THREE Wine Men’s Cracking Christmas Wine Tasting has become something of a festive institution, a classy antidote to all the headache-inducing Gluhwein rites of passage.
This year’s outing in The Exchange Hall, Manchester Central (Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18) has added spice (sic) thanks to the involvement of Manchester’s very own wine superstar, Kate Goodman of West Didsbury merchant Reserve.
Kate, who made her name as drinks expert on BBC’s Food & Drink programme sg alongside Michel Roux Jr, will join Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin MW to promote the best of the UK’s independent wine operators. They will be mingling with the visitors to answer questions, give recommendations or generally engage in wine chat.
Kate told ToM: “It’s a real treat to be working alongside some of the country’s top wine experts at a fun and informative event in my home town. This is the perfect opportunity to taste, experiment and enjoy a whole host of wines and gins.”
The trio will be joined by Susy Atkins of The Telegraph, who will be hosting A Splash of Gin, to introduce a range of amazing boutique gin distillers.
As well as the main tasting there will also be three fantastic masterclasses – Port & Chocolate Pairing and A Splash of Gin – as well as a selection of award-winning wines from Spain paired up with some gourmet goodies.
There are three sessions with a separate ticket is required for each tasting session and masterclasses: Sat 17, 12pm-3pm and 4pm-7pm; Sun 18, 11am-2pm.