Past tastings

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!

Maisons Marques et Domaines (MMD) is one of the leading fine wine importers in the UK and represents a number of the most iconic and renowned wine producers across the globe united by principles of premium quality, family ownership, and estate driven production. 

Originally established in 1986 by Champagne Louis Roederer to handle their sales, marketing, and distribution in the UK, their portfolio has grown over the last three decades to encompass properties acquired by Champagne Louis Roederer in California, Portugal, Provence, and Bordeaux as well as many other like-minded and carefully selected producers. 

Join us for our first dinner since early 2020!

MENU

(Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary menus are created on the day by the Chef based on fresh produce.)

Drinks reception
— Roederer Estate, Quartet NV

Starter
O&C Seafood Cocktail, with Crab, Prawn and Lobster, Soft Boiled Hens’ Egg, Avocado and Marie Rose Sauce

— Pascal Jolivet, Pouilly Fume 2018 in Jeroboam

Main Course
Rose CoBunty Beef Fillet Mignon Topped with Braised Shin and Thyme Parsnip and Potato Gratin, Confit Heritage Carrot and Horseradish Jus

— Prima Pietra 2016

Dessert
Honeycomb Parfait with Poached Pear and Chocolate Sauce

— Ramos Pinto, Vintage Port 1995

***

Plate of English Cheeses

— Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello 2015

NEW COVID REQUIREMENT
We are now requiring all attendees to complete a SAME DAY lateral flow COVID test, submit the results (www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result), and bring along the email/text as proof of your negative result. If you happen to test positive, please inform a member of the CUWS committee with proof of your positive result and you will be eligible for a refund.