Wine Appreciation Group 1 - Meeting Details
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Time | 2.00 pm, second Thursday of each month |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Location | Abbot Hall Social Centre |
| Coordinator | Jean Wilson |
What we do
Ready for a South African tasting session
The idea of the group, which started nearly 9 years ago, is to appreciate wines from different countries - different grapes and different winemakers etc., but nothing too serious! Lead by Bryan Wilson, at each meeting we taste and discuss 4 different wines. We quite often have cheese and nibbles to complement the wine if we can keep within our budget.
95% of the wine we taste is bought locally in order that the members can easily buy a bottle on the way home!
At Christmas we have a light 3 course meal with wines and extra tastings (this involves an extra charge). We always have an "end of term" party, but for this we go to a restaurant- if possible one where we can take our own wine.
We are a very friendly crowd and everyone takes as much or as little as they want from these meetings, even if it is only quietly enjoying the wine and having a chat with other members. Our limit that we can accommodate is 30 - but we can take in a few more members: because of holidays etc we often have a spare place or two at most meetings.
The whole joy of wine tasting is tasting with others and finding out our likes and dislikes Anyone who is interested in spending a relaxing afternoon in lovely surroundings is welcome to join us.
There is a charge of £3 to £5 per meeting.
Reports
March 2010:
Since the last newsletter we have tasted Chilean wines and had a tasting of Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon which was a members choice and the object of the tasting was “to blend or not to blend”. This month we are looking at Pinot Grigio. All this may sound very serious but I can assure you it is not - it is more for enjoyment.
We are having a meeting in May and then our Summer Evening Outing is on the 3rd of June at Maggs Howe, Kentmere – it is quite a while since we were there. I would like names and monies at the May meeting.
Finally on a sad note one of our founder members of the group died at the end of February – Connie Guffogg. Connie had a few problems but kept cheerful and very rarely missed a meeting until recently when she has been in and out of hospital – even then whenever I spoke to her she asked to make sure we kept her place open for her.
Please remember to let me know if you are unable to attend the meeting.
Jean Wilson
November 2009
Our first meeting in September after the summer break was well attended. Our tasting was “Bargain Hunt”, Bryan buying reduced wines from the supermarkets. The most expensive wine of the afternoon got only one vote which proves that the the most expensive is not always the best. After saying that the October tasting was Spanish reds and the most expensive there was voted the best by nearly everyone – the only way to find out is to keep tasting!
Our Christmas tasting will be on December 10th with Dorothy Cannon and friends looking after us for the afternoon and Bryan supplying the wines.
Finally on a sad note which most of you will have heard about- the tragic death of Babs Donaldson who died recently the result of an accident. Babs enjoyed her wine tasting afternoons with the group – not saying a lot but enjoying the wine and the company – which what our group is all about.
Those on the waiting list - we have not forgot about you, will be in touch as soon as there is a place.
Jean Wilson
Wine Appreciation Group 2 - Meeting Details
| Frequency | Monthly (September to May) |
| Time | 2.00 pm, on the fourth Thursday of the Month |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Location | Abbot Hall Social Centre |
| Coordinator | John Hodgson |
What we do
Our group began in January 2002 and has built up to a very friendly group who have great fun "traveling the world" finding out about the different Wines and the Countries that they come from. Sometimes we have a slide film show to give a better idea of what a country is like. This included our own English wine industry, which some people know little about.
We aim to enjoy tasting 4 to 5 different wines to learn and discover which of the world's grapes we like best. Some people enjoy taking notes for future reference while others just relax and enjoy the experience and the congenial company.
Our Christmas Party (involving some additional cost) is always a very jolly affair and on this day it is recommended to use public transport.
The group at 30 members is fully subscribed at the moment but we have waiting list in operation for those wishing to join us in the future. People on the waiting list can take part in meetings that are not fully attended.
There is a charge of £3 to £5 per meeting.
Reports
March 2010:
Can I remind our members to let John Hodgson our Co-ordinator know at least 7 days before our meeting dates if one is unable to attend. We accept in illness this cannot be done. It is the responsibility of each member not ones friend.
Our group remains fully booked but for anyone interested in joining us we are willing to add you to our waiting list. As everyone does not attend each month there may be room for the odd visit or two to our group. We will be surprised if you don’t enjoy yourself. Just give John a call and he will be glad to advise you if there is a space.
On 27 May we will be having our Summer Dinner at Maggs Howe.
We start again next term on 23 September.
Barbara Mason - Leader
November 2009
We continue to have lively discussions about the wines we are tasting. I am assured that everyone has a good time even when they do not like some of the wines. This means that you do not waste money by buying wines you do not like. Which is as important as finding the wine you would like to buy.
We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month at 2 pm in Abbot Hall Peoples Centre.
Our group remains fully booked but for anyone interested in joining us we are willing to add you to our waiting list. Please call our co-ordinator John Hodgson on 01539 723128. As everyone does not attend each month there may be room for the odd visit or two to our group. Just give John a call and he will be glad to advise you if there is a space. This also applies to any member not able to attend a meeting. Please let John know at least 7 days before the meeting.
Barbara Mason - Leader