Past tastings

Founded in 1880, Ramos Pinto farms a variety of elevations across the Douro, from the warm, river-level parcels of Ervamoira to the Cima Corgo slopes of Bom Retiro and the high, breezier hills of Bons Ares. In Vila Nova de Gaia, time in cask within cool lodges refines the house’s Tawny styles, while Vintage Ports and Douro DOC reds draw on old field-blend vineyards for detail and depth. The thread tying it together is clarity: fruit that is generous yet finely drawn, framed by the Douro’s stony backbone.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Catena Zapata helped redefine Argentine wine by looking upward. In Mendoza’s high country the family mapped vineyards by altitude, soil and parcel-focused vinification. Indeed, from Adrianna in Gualtallary to Nicasia in Paraje Altamira’s each site keeps its voice. The Catena Institute of Wine underpins it all, showing how altitude and UV shape freshness, texture and longevity. The result is science in service of pleasure – a seamless bridge between research and tradition.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Founded in 1702, Château de Ferrand sits atop the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, its distinctive lyre-shaped caves still opening onto the Dordogne. Acquired by Baron Bich in 1978, the estate remains in the family; a carefully managed renewal helped secure recognition as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in 2012. In classical right bank fashion, the vineyards are planted mainly with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon on clay-limestone soils.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Above a shining loop of the River Dart, Sandridge Barton leads England’s cool‑climate vanguard. The estate prides itself on sustainability: biodiversity corridors, careful canopy design, and light‑touch winemaking yield bright, gastronomic wines that carry the soft salt of the South‑West on their breath. In the vineyards, a gentle approach – no pesticides, herbicides or reliance on cover crops – keeps the south-facing slopes and the Dart valley ecosystem in balance.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Family‑run Recaredo crafts sparkling wine from the calcareous soils of Corpinnat in historic Penedès. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with every bottle riddled by hand, aged under natural cork, and manually disgorged. These practices support the house’s hallmark of extended ageing. The style is dry and precise, with an accompanying clean, refreshing finish that is reflective of the Mediterranean climate.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Since 1385, the Antinori family has shaped Italian winemaking. Now in its 26th generation, the family has guided its estates through reform and renewal, pairing respect for tradition with a willingness to innovate. From a Florentine base into the Chianti hills, and outward to Bolgheri’s coast, Montalcino’s slopes, Umbria’s Castello della Sala, Montepulciano’s La Braccesca, Puglia’s Tormaresca, and partnerships in Piedmont and Friuli, the vast array of Antinori’s estates is impressive in its variety and attention to quality.

For any ticketing issues, please contact the CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

A huge amount of work has gone into arranging for a lovely venue and a truly exciting wine list, including wines from the very best producers in Champagne, Burgundy, and elsewhere.

Members are also very welcome to invite their friends as guests! The cost and quality of the wines that will be shown far exceed the prices for all types of tickets, so we strongly urge everyone to join us for what is sure to be a fantastic event!

Ticketing and Refund Policy: For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Naomi: ncm38@cam.ac.uk. Ticket refunds will only be given if Naomi is informed 48 hours or more before the event, and we are able to reallocate your ticket to another person.  If you find that you are unable to attend after this time, it is your responsibility to resell your ticket.

School of Port is a dynamic educational initiative by Symington Family Estates, one of the Douro Valley’s most respected producers, created to bring the world of Port wine to life for a new generation. Launched during the coronavirus lockdown to continue the in-depth training once delivered in person, it has since evolved into a global platform offering free digital workshops, online courses, and lively social media content for both wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Backed by over five generations of winemaking expertise, School of Port provides an engaging and accessible way to explore the full spectrum of Port styles: from ruby and tawny to aged vintage expressions, along with food pairings, serving tips, and insider knowledge. Whether you’re discovering Port for the first time or deepening your appreciation, this tasting offers a journey through its elegance, complexity, and enduring charm.

Join us for an evening that bridges centuries of tradition with a fresh, contemporary perspective showcasing the timeless allure and versatility of Port wine.

Ticketing and Refund Policy: For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Naomi: ncm38@cam.ac.uk. Ticket refunds will only be given if Naomi is informed 48 hours or more before the event, and we are able to reallocate your ticket to another person.  If you find that you are unable to attend after this time, it is your responsibility to resell your ticket.