Past tastings

In 1818 Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon married and started the Champagne house under their names in Mareuil-sur-Ay. Over 7 generations have continued with their motto of “Give priority to quality, strive for excellence” and this shows whenever tasting their wines. They have historically been regarded as one of the most prestigious Champagne houses including first place at Richard Juhlin’s Champagne of the Millennium tasting, and owning over 100 hectares in the best crus of Champagne. Come and join us to explore how a great producer can elevate classic wines through decisions from the vineyard to their cellars.

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

Five generations of the Pio Cesare family have been crafting fantastic Piedmontese wines. From the heart of Alba, they have been producing Barolo, Barbaresco and other traditional styles since 1881. Modern additions include their single-vineyard and other varieties, which expand what we would expect of the region. Whether you love the classic Piedmont, or you are keen to discover the modern styles, join us tasting this journey through the generations of some of Italy’s tastiest wines.

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

Vienna has more to offer than Opera, Ballrooms, and cafés. Wieninger is a family owned winery in the Austrian metropolis. Fritz Wieninger combines his 30 years of experience to provide the highest quality and consistency as a guiding principle. For him, quality is more than just balance but also about showing the expression of the Viennese terroir. Join us tasting these wines celebrated over 45 countries of exceptional craftsmanship.

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

Join us for an exclusive three-course dinner, paired with exceptional wines from Tuscany, presented by Argiano. CUWS members benefit from subsidised tickets and may invite one guest each for this special evening.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany and rooted in winemaking tradition since 1580, Argiano reflects a blend of heritage, terroir, and contemporary elegance. Their history started in the Renaissance and they continue to show how modern times brought a new renaissance in the modern understanding of terroir, and sustainability. Argiano’s philosophy, and 300 m above sea-level vineyards, drives their exceptional quality wines from Brunello di Montalcino. Come join us to explore these incredible wines, savour the delights produced from the marl soil, and wine making to make our mouths water.

The evening will begin with a sparkling wine reception at 18:45, followed by dinner at 19:30. For any ticketing issues, please contact our Website & Ticketing Officer, Claire.

Colmar is a destination famous for its picturesque medieval architecture, surrounding it rests the secret of fantastic Alsatian wines from steep slopes. Domaine Schoffit has been producing a range of varieties in Alsace for three generations, including Chasselas, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and others. Often flying under the radar, Domaine Schoffit represents Alsace at its most elegant Grand Cru sites: precision shaped by geology, slope, and light; all expressions to make our mouth water more than the acidity of their well made Riesling. Come join us in this deep dive of the best expressions of Alsatian varieties and expressions.

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

Classified as a Second Growth in 1855, Château Léoville Poyferré sits at the heart of Saint-Julien on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Founded in 1638 and owned by the Cuvelier family for over a century, it embodies the harmony of power and elegance typical of Saint-Julien. Its Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wines reflect the finesse of the clay and sandy-clay soils, combining depth, balance, and a refined, velvety texture. Vintage after vintage, Léoville Poyferré stands out for its precision and purity of fruit, offering both immediate charm and impressive ageing potential.

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.