582838 Fri Dec 26 04:32:05 -0800 2008 7 42 U.K./Ireland 0 4273670 I'm hoping to treat a friend to an 'introduction to wine' class or experience. Obviously the first place that comes to mind is the Vinopolis but has anyone actually been to one of their tours? Are they good or a bit touristy? I'm looking for a one-off type thing rather than a full-on course and I'm not fussed whether it's in a restaurant, a bar, a hotel or a dedicated wine haven. All ideas greatly appreciated. p.s. Hope you all had a Chowtastic Christmas dinner yesterday x Fri Dec 26 04:32:05 -0800 2008 151962 DollyDagger 1 4275291 I've been to a couple of the wine-tasting evenings at RSJ restaurant near the South Bank and really enjoyed them. It's not really tutored as such - you get to try 9 or 10 different wines (they specialise in the Loire region) along with a delicious 3-course dinner. All for the bargain price of £45. Check their website for details. Fri Dec 26 23:41:52 -0800 2008 4273670 110146 greedygirl 1 4275425 Divertimenti offers wine classes. http://www.divertimenti.co.uk/epages/Divertimenti.storefront/495630540076daf227410a022f0205b4/Catalog/1095 Sat Dec 27 05:41:59 -0800 2008 4273670 158180 nanette 1 4279822 Vinoteca also has classes which I have always been meaning to go to - http://www.vinoteca.co.uk www.gourmet-chick.com Mon Dec 29 09:05:31 -0800 2008 4273670 214809 Gourmet Chick 2 4280702 I was considering Vinoteca or even Vivat Bacchus, given that they're both so close to my office. I'm embarrassed to admit I've not yet been to Vinoteca! Will definitely investigate as it's always so busy and the classes look reasonable. Mon Dec 29 13:27:58 -0800 2008 4279822 151962 DollyDagger 3 4282162 Berry Bros & Rudd also do tastings - have not had personal experience of them, but it is another possibilty http://www.bbr.com/GB/producer-1561 Tue Dec 30 01:27:36 -0800 2008 4280702 210564 nerdgirl72 1 4282177 My local Oddbins (The Highway, E1) has regular tutored tastings so I assume that their other branches do the same thing. It's one of their larger "fine wine" outlets and has a dedicated tasting room. Been to a couple and they are good fun, they do have introduction to tasting sessions. Tue Dec 30 02:20:16 -0800 2008 4273670 45951 Gav 1 4292587 I used to teach a practically inclined wine tasting class at the YMCA, Tottenham Court Road. You might like to contact them to see if they are still running something like this? (info@ymca.co.uk) www.intoxicatingprose.co.uk Sat Jan 03 11:03:52 -0800 2009 4273670 204060 intoxicatingprose