Whistle-stop Tour of the World of Wine

I like to think I know quite a bit about wine through my visits to vineyards, talking about it and of course drinking it. Which is why I was so excited to host our, ‘Whistle-stop Tour of the World of Wine’ at The Avalon in Clapham recently.

What I learnt from the event however is, you never stop learning as the wine world constantly evolves. I’m lucky to have the experts, Boutinot Wines to hand. Twice winner of The Wine Merchant of the Year by the Sommelier Wine Awards, not only did they help host the event with me but they are regular suppliers of our international wine list at The Avalon.

The event featured seven tasting tables, which guests made their way around. It was the sherry, port and dessert wine table that sparked my thirst for knowledge. A white port, deliciously dry Fino Fernando de Castilla and classic Sauternes Ginestet particularly grabbed my attention.

Other tables included wines from the New World; South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, South America to the Old World varieties from France, Spain and Italy.

What is wine without food? Over 600 canapés were served from the Avalon kitchen, each carefully designed to bring a new dimension to each glass of wine tasted. The Stilton and fig combo complimented the Krohn Tawny Port while a goat’s cheese cream and berry coulis crostini evolved the flavour of False Bay Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa significantly.

The evening also included a, ‘Pink Fizz Challenge’, to see if our guests knew their Spumantè from their Premier Cru. A dinner for two was up for grabs for the deserving winner.

The event was a huge success (being over sub-scribed) with 100 wine buffs and novices attending. Interestingly over 80% of guests were women, so anyone who loves wine and is looking for a date should definitely book the next event in their diaries.

For more information on our next, ‘Whistle-stop Tour of the World of Wines’, other events and what else you can expect from The Avalon, please visit our website, http://www.theavalonlondon.com

We look forward to seeing you soon

Sacha Dickinson

Manager

The Avalon Clapham, 16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB T: 020 8675 8613