Event Information

This event is already sold out. If you would like to add your name to the waiting list please email Guild administrator Jonathan Woods jonathan@gfw.co.uk.

During lockdown Zoom wine tastings have become very popular. We have decided to do something rather different, and hold a Madeira tasting instead.

As those who have holidayed in Madeira will know, this extinct volcanic island, an offshoot of Portugal nearly 900km off the coast of Morocco, produces unique fortified wines, with incredible age-ability. Madeira was held in such esteem in days gone by it was used to toast the Declaration of American Independence in 1776, and drinkable wines from this period still exist, but these days Madeira is too often overlooked beyond its use as a culinary ingredient for gravy and the like.

Kate Hawkings (above) is a food and drink writer who has long been a fan of these wines; thanks to her vinous network we are lucky enough to have treasures from the family business of D’Oliveira, founded 1850. Kate’s fellow Guild member, Sarah Jane Evans, will guide us through the history of these extraordinary wines, covering the different styles and production methods, and will lead us back through the decades with a tasting of Madeiras, dating from 10-year-old blends right back to 1977, via 2000, 1999 and 1994 (Winner of the IWSC Madeira Trophy 2019). There will also be sneaky extra to get the evening going with a swing.

Sarah Jane Evans (above), in her wine life, is a Master of Wine, Co-Chairman of the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest wine competition, and Chairman of the Gran Orden de Caballeros de Vino. She has a special interest in fortified wines, and we’re very fortunate to have her expertise in what promise to be a really special event. We’re also very grateful to Bovey Wines, the exclusive importers of D’Olivera, who will be sending out the tasting packs.

This is of necessity a paid-for event and places cost £20. Guests will be sent 7 x 30ml tasting samples, which we will taste throughout the proceedings.

Numbers are very limited so do book soon.

Advance booking is essential as participation involves receipt of the miniature bottles. Please confirm attendance, including full details of the address to which your bottles should be sent, by Wednesday 10 March.

The charge for the event is £20, which includes delivery to your chosen address.

All of the Guild's current sessions are taking place through Zoom.

This event is already sold out. If you would like to add your name to the waiting list please email Guild administrator Jonathan Woods jonathan@gfw.co.uk.

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