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News

Lisa Higginson

Manchester’s very first wine school was launched this week, offering a unique opportunity for pupils with a penchant for the drop to learn more. The school is the fruit of Cheshire man Chris Green’s labour and will run a variety of courses, from two-hour evening tastings and all day introductory sessions with lunch to an eight-week World Tour course.

Ex-marketing and operations director Chris began learning about wine as a hobby and following a varied management career with the likes of the National Lottery’s Camelot and directing the activity for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture in 2008, he decided to develop his interest into a full-time occupation. As well as teaching himself about the tipple in his spare time over the years, Chris has also passed the Advanced Certificate Course, run by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and has now embarked on a two-year diploma course.

Chris said: “I’ve been working for large companies in London for most of my career, but I’ve always been really passionate about wine, drinking it, collecting it and expanding my knowledge about the different grapes and regions.

“There are no other wine schools dedicated to Manchester and having moved to the North West several years ago, I saw a gap in the market to run a successful business in the city centre. The wine school allows me to pass this knowledge onto other people in a relaxed setting. Above all, it’s about enjoying the experience of tasting different wines as well as learning more about wine.”

Whether you’re a budding sommelier or simply want some guidance on choosing a good glass to go with dinner , Chris has ensured that the wine school will be able to help you quench your thirst for further knowledge.

“The course will appeal to all wine lovers, from those with no previous experience of wine tasting to food and wine industry professionals who want to improve their customer service with a better understanding of food and wine matching,” explained Chris.

“The courses available will suit everyone’s lifestyles from evening tastings focusing on specific wine regions, to one day or eight-week courses providing a more in-depth understanding of exciting new grape varieties from a range of wine producing countries including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Chile. And there will also be a chance to learn more about the growing popularity of English wines.”

Chris’s Top Ten Wine Tips

1. Be adventurous, try different wines.

2. Don't assume spending more will get you a better wine.

3. Serve and drink wine at the right temperature to make the most of it.

4. Always share a bottle of wine, it's a social thing.

5. Never shake champagne before opening, motor racing drivers are used to danger!

6. Don't worry too much about food matching, avoiding the major clashes will suffice.

7. Don't choose your wine by the attractiveness of the label.

8. Try a fino or manzanilla sherry, they are fantastic value.

9. Visit a vineyard, it's fascinating.

10. Try Portugese wines, they are wonderfully good value.

The first Manchester Wine School course takes place tonight (tuesday) at the Jury’s Inn, Manchester, and will focus on wines from Australia and New Zealand. On Tuesday, January 19 a two-hour session on French wines will take place from 7pm (£25pp) and on Tuesday, January 26 at 7pm, there will be a session focusing on wines from Argentina and Chile (£20).

For more information and details of how to book the courses visit www.manchesterwineschool.com