Cheers to wine-tasting fair
Sep 25 2009 by Karen Wilson, The Journal
WINE lovers are in for a treat next month as a specialist autumn wine fair and tasting event comes to Newcastle.
The event is being held at St James’s Park on Saturday, October 10, with an afternoon session from 1pm to 4pm and an evening session from 5pm to 8pm. It will feature small independent producers passionate about making fine wines with character that will never be found on the supermarket shelf. The following producers will all be at the event:
Proteas Wines Ltd
This is a new business specialising in South African wines.
Its aim is to offer wines which you will not find in the usual retail outlets. As it’s a family-owned and operated company, the prices reflect the quality of the wine, not the size of the overheads. The Proteas list will be made up of wines from its producers, who have appointed Proteas as their UK agents. For information, tel: 07702 233 835.
Spanish Spirit
Based in Northumberland, Spanish Spirit sources and imports wine from small, family-run, vineyards in Spain. It also imports food. Why not book a wine-tasting for private parties, corporate and charity functions or any other special events? Tastings are designed to be fun – from wine novices to seasoned wine drinkers. Go to www.spanishspirit.com.
Castello Food Company
Castello is a specialist importer and retailer of Italian food and wine.
It works with small, independent suppliers and family businesses in Italy to source small production wines that are good quality and great value for money.
You won't find its wines anywhere near your supermarket shelves, but you can buy them directly at www.castellofoodcompany.com, and at independent restaurants, delis and wine merchants in the region.
Portovino
Portovino is a specialist importer of Portuguese wines. Portugal is the seventh biggest producer of wine in the world and with developments in production techniques is starting to produce award-winning wines.
Portovino selects wines reflecting the characteristics of different geographical areas of the country such as fresh Vinho Verdes from the North to big fruity reds from the Duoro and Alentejo.
With more than 500 grape varieties and nearly 30 DOC areas, it is able to bring interesting, and value for money discoveries to enjoy.
From sparkling wine, rosé, dry white, red or dessert wine, Portovino will be happy to recommend a bottle for everyday drinking or for a special occasion. Go to www.portovino.co.uk, or call 07833 493195.
The hop, the vine.
This company specialises in New World wines and will show wines from New Zealand and Australia. There’ll be reds, whites and pinks - and for one day only a special blend with black and white.
Owner Philip George said: “This event is to show those who enjoy wine that individual wine merchants are not out of reach.
“I will show flavour and aroma that you will not usually find. I am here to give you that special wine for Christmas and your anniversary and also offer something different for the weekend at a price that will not hurt your wallet.”
Call Phil on 07508 040 992.
Tyne Wines
Tyne Wines of Newcastle is an importer and distributor of French wines from Champagne, the Loire, Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley. Its aim is to import from small independent producers rather than from large organisations and also to use young and innovative growers. It can supply to individuals, businesses and trade, as well as providing wines and hire glasses for corporate events, parties and weddings. Tyne Wines welcomes enquiries from restaurants, hotels and retail outlets and can also work with caterers to complement their service. Email contact@tynewines.co.uk.
Lovely Bubbly
This business will showcase four different styles of Champagne at the event - from small to medium-sized, family-run vineyards. While not the big brand names most people are familiar and comfortable with, they will be on hand to talk through the various grape varieties and styles of Champagne and encourage customers to appreciate what is in the bottle not what is on the label! Go to www.lovelybubby.co.uk.
Tickets for the event are limited and cost £15 each per session where you will have the opportunity to sample more than 60 wines. (NB Champagne tastings may incur a supplement), tel: 07921 509 535, or go to www.wineonthetyne.com.
