Past tastings

Napa Valley, California, USA

A four-generation, family-run affair, we are thrilled to have Snowden Vineyards join us for our Michaelmas Term Dinner!

Situated on a homestead in Napa that has been harvesting grapes since 1878, the Snowdens moved to the ranch in 1955, swapping the previously grown Petit Syrah and Palomino for Cabernet Sauvignon, and there, their story began.

We’re pleased to welcome Diana Snowden Seysses, their winemaker, who is also the resident enologist at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy (owned by her husband Jeremy). Taken by the Burgundian approach, she has driven forward their classically styled wines to highlight the specificities of the terroir to produce beautiful, organic wines that capture qualities specific to the region.

Dress code: Black tie

MENU

Soup

Standard (Vegan): Pumpkin and coconut milk soup, white truffle oil, hazelnut crisp

Starter

Standard (Vegan): Roasted corn risotto, crispy kale, parmesan

Main

Standard: Braised shoulder of venison, crispy potato terrine, curly kale, quince puree, pickled chestnuts

Vegan/Vegetarian: Roscoff onion tart tatin, parsnip purée, brassicas, crispy chickpeas

Cheese

Dessert

Standard (Vegan): Coconut and vanilla mousse, winter spiced fruits, mixed nut praline

Burgundy, France

With a history of significantly influential innovations since 1872, including originating many important Pinot Noir clones and being one of the first to practice estate bottling in the 1930s, Domaine Ponsot boasts a loyal following in the wine world as one of, if not the, defining domaine of the village and is the largest landowner in the famous Clos de la Roche Grand Cru terroir. We’re excited to welcome you to taste their remarkably powerful, rich, intense, long-lived wines!

Please note: this will be a balloted members only event.

• Registration will close on 11 October, 6pm
• Registered members will be drawn at random and notified if they have a place on 12 October

CUWS invites you to our Michaelmas term drop-in with wines selected from Cambridge Wine Merchants at St Paul’s Church, Hills Rd. Whether you are a connoisseur or just wine-curious this is a great chance to taste some delicious wines from the CWM range, reconnect with old friends and meet new members.

Entry is £10

Once capacity is reached, we will operate a one-in/one-out policy.

Tickets will also be available on the door.

Sonoma/Napa, USA

Alan Ramey is currently a graduate student here at Cambridge and a member of the blind wine tasting team that recently beat Oxford, but back in Sonoma/Napa, California, he is a second-generation vintner, who, along with his sister, owns Ramey Wine Cellars. Noted wine critic Antonio Galloni has said: “In my mind, Ramey is one of the top wineries in the United States.” Some of the winery’s accolades include appearing on the top wine lists of Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, front cover shots on Wine Spectator and Decanter magazines, and several top wine scores, including 100 pointers.

In addition to working in California, Alan has traveled to do harvests in Burgundy, France, and Casablanca Chile. He’s worked and trained in various aspects of the winery, from the cellar floor to the blending room, and his knowledge is augmented by mentoring from his dad and coursework from UC Davis, the USA’s leading winemaking school.

Alan will be showcasing a range of wines from the winery, walking the audience through Sonoma/Napa, the viticultural and winemaking process, and covering any questions the group may have.

Saint-Émilion, France

Founded in the 17th century, Château de Ferrand is one of the oldest châteaus in the appellation, though remarkably, has remained within the same two families for 300 years! Purchased by the Bich family in 1978, it is now also owned by a member of Chandon Moet and has been completely renovated and modernised.  Awarded Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion in 2012 in recognition of its commitment to quality winemaking, the estate not only focuses on producing superb wines, but also cultivates a great responsibility to the environment, achieving Terra Vitis certification in 2012, HEV Level 3 in 2018, and ISO 14 001 in 2021. 

Come enjoy their elegant, complex wines with us!

Bordeaux, France

Château Margaux is a first growth, premier cru classés, from Bordeaux, located in the commune of Margaux in the Médoc region. The soils of Margaux are the lightest and most gravelly of the Medoc and produce alluring, intensely perfumed wines of great refinement with almost velvet-like tannins. With winemaking at the site of the estate dating back to the 12th century, it rose to prominence to become one of the original four first growths. Come experience the pinnacle of classic Bordeaux in an unforgettable evening with a legendary Château.

Room change: We are now in the Fairfax Room. Please arrive at the Orator entrance (approximate location CB5 8AD) and then take the stairs/lift directly upstairs and go straight to the Fairfax Room.

Thrace, Turkey

Situated in the Strandja massif in Thrace, Turkey, Chamlija winery stretches across a number of different soil types in the area from decomposed granite to clay and limestone, making it an extremely interesting place to grow grapes amounting to a very diverse collection of vineyards and grape varieties.

The Chamlija family began farming in Thrace in 1936, but it was Mustafa Camlica from the third generation of the family that decided to spearhead this ambitious boutique winery in 2000. Named after his daughter, Irem, who also designs the labels, Chamlija plants both indigenous and international varietals, some planted at high density to encourage deep root systems that can take full advantage of the terroir.

Please join us in welcoming this pioneering producer!