Tutored Tastings

During the reign of Queen Victoria, Rieslings were the most popular wines in our cellars. After the First World War, the grape’s favour declined, however, the past few years have seen a revival in its fortunes – as new drinkers discover its nuanced flavours and excellent food pairing ability. Wine and Spirits Education Specialist Barbara Drew is a passionate advocate of this versatile variety and will showcase the wonderful range of styles it can produce at this tasting. Tasting Rieslings from countries as diverse as Australia, New Zealand and its heartlands of Austria, Germany and Alsace, this represents a chance to get to know this elegant grape a whole lot better. Hosted by Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirit Education Specialist

Wines to be tasted:
Willi Bründlmayer, Sekt, Extra Brut, Kamptal, Austria
2016 Frankland Estate, Isolation Ridge Riesling, Frankland River, Australia
2016 Powell & Son, Riesling, Eden Valley, Barossa, Australia
2013 Riesling, Kabinett, Oberhäuser Leistenberg, Dönnhoff, Nahe, Germany
2016 Riesling, Heissenberg, Domaine André Ostertag, Alsace
2015 Riesling, Alte Reben, Van Volxem, Mosel, Germany
2014 Riesling, Lorcher Schlossberg, Eva Fricke, Rheingau, Germany
2016 Riesling, Steinriegl, Prager, Wachau, Austria
2011 Riesling, Smaragd, Steinertal, FX Pichler, Wachau, Austria
2005 Riesling, Vendanges Tardives, Domaine Rolly Gassmann, Alsace
2013 Riesling, Auslese, Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle, Dönnhoff, Nahe, Germany

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

Gin is (still) having something of a revival, so come along this evening and learn all about it. We’ll start with a gin and tonic to soothe away the troubles of the day, before diving in to learn about the history of gin, from its origins as Genever and Old Tom to its (re)incarnation as anything from a light, delicately flavoured and floral spirit to a robust and spicy drink. We’ll end with a look at gin cocktails, and what makes the perfect Martini. To balance your spirits, we’ll serve homemade bar snacks as well. The perfect evening for those who prefer the grain to the grape. Hosted by Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirit Education Specialist

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Gin is (still) having something of a revival and, either way, it never hurts to learn more about this beguiling spirit. We’ll start the evening off with a Gin and Tonic – to soothe away the troubles of the day – before diving in to learn more about the history of gin, from its origins as Genever and Old Tom to its (re)incarnation as anything from a light, delicately flavoured and floral spirit to a robust and spicy drink. We’ll end with a look at gin cocktails and make our own very special Christmas-themed one. So as to balance your spirits, we’ll also be serving homemade bar snacks as well. Hosted by Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirit Education Specialist

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

The Port Walk is now etched firmly in the calendar; the reasons for its enduring popularity are, of course, its sheer informality and the fact that one seldom has such an opportunity to taste 20 very fine Ports in one room. The wines will run the gamut stylistically and, as always, there will be some senior vintage Ports on show. The final, essential, ingredient will be the presence of Charles Symington to share a little of his expertise as head winemaker for the group that has given us Dow’s, Graham’s and Warre’s, all of which will be available to taste on the night.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

The Port Walk is now etched firmly in the calendar; the reasons for its enduring popularity are, of course, its sheer informality and the fact that one seldom has such an opportunity to taste 20 very fine Ports in one room. The wines will run the gamut stylistically and, as always, there will be some senior vintage Ports on show. The final, essential, ingredient will be the presence of Charles Symington to share a little of his expertise as head winemaker for the group that has given us Dow’s, Graham’s and Warre’s, all of which will be available to taste on the night.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Thinking about which red wines to enjoy with your Christmas dinner? Want to try something different this year instead of – or as well as – the perennial favourites? Join us for an evening of exploration and an opportunity to taste some exciting alternatives from around the world, alongside the more traditional choices, and decide for yourself whether to stay with the old favourites, adopt some new ones – or both.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s stock at the time of the event, so most will be available to order afterwards.

