A brilliant time was had at Sunnyside’s Wine Tasting event on Saturday 8th February 2025 evening. 36 of us (2 hosts, 33 participants, and Penny H kindly helping) came together in the evening for the event. It was open to the local community (aged 18+) and it was wonderful to welcome folks from the local parish, friends from St John’s Bourne End as well as Northchurch Baptist Church plus a good selection of Sunnysiders.
The event was hosted by Michael E who used to run a wine shop on Berkhamsted High Street, ably assisted by Mike A. Tickets included tasting three white wines, then a break for a tasty selection of nibbles and another glass of white if wanted, followed by tasting three red wines, and then final top-ups of our glasses before clearing up!
Everyone agreed the £15 ticket cost was very good value. Michael was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. For example, one thing of interest was the advice to drink red wine at 15-17°c as you will get a headache if it’s too hot! Michael advised he would be willing to do a port tasting event, so watch this space for the future!
Katie took quite a few notes to share with her Dad. Here you go in case of interest! From the informal vote in the room, 1 and 2 of the whites were equal ish with 3 less preferred. 4 and 6 of the reds were equal ish with 5 less preferred.
White wines:
1. Corvezzo Sauvignon Blanc ITALY – green colour, organic/sustainable wine, goes well with chicken, particularly lemon chicken, £8.99 from Wine Rack!
2. Bread and Butter Chardonnay USA – from California, smells of apricots and ripe pineapples, aged in French then US oak barrels, goes well with salmon and cheese (particularly good with a hard cheese like Manchego), £17.99
3. Loosen Riesling GERMANY – goes well with Thai food and mature cheddar, £11.99
Red wines:
4. Corvezzo Primitivo ITALY – organic/sustainable wine, goes well with goat and rabbit, £8.99
5. Nekhart Bordeaux Superior FRANCE – blend of grapes, goes well with red meat and pate, £11.99
6. Castellani Chianti Classico ITALY – goes well with pasta and spicy pizza (for example pepperoni), £12.99
