Past tastings

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.

Maison aux Pois is a bold new voice in the historic Tokaj-Hegyalja region, producing wines that blend deep respect for tradition with a fiercely personal, creative vision. Though the winery has no generational roots in Tokaj, it is founded on a passionate belief in the region’s potential, particularly in the village of Mád, often considered Tokaj’s most exciting terroir.

Driven by curiosity and a desire for authenticity, the team crafts wines that speak of place, precision, and purpose. With an emphasis on elegance, balance, and minimal intervention, Maison aux Pois works with Furmint and Hárslevelű to produce expressive dry wines that let the character of the vineyards shine. The use of oak is restrained, alcohol is carefully balanced, and every wine is made with the intention of revealing, not obscuring, its origin.

Discover a new generation of Tokaj wines – crafted with precision, driven by purpose, and inspired by a passion for authenticity.

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.

Founded in 1812, the independent family-led House of Laurent-Perrier has been defined by its pioneering role in innovating champagne throughout its history. Its innovation is rooted in unique savoir-faire, passed down through generations.

The Laurent-Perrier portfolio is built around three distinct expressions of its unique savoir-faire. The first is the art of assemblage of reserve wines, exemplified by Grand Siècle – a prestige cuvée crafted from three exceptional vintages to recreate the perfect year. The second is the mastery of maceration, an innovative winemaking technique that led to the creation of its iconic Cuvée Rosé champagne. Finally, the House pioneered the non-dosé (zero dosage) style, revealing the essence of the grape and the terroir without masking it with sugar.

In 2024 Laurent-Perrier was the first champagne House to be bestowed the prestigious Royal Warrant by His Majesty The King Charles III, signifying the brand’s esteemed status as a purveyor of champagne to the Royal Household.

In this tasting, Laurent-Perrier’s UK Managing Director will explain the development of the champagne appelation and the brands, before guiding us through six champagnes from the Laurent-Perrier portfolio, including the 100 point wine Grand Siècle Iteration N°26.

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.

We are delighted to welcome Jason Humphries (Trinity Hall 1989), cofounder of Digby Winery, which makes fine English sparkling wines in Sussex. Digby produced their first wine in 2013 and has since become a standard-bearer for English sparkling wine on an international level. Indeed, should one wish to procure English sparkling wine from the House of Commons, it is Digby’s vintage brut which they would be presented with.

Jason has generously brought a selection of vintage and non-vintage rosé and classic champagne blends to illustrate the breadth of his winery’s production.

Join us in exploring the terroirs of Southern England and discovering the craftsmanship behind English sparkling wines.

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.

Napa Valley, California

Opus One is an iconic Napa Valley winery born from the visionary collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi in 1979. This pioneering Franco-American partnership set out to create a single wine of uncompromising quality, combining Bordeaux winemaking techniques with California terroir. Opus One produces just two wines – their eponymous flagship Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend and Overture. Known for its meticulous attention to detail in vineyards and cellar, Opus One consistently crafts some of Napa Valley’s most sought-after and age-worthy wines. Join us to experience the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking and indulge in the legendary Opus One, a true American icon!

For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer, Naomi

Meerlust Estate, located in the heart of South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch region, is a symbol of winemaking excellence with a history dating back to 1693. Known for its dedication to tradition and innovation, the estate crafts exceptional wines that capture the essence of Stellenbosch’s unique terroir, with a particular emphasis on Bordeaux varietals.

This dinner highlights Meerlust’s younger vintages, showcasing the estate’s evolving vision under Wim Truter, who was appointed Cellar Master in 2020. The Rubicon 2021, in particular, has received outstanding reviews—Tim Atkin awarded it 98 points, making it a remarkable different vintage from its predecessors.

For any ticketing issues, please contact CUWS Website & Ticketing Officer Naomi

WINES

• Meerlust Chardonnay 2023
• Pinot Noir 2023
• Estate Red 2020
• Rubicon 2021

MENU

Once you have bought your ticket, we will contact you to ask you for your menu choices.

•  Pressed Broccoli & Parmesan Crisp (Vegetarian), Smoked Chestnut Crumb, Miso Mayo (Egg, Milk, Soy, Mustard)
  OR
• Braised Oxtail & Chorizo Croquette, Tomato and Roasted Pepper Salsa, Chipotle Aioli (Egg, Sulphites, Mustard)
  OR
• Crispy Squid,  Thai Slaw Salad (Carrot, Pak Choi, Coriander, Chilli, Bean Shoots, Sweetcorn), Lime Aioli   (Molluscs, Egg, Mustard)

•  Miso, Ginger & Daikon Risotto (Vegan Adaptable), Carrot Caramel Purée, Crispy Soybean (Egg, Milk, Soy, Sulphites)
  OR
• Coconut Yoghurt-Marinated Chicken Supreme, Crushed New Potato, Green Beans, Ginger, Coconut and Coriander Pesto (Egg, Milk, Soy)
  OR
•  Suffolk Pork Duo – Crispy Pork Belly & Tenderloin, Glazed Carrot, Potato Terrine, Apple Purée, Calvados Cream Sauce (Milk, Sulphites)