Thinking about which red wines to enjoy with your Christmas dinner? Want to try something different this year instead of – or as well as – the perennial favourites? Join us for an evening of exploration and an opportunity to taste some exciting alternatives from around the world, alongside the more traditional choices, and decide for yourself whether to stay with the old favourites, adopt some new ones – or both.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s stock at the time of the event, so most will be available to order afterwards.

Enjoy a sparkling wine reception in the Sussex Cellar before a two-hour session designed to build your confidence in wine tasting. Regardless of your level of expertise, you will have numerous thoughts and impressions the moment a wine hits your palate. At this event, your host will teach you to trust these instincts, helping you to grow in knowledge and confidence. Tasting through 8 wines from around the world, including wonderful examples from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Barolo, you will learn to identify acidity, tannin, alcohol level and the age of a wine. You will leave a more self-assured taster, equipped to discover which wines you do and don’t like, and – even more importantly – why.

Wines to be tasted:

Berry Bros. & Rudd Crémant de Limoux by Antech, Roussillon
2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chablis by Domaine du Colombier, Burgundy
2013 Ramey Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California, USA
2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster, Germany
2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Mon Aieul, Pierre Usseglio, Rhône
2016 Beaujolais-Villages, Lantignié, Alexandre Burgaud
2012 Barolo, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont, Italy
2016 Joven de Silos, Cillar de Silos, Ribera del Duero, Spain
2007 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stock and may not be available to order following the event.

Enjoy a sparkling wine reception in the Pickering Cellar before a two-hour session designed to build your confidence in wine tasting. No matter your level of expertise, you will have numerous thoughts and impressions the moment a wine hits your palate. At this event, your host will teach you to trust these instincts, helping you grow in confidence. Tasting through 8 wines from around the world, including wonderful examples from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Barolo, you will learn to identify acidity, tannin, alcohol level and the age of a wine. You will leave a more self-assured taster, equipped to discover which wines you do and don’t like, and – even more importantly – why.

Wines to be tasted:
Berry Bros. & Rudd Crémant de Limoux by Antech, Roussillon
2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chablis by Domaine du Colombier, Burgundy
2014 Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River, California, USA
2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster, Germany
2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Janasse, Rhône
2016 Beaujolais-Villages, Lantignié, Alexandre Burgaud
2013 Barolo, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont, Italy
2014 La Montesa, Rioja Crianza, Remondo, Spain
2007 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stock and may not be available to order following the event.

Enjoy a Champagne reception in the Pickering Cellar before a two-hour session designed to build your confidence in wine tasting. No matter your level of expertise, you will have numerous thoughts and impressions the moment a wine hits your palate. At this event, you will be taught to trust these instincts, helping you grow in confidence. Tasting through eight wines from around the world, you will learn to identify acidity, tannin, alcohol level and the age of a wine. You will leave a more self-assured taster, equipped to discover which wines you do and don’t like, and – even more importantly – why. 

Wines to be tasted:
Berry Bros. & Rudd Crémant de Limoux by Antech, Roussillon
2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chablis by Domaine du Colombier, Burgundy
2014 Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River, California, USA
2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster, Germany
2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Janasse, Rhône
2016 Beaujolais-Villages, Lantignié, Alexandre Burgaud
2013 Barolo, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont, Italy
2014 La Montesa, Rioja Crianza, Remondo, Spain
2007 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

At this event in our Pickering Cellar, Wine and Spirits Education Specialist we will take you through two of our favourite things: whisky and cheese. We’ll start with a look at how whisky is made, and over the course of the evening will taste a range of producers from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Ireland and North America.

