Join us for The Spectator Autumn Wine School, an eight-week introduction to wine and spirits.

Drawing on the expertise of our partners – Corney & Barrow, FromVineyardsDirect, Mr Wheeler, Private Cellar and Yapp Bros –they will each host a class. We will begin with an introduction to wine, how it’s made and how to taste it and then, over successive weeks, will look at all the major grape varieties and how and why they taste the way they do in their various major regions – both Old World and New.

Each class will last two hours and eight wines will be tasted at each session. There will also be classes on fortified and dessert wines and a very special Pol Roger Champagne masterclass hosted by James Simpson MW. The term will end with a masterclass on spirits hosted by our drinks editor, Jonathan Ray whose new book on the subject – That’s the Spirit! – is published in November.

All the major grape varieties, wine regions and wine styles will be discussed and, by term’s end, you should know everything you need to know about this wonderful subject, having also drunk your fill of fine wine (spittoons are discouraged) and met and mingled with fellow Speccie readers.

Wednesday 26 September | Introduction to wine and how to taste
Wednesday 3 October | Sauvignon Blanc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
Wednesday 10 October | Viognier/Chenin Blanc/Riesling/Syrah
Wednesday 17 October | Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
Wednesday 24 October | Mediterranean grape varieties
Wednesday 31 October | Fortified and Sweet wines
Wednesday 7 November | Pol Roger Champagne Masterclass
Wednesday 14 November | Spirits Masterclass

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