What a grape way to kick start October, with not one but TWO fantastic Sporting Wine Club evenings as well as the launch of a new product on our website!
In London, we were lucky enough to be joined by Saracens Rugby star Alex Lewington, with members taking to the floor quizzing Alex on his time as a professional Rugby player. A huge thank you to Alex for engaging with our members and tasting our wines!
We were also delighted to be joined by winemakers Holly and Simon Bellingham Turner of Sumaridge Estate wines in South Africa. Simon spoke with great knowledge to our members as we listened whilst tasting the beautiful Sumaridge Chardonnay.
Thank you to 28-50 wine bar who hosted our successful evening in Covent Garden. A reminder to members that they receive 50% off Sporting Wine Club wines when dining in any of their restaurants. Be sure to visit the newly opened Marylebone speakeasy, with opening times between 7pm-2am (!)
Explore 28-50 Wine Bar here: https://www.2850.co.uk/
A pleasant journey to the west country meant hosting our enthusiastic members at the wonderful Woods Restaurant in Bath: https://www.woodsrestaurant.com/
The night at Woods began with Bob Reeves and his wife Liz, of Roger Saumaize Vineyard in Burgundy, who delighted our members with describing the development of his wine. A huge thank you to Bob for sharing some great insight into Pouilly-Fuisse’s vinification.
John gave Vergecosse as a working title… in fact I quite like it now
As we moved further into the night former Professional England Cricketer Richard Ellison charmed our members with hilarious anecdotes from his time playing in Melbourne, 1985. Thank you Richard for your characterful hotel stories!
Last, but by no means least, Rugby World Cup winner Francois Louw spoke about his transition away from professional sport
I ended my career on a pinnacle, it’s definitely something I’m going to remember but it’s not something I’ll remember the most… it’s the journey
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend these evenings, you’ll find a summary of all wines tasted below. We look forward to seeing both old and new faces in upcoming events!
White Wines Tasted
An exquisite Chardonnay from South Africa, bursting with the freshness of lime, quince and citrus blossom.
Members Price for a case of 6: £105.30
This dry Riesling from New Zealand shows refreshing lime and lemongrass aromatics combines with flavours of grapefruit, mandarin and lemon peel.
Members price for a case of 6: £113.10
Bledsoe Family Winery Elizabeth Chardonnay 2019
A fantastic balance of green apple, fresh cut pear, lemon rind and the slightest hint of whipped cream explodes from this American Chardonnay.
Members Price for a case of 6: £216
Red Wines Tasted
Ageing in French oak barrels for two months this Bordeaux wine out to a harmonious and well-integrated whole.
Members Price for a case of £96.90
Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This American wine from the Walla Walla valley is driven aromatically with red fruits and followed by hints of perfumed lavender, sage and herbs de Provence.
Members Price for a case of 6: £253.80
From South Africa, the nose is generous with floral notes and aromas of pepper, meat, cranberry and mango. An exhilarating mouthful of exotic spice and freshly picked berries.
Members Price for a case of 6: £323.70