Spirits to be tasted:
The Glenrothes Select Reserve, Speyside, Single Malt Whisky (43%)
Green Spot, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (40%)
Suntory Chita, Single Grain Japanese Whisky (43%)
2007 Berrys' Glenlossie, Cask No. 10103, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46.0%)
Wolfburn, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)
Lagavulin, 16-Year-Old, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (43%)
Blue Hanger, 11th Release, Blended Malt Whisky (45.6%)
Box Dálvve, Single Malt Swedish Whisky (46%)
Smooth Ambler, Old Scout American Whiskey, Bourbon (49.5%)


Alongside each dram, we’ll showcase a range of different cheeses, from the British Isles and beyond. During the evening we will explore classic matches, such as Highland malts with mature Scottish cheddar, to more unusual pairings, like Bourbon and blue cheese. An ideal evening for spirits and cheese-lovers alike.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

Enjoy a Champagne reception in the Pickering Cellar before a two-hour session designed to build your confidence in wine tasting. No matter your level of expertise, you will have numerous thoughts and impressions the moment a wine hits your palate. At this event, you will be taught to trust these instincts, helping you grow in confidence. Tasting through eight wines from around the world, you will learn to identify acidity, tannin, alcohol level and the age of a wine. You will leave a more self-assured taster, equipped to discover which wines you do and don’t like, and – even more importantly – why. 

Wines to be tasted:
Berry Bros. & Rudd Crémant de Limoux by Antech, Roussillon
2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chablis by Domaine du Colombier, Burgundy
2014 Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River, California, USA
2015 Berry Bros. & Rudd Mosel Riesling Kabinett, Selbach-Oster, Germany
2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Janasse, Rhône
2016 Beaujolais-Villages, Lantignié, Alexandre Burgaud
2013 Barolo, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont, Italy
2014 La Montesa, Rioja Crianza, Remondo, Spain
2007 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

Our Head Chef Stewart Turner will be preparing you a mini croque-monsieur and tartiflette to go with a series of stunning Alpine wines poured by Buyer David yw, who is a champion snowboarder when off-duty. Davy will take you on a vinous slalom from the high acid hit of racy whites, to light, fresh crunchy reds then onto rich, warming ones. Altogether there will be 12 wines to taste. Davy is looking forward to welcoming you back from the piste for some après ski fun. Hosted by David yw, Champagne Buyer

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Wine and Spirits Education Specialist Barbara Drew and chocolate specialist (and whisky connoisseur) Peter Newton will lead you on a journey through two of their favourite things: whisky and chocolate. They’ll start with a look at how whisky is made and, over the course of the evening, will taste through a range of producers from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland via Ireland to North America. These will be perfectly matched with a range of chocolates in different styles, from milk to dark, bar to bonbon. Hosted by Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirit Education Specialist

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

Our Fine Wine and Cheese evening with the venerable cheese merchants of Jermyn Street, Paxton & Whitfield, has now become a regular fixture in our calendar. Our own Lance Jefferson and Paxton & Whitfield’s Jeremy Bowen love experimenting with wine and cheese and are looking forward to revealing some heavenly pairings for you this evening, entertaining you along the way with their anecdotes. Hosted by Lance Jefferson, Director to the Chairman’s Office

A complex wine country with more than 900 indigenous grape varieties, Italy can be baffling even to the well-versed, and downright daunting to the uninitiated. This evening, however, is designed to desmystify the region and leave you feeling confident to walk out the door and tackle your next Italian wine list with confidence and gusto. We have selected a range of wines that combines the classic regions with some slightly more left-field choices. The tasting will cover many of the key regions and demonstrate the huge variety of wine styles and grape varieties that this great country produces. And, since we know that gastronomic culture in the land of Oenotria dictates that the best wines are made to be married with food, there will be a selection of matched cheeses and our Head Chef's two Italian-themed miniature dishes for you to enjoy as well.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Taking place in our historic Pickering Cellar, you will try a range of French white and red wines alongside a selection of perfectly ripe and delicious classic French cheeses. Your host will share a little about each of the wines and cheeses on show, and then you will decide which pairing works best. It will hopefully provide inspiration for your perfect cheeseboard, as well as teaching you the dos and don’ts of wine-and-cheese pairing. After an apéritif, you will taste 10 wines (both classic and more unusual styles), each served with its own cheese.


Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s stock at the time of the event, so most will be available to order afterwards.

A complex wine country with more than 900 indigenous grape varieties, Italy can be baffling even to the well-versed, and downright daunting to the uninitiated. This evening, however, is designed to desmystify the region and leave you feeling confident to walk out the door and tackle your next Italian wine list with confidence and gusto. We have selected a range of wines that combines the classic regions with some slightly more left-field choices. The tasting will cover many of the key regions and demonstrate the huge variety of wine styles and grape varieties that this great country produces. And, since we know that gastronomic culture in the land of Oenotria dictates that the best wines are made to be married with food, there will be a selection of matched cheeses and our Head Chef's two Italian-themed miniature dishes for you to enjoy as well.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Once upon a time enquiring after a good glass of Spanish wine would likely have left you with a limited choice – red or white Rioja? The picture is rather different today with the country in the throes of vinous revolution, making it one of the most exciting wine-producing countries. Over the course of the evening, your host, will take you on a tour of Spain’s unique regions and wine styles. Hosted by Felipe Carvallo, Fine Wine Specialist 

Wines to be tasted:
2012 Cava Gramona, La Cuvée, Gran Reserva, Brut
2016 Flysch, Txakoli, Bodega Gorosti, Getariako Txakolina
2016 El Camino, Albariño, Rectoral do Umia, Rías Baixas
2016 Louro do Bolo, Bodegas Rafael Palacios, Valdeorras
2013 Rioja Blanco, Finca Allende, Rioja
2012 El Terroir, Domaines Lupier, San Martín de Unx, Navarra
2013 Lalama, Dominio do Bibei, Ribeira Sacra
2012 Quincha Corral, Vino de Pago el Terrerazo, Bodega Mustiguillo
2013 Bodegas Alión, Ribera del Duero
2015 Finca Dofi, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat
2012 Altos Lanzaga, Telmo Rodriguez, Rioja
2007 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

With Christmas fast approaching, join us for an evening devoted to bubbles. Want to try something different this year instead of – or as well as – the perennial favourites? This evening we will showcase a fascinating line-up of different sparkling wine styles, from Prosecco to Champagne, to Southern France, via Spain and England. Accompanied by a selection of cheeses and a tasty mini-dish prepared by our chefs, this promises to be an effervescent evening.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

With Christmas fast approaching, join us for an evening devoted to bubbles. Want to try something different this year instead of – or as well as – the perennial favourites? This evening we will showcase a fascinating line-up of different sparkling wine styles, from Prosecco to Champagne, to Southern France, via Spain and England. Accompanied by a selection of cheeses and a tasty mini-dish prepared by our chefs, this promises to be an effervescent evening.

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Join us for an evening spent exploring the relationship between taste and sound. It is widely thought that the way we experience the taste and flavour of wine can be influenced by music. Professor Barry C Smith, Director at the Institute of Philosophy’s Centre for the Study of the Senses will lead an exploration of several different wines. These will be accompanied by a variety of sounds played through state-of-the-art audio equipment (provided by Bowers & Wilkins) to see if it has any effect on how we taste and the way we perceive the taste and flavour of the wine. Hosted by Will Lyons, Fine Wine Advisor, and Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirit Education Specialist

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

A complex wine country with more than 900 indigenous grape varieties, Italy can be baffling even to the well-versed, and downright daunting to the uninitiated. This evening, however, is designed to desmystify the region and leave you feeling confident to walk out the door and tackle your next Italian wine list with confidence and gusto. We have selected a range of wines that combines the classic regions with some slightly more left-field choices. The tasting will cover many of the key regions and demonstrate the huge variety of wine styles and grape varieties that this great country produces. And, since we know that gastronomic culture in the land of Oenotria dictates that the best wines are made to be married with food, there will be a selection of matched cheeses and our Head Chef's two Italian-themed miniature dishes for you to enjoy as well.


Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

The Loire Valley is remarkable not only for its beauty but for the diversity of its climate, and consequently of the style of its wines. About 500km from east to west, the region is the source of fine whites from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, and of some seriously underrated reds from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Join Catherine Owen for a visit to this exciting region through profiles of its dynamic winemakers, and a selection of its most characteristic wines both white and red, dry and sweet.


Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event..

Join Wine and Spirits Education Specialist Barbara Drew for this special tasting focusing on women in the wine industry. We’ll start by looking at the history of female influence in wine, beginning in Champagne with the contribution of the Grandes Dames in the 1800s. Moving on to the twentieth century, we’ll consider how the two World Wars changed the face of viticulture and vinification, before looking at the influence of female winemakers today. We’ll taste a broad spectrum of delicious wines crafted by some of the most talented winemakers in the world today, all accompanied by a selection of artisan cheeses and our Head Chef’s specially-designed canapés. Hosted by Barbara Drew, Wine and Spirits Education Specialist

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from the Berry Bros. & Rudd and the producer’s stocks at the time of the event and may not be available to order afterwards.

At this evening in our Pickering Cellar, you will try a range of whites and reds from Spain alongside a selection of cheeses from the country. The aim is to discover how both wine and cheese vary between each Spanish region. Your host will share a little about what is on show, and then you will decide which pairing works best. After an apéritif, you will taste a selection of wines (both classic and more unusual styles), each served with its own cheese – from the classic to the more unusual.

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Dress code: smart casual

Join fortified wine aficionado Demetri Walters MW for a journey through a selection of vintage and tawny Ports. You will explore the delights of 40-year-old Quinta do Noval and take in the exquisitely mature 1963 Warre's Vintage Port. You will also have the chance to find out just how well these sublime wines partner with food. Hosted by Demetri Walters MW, Wine Educator and Presenter

Wines to be tasted:
Quinta de la Rosa, Tonel No 12, 10-year-old, Tawny Port
Quinta do Noval, 40-year-old, Tawny Port
2007 Taylor Fladgate
2015 Quinta do Noval
1994 Fonseca
1985 Warre’s
1977 Graham's
1963 Warre's 

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stocks and may not be available to order following the event.

Join us in our historic Pickering Cellar to taste a line-up of the world’s most famous cheeses. Each cheese will be paired with classic wines from around the world. A cheese expert from La Fromagerie will guide you through the cheeses, looking at their history, the different styles and the production methods used to make them. 

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event will be chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd ‘s stocks just before the time of the event, so most will be available to order following the event.

Join us for an indulgent high tea, tasting nine Champagnes in three flights. The first flight will showcase the different grape varieties used in Champagne alongside a lobster salad. The second flight will showcase some well-known producers, comparing and contrasting House styles. As you learn how Champagne is made, two plump scones (one fruit and one plain) will be served with home-made raspberry jam and, of course, clotted cream. Finally we will discuss the concept of vintage Champagne and enjoy two followed by a sweet Champagne with a sumptuous selection of homemade chocolate eclairs and brownies. Should you happen to tire of Champagne, an assortment of artisan leaf teas will also be available for you to try.

Wines to be tasted:
Berry Bros. & Rudd Crémant de Limoux by Antech, Roussillon, Brut
Berry Bros. & Rudd Champagne by Mailly, Grand Cru, Brut
Berry Bros. & Rudd Blanc de Blancs Champagne by Le Mesnil, Grand Cru, Brut
Champagne Eric Rodez, Blanc de Noirs, Brut
Champagne Pol Roger, Réserve, Brut
Champagne Bollinger, Special Cuvée, Brut
Champagne Louis Roederer, Brut Premier
2010 Champagne J.L. Vergnon, Confidence, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature
2008 Berry Bros. & Rudd Champagne by Mailly, Grand Cru, Brut
Champagne Pol Roger, Rich Demi Sec

Dress code: smart casual

NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stock and may not be available to order following the event.