Past tastings

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Vega Sicilia, Spain’s most famous winery, is Spain’s answer to ‘first growth’.  This prestigious estate was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves and is currently owned by the Álvarez family.  It was the original Spanish wine to be collected and coveted worldwide. Combining superb raw materials with a meticulous approach to vinification, their wines show great restraint in youth but also have unlimited cellaring potential.  Join us in tasting these illustrious wines!

Please note: we will be implementing a ballot system for this event. Register below for tickets before 6pm Thursday 21 November (you will not be charged).

We will then randomly allocate tickets and if successful you will receive a link for payment. Please pay before 10pm, Friday 22 November, otherwise your tickets will be reallocated. Limit of 1 ticket per transaction, members-only.

Oregon, USA

One of the original historic wine estates in Oregon, Eyrie Vineyards was founded in 1965 in the Dundee Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley by David Lett, known locally as ‘Papa Pinot’.  They produced the first Pinot Gris in the United States, and in 1975, produced the first American Pinot Noir that competed successfully against the renowned Burgundy Pinot noir. Their ‘gentle touch’ philosophy has created an elegant wine that truly expresses the variety and place but which also possesses a legendary aging ability.  Please join us in tasting this historic wine!

Rhône, France

Located in the appellation of Crozes-Hermitage in the Northern Rhône, Alain Graillot founded his domaine in 1985 and quickly became one of the most in-demand producers in the region for his robust Syrah-based wines.  Alain is a highly respected winemaker from the valley whose wines grace the lists of France’s finest restaurants. His wines are clean and characterful, fruit-forward, but structured, with richness and a crisp acidity lending remarkable longevity.  Come and taste some exciting Crozes-Hermitage wines!

Burgundy, France

You might recognise our next producer from Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding, but Olivier Leflaive has been one of the most recognisable names in Burgundy, producing some of the finest whites of Côte de Beaune.  Founded in 1984, Olivier took the expertise from his family’s estate, Domaine Leflaive, to make his own mark. Using wines from their own vineyards and those bought from carefully selected plots, they create wines with excellent elegance and finesse.  Please join us for this exciting tasting!

Please note: we will be implementing a ballot system for this event. Register below for tickets before 6pm Thursday 31 October (you will not be charged). We will then randomly allocate tickets and if successful you will receive a link for payment. Please pay before 10pm, Friday 1 November, otherwise your tickets will be reallocated. Limit of 1 ticket per transaction, members-only.

You’ve probably heard of Thirsty for their craft beer, nightly food trucks, and biergarten, but did you know they also do wine?  Join us at their newest King Street location, Thirsty & Hungry, to sample some of their low intervention wine collection – and perhaps find a new favourite to make use of that CUWS 10% discount!

Lebanon

Domaine des Tourelles is one of the oldest and most highly acclaimed wineries in Lebanon.  Originally founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun, it was the first commercial winery in ‘modern’ Lebanon.  It was held by the Brun family until 2003 and is now owned by the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families. Winemaker Faouzi Issa has worked with Rhône legend, René Rostaing, and at Château Margaux, combining this experience with his own techniques, including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, to create some fabulous boutique wines.  Join us in tasting his wines all the way from Lebanon!

Tasting Sheet