairs, Kent; www.thanet.ac.uk Bookings can be made either with the College direct, or using the "contact us" page on this site.
Visit www.wsetglobal.com for information about WSET courses available.
Particularly for student use, some useful web sites are listed on this site
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Hawkes Bay New Zealand
 Versus
Bordeaux France
Could these two great wine regions take their wine makers with them and change geographical places and still produce the same wines?
Could you taste the difference in a blind line up of top class paired examples from each region, if they faced each other?
Why don’t you come along and witness the fight?……and be one of the judges?
The contenders rank among the highest levels within their respective premier leagues.
Date – To be confirmed
Time – 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Venue – The Curve @ Marriott Hotel West India Quay Canary Wharf London
For venue details see Marriott Curve Bar & Restaurant page or visit www.londonmarriottwestindiaquay.co.uk
Tickets £65 per person available via contact page
Light food refreshment accompanies this event.
www.rawlings-and-wine.com or
Christopherrawlings@btopenworld.com
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Wines to accompany traditional English Christmas dinner
A relaxed social and festive evening, providing you an opportunity to unwind and try some excellent wines to match traditional Christmas fare… and get you in the Christmas spirit.
This event will be held on Tuesday 15th December
6.30-9.00pm. Venue, HSBC 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, Docklands, London.
Presented by Rawlings and Wine Ltd and hosted by
Keith Lyon and Chris Rawlings.
Relevant to subject, light food will accompany the evening, to demonstrate matches to the wines which include Champagne, fine Manzanilla Sherry, first, second course and dessert wines, plus Madeira and Port.
The cost for the evening will be £35 per person and there are limited spaces available.
This event is open to both employees and non-employees of HSBC and partners are particularly welcome.
The closing date for tickets is Friday 11th December.
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7 Week Wine Appreciation Course
A course with no home study or examination.
The main focus is to provide an opportunity to taste some of the best wines from the best of the worlds wine producing regions.
Held on 7 consecutive Tuesday evenings:
Commencing 13th October and finishing on 24th November 2009
6.30 – 8.30pm. Venue at Canary wharf
Extremely well received in 2007/8 and oversubscribed, this course had to be a must to include in the 2009 programme.
Open to people with any level of wine knowledge, whether it be none, some or considerable. A series of tutored evenings, with an aim to provide an excellent opportunity, to taste some of the very best wines available from around the world.
Without formal education, however there will be a focus on the local environment characteristics and winemaking practices, which determine the final style of the wines tasted.
The first part of week 1 provides an introduction lesson on how to evaluate wine, using the analeptic senses.
Weeks 2 – 7, progress through a carefully selected agenda of the best wine regions around the world, using high quality examples of the most reputed, often famous and inevitably expensive wines.
We aim to demonstrate and examine the justification of their status, character of origin, together with capabilities of longevity.
Legendary wines will also be accompanied by the newer arrivals, which have in a very short time by comparison, established themselves firmly on the global wine map as excellent wines from exciting regions.
Itinerary
Week 1
How to properly evaluate wine – appearance- aroma- palate – conclusion. Wines used will be from New Zealand – including regions Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Otago. Australia - including Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide.
Week 2
South America - Chile including new and exciting regions Limari, Elqui in the far north and Malleco in the far south. Argentina including regions Neuquen in southerly Patagonia, Mendoza and Salta in the north.
Week 3
Germany and Austria. New for 2009. Focussing on the prime districts of German vineyards, Rheingau and Mosel, together with Baden and Franken, while Austria features the Wachau and Kremstal. Wines produced from the Riesling grape, are a prominant feature of this evening, amongst other white and red varieties.
Week 4
Italy - Featuring wines that have been responsible for providing this country with its iconic wine status. Includes Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Amarone and of course Chianti Classico.
Week 5
Wines from the Rhone Valley, taking in some of the best examples of Syrah to be found in the world. The north and south Rhone Valley will be explored and wines shown will inlude the famous Cote Rotie and Chateau Neuf du Pape.
Week 6
Bordeaux France. Includes left bank, Pauillac, St Julien, Margaux and Graves. Right bank, St Emilion and Pomerol and the satellites
Week 7
Burgundy France. Taking in the white and red Cru examples, from the top communes on the Cote d’Or and Chablis.
The course cost is £295 per person. This includes 6 ISO tasting glasses, tuition and all wine samples used during the course.
Numbers are limited
For further information or to book a place, please use the contact page
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