Our wine tasting and appreciation sessions are once again being held in members homes. The sessions are hosted by volunteers from the group members who chose and purchase the wines for a session.  Sometimes the wines are chosen according to a particular theme such as country, region of origin,  grape variety or some particular characteristic. The wines are sampled in the order decided by the host and everyone is encouraged to offer an opinion. Likes and dislikes are expressed together with views on value for money.

We have no wine experts.  Participants share an enthusiasm for wine and learning about styles, varieties and where it is produced. Knowledge and experience varies.  The most important attribute is an interest in the vast range and varieties of wines.

Tasting glasses are provided by the Group Leader and the host usually produces tasting notes. 

We taste about six wines per evening.  Occasionally we amuse ourselves with blind tastings. These allow everyone to demonstrate the range of their knowledge (or the lack of it!). Most importantly we enjoy convivial company.

Nibbles are normally provided by the host or brought by other members e.g crisps, breadsticks etc.

The total cost of the wines tasted is shared amongst all members present and is usually in the range of £5 to £8.00 per person. In addition the session fee of £2 per person covers all full years meetings. (Current at September 25)

Although this group size is currently listed as 14, this can obviously  present problems with accommodation on the occasions when everyone turns up! The group leader's home is the default venue, but attendance usually hovers around ten per meeting, which makes it fairly easy for most members to host an evening (though we have managed somehow to all fit in when necessary).

Driving is  discouraged, since we all wish to enjoy our wine responsibly.  A taxi is often  arranged and the cost shared between the members who use it.