The Wine Show: 22-25 October

Now I’m not one to pre-empt things but…greeted with a smile, a goodie bag and a wine glass, the outcome of an evening spent tasting the finest wines the world has to offer could only be pleasurable.

And, having heard only positive feedback from friends who’d gone in previous years, it didn’t disappoint.

With over 60 stands, as well as a buzzing wine market on the ground floor, an air of sophistication grew. And as each and every person consumed one more taster of wine, more useful dinner table knowledge was gained as they swigged. 

Out of the 15-odd different wines myself and my very able taster sampled, my top five wines of the evening were:

1. Vinopolis – the Domaine de Tourelles, Red 2006. Tick in the box

2.  De Bortoli – the Gulf Station Pinor Noir, 2008. Quite Woody (Allen)

3. Wine Institute of Califonia – the Woodbridge, Rose 2007. Sweet like Mischa Barton in the OC, series 1

 4. Penfold – BIN 128 Shiraz, 2005. Punchy and palatable

 5. Wines of Portugal – the Casal Garcia, Rose 2008. Light and refreshing.

So if you are stuck for something to do this weekend, and fancy trying your hand at being a wine connoisseur for an afternoon or evening, then head to the Business Design Centre on Upper Street, N1 this weekend. Well worth it. And you’ll learn a thing or too as well.

Tickets cost from £12.50.

For more information, visit: www.wineshow.co.uk  or call 0871 230 7144.