Past Events at Cambridge Wine Merchants
We run too many events to keep the list of what’s going on and what went on in the same place.
So here’s the list of past events, to give you an idea of the range of events we run.
Events Archive
30th Anniversary Wine Fair
Come help us celebrate our 30th anniversary at our very cleverly named ’30th Anniversary Wine Fair.’
Over 150 wines to sample.
Food vans available.
Date: Friday, 16 June .
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Where: Cambridge Rugby Club, Grantchester Road CB3 9ED
Cost: £25 per person
Meet the Winemaker Masterclass – 24 May
With Joey Tensley from Joey Tensley Wines
Date: Wednesday, 24 May
Time: 8.00 pm start
Where: CWM KIngs Parade (2 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1SJ)
Cost: £15 per person – Light snacks will be served
Date: Wednesday 15th March
Meet the Winemaker Lunch – 18 May
Join us for an exclusive event as we welcome Marcelo Pelleriti, the renowned winemaker behind Marcelo Pelleriti Wines, for a ‘Meet the Winemaker’ lunch. The first Argentinian winemaker to receive a perfect score of 100 points from Parker, this event is not to be missed. Enjoy a delightful light lunch while discovering the secrets behind Marcelo’s exceptional wines. With only 20 tickets available, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to savour the best Argentinian wine expertise!
Date: Thursday, 18 May
Time: 1.00 pm start
Where: CWM Bridge St (32 Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UJ)
Cost: £40 per person – a light (cold) lunch will be served
Argentina Wine Tasting
Experience a fun evening discovering some of the finest wines from Argentina. On the 15th of March visit our Cherry Hinton Rd branch to join us in celebrating some of the best new wines from Argentina, including a selection of reds, whites and dessert wines. Hispamerchants will be hosting this event, showcasing their impressive range of top Argentinian wines, so don’t miss out!
Nibbles will be provided.
Date: Wednesday 15th March
Whisky Fair
We’re excited to announce our unmissable Whisky Fair. There will 60 whiskies from all over the world, from over 15 distilleries.
Date: Thursday, 16 March
Quiz night at CWM Cherry Hinton Road
Come and test your general knowledge (including a section or two on wine) There will be a slight Christmassy theme. A fun evening with some great prizes. The bar will be open and don’t forget you can bring your own food.
Date: Wednesday 14th December at 7pm
Festive Wine Fair
The wine event of the year – not to be missed! Taste over 100 different wines from top producers. We’ll have food vans parked outside to keep you well-fed. Plus get 10% OFF* on wines tasted at the event (*minimum 12 bottles).
Date: Thursday, 1 December
Port Tasting
We have the perfect Port tasting event coming up at our Cherry Hinton Rd branch! Join us as we taste and explore from Ruby to LBV, through to Tawny and Vintage Port. Some light nibbles will be included.
Date: Wednesday, 9 November
Felton Road Masterclass
Felton Road is a tiny but world-famous winery in Bannockburn, Central Otago – the world’s most southerly wine-growing region. Biodynamic, organic, family-owned, hand-farmed, low yield. A cult winery run by lovely, dedicated people and always at the top of international reviews. Production is so small that only a few UK merchants get an annual allocation.
We invite you to a Masterclass hosted by Nicola and Lara Greening, of the family which owns the estate. We will explore their Pinot Noir via mature Magnums from their UK library stock – back to the mid-2000s – of which there are just 150 Magnums in total, and which retail up to £150 each. A super-rare opportunity to enjoy mature examples of this iconic winery’s world-famous Pinot Noirs etc at a fantastic ticket price.
Date: Wednesday, 9 November
Prestive Cuvee Champage Taste-Off
Join the most exclusive Prestige Cuvée Champagne event of the decade at our Kings Parade branch on 24 November. Think you know your luxury Champagnes? Let’s see! We’ll be tasting Cristal, Krug, Dom Perignon, Philiponnat Clos de Goisses and a very special English Guest – the Nyetimber 1086. Here’s the twist: the tasting will be done BLIND! Tickets are very limited.
Which one will come out on top? You decide!
Date: 24 November
Chocolate & Wine Evening
Join local chocolatier, Mama Bombon, who will guide you through a journey of discovering which wines and other drinks work with chocolate. .The chocolates will range from straightforward to fillings laced with flavours derived from herbs, spices, Gin & Tonic, truffle, garlic, etc.
Date: Wednesday, 19 October
Penfolds Masterclass
Penfolds was founded in 1844 and is famous for Grange (costing around £500) which is considered by experts as equivalent to First Growth Bordeaux in quality. A true powerhouse and one of the oldest in the Australian wine scene, and the most highly awarded on earth. 100/100s from Parker, 20/20 Jancisrobinson.com – the list goes on, and on! This is a splendid opportunity to explore the Penfolds range – don’t miss out. Hosted by Nicholas Connell, representing the owners.
Date: Tuesday, 11 October
Bordeaux Tasting Flight
£12 for four wines – available at Bridge St & Cherry Hinton Rd
Come and try this beautiful Bordeaux wine flight including one white and three reds from top producers in a range of Bordeaux sub-regions and wine styles, including Saint-Emilion Grand and Saint Julien.
Visit our Bridge Street or Cherry Hinton Road wine bars throughout September.
NYETIMBER – ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE TASTING
Cherry Hinton Rd welcomes Thomas Jacques, from Nyetimber, who will be presenting this tasting event, showcasing their range of world-class English Sparkling wines.
Date: Tuesday, 27 September
BORDEAUX DINNER AT THE SENATE
Join us for a splendid evening of food and Bordeaux wine at our good friends, the Senate Bistro. The evening will include a three-course meal and five wines (a glass of fizz, two whites, two reds and a dessert wine).
Date: Wednesday, 21 September
ARGENTINIAN WINE TASTING
Join us at our Cherry Hinton Rd branch and try some of the top fine wines from Argentina. Solano from HispaMerchants, will be presenting this tasting event featuring wines from their impressive range.
Date: Wednesday, 14 September
D’ARENBERG (AUSTRALIA) TASTING
A true legend of the Oz wine scene – Chester Osborn, owner of d’Arenberg, Mclaren Vale – will be hosting an 8-wine Masterclass. A great wit and raconteur, this is a super-rare opportunity to have a fun night and taste some of Australia’s most revered wines including of course the Dead Arm Shiraz.
Date: Tuesday, 6 September
South African Tasting Flight
Come and try our SA tasting flight (only £12) at our Bridge St and Cherry Hinton Rd bars*. The tasting includes four samples including fizz, white and two reds. We look forward to seeing all of you wine enthusiasts!
*As always, we don’t take bookings at our bars – just pop in!
South Africa Tasting Event at Bridge St
Come and join our South Africa tasting event on 30 August to celebrate some of the country’s most iconic wines. The event will be hosted by CWM’s Duncan Hay (DipWSET student).
Date: Tuesday 30 August, 7:30pm
Vins de Provence Punting Party
We’re teaming up with our wonderful friends at Rutherfords Punting to bring you the ultimate summer experience. Join us on 29 June for a sunset Vins de Provence Punting Party on the River Cam. Sit back, relax and take in the sights of some of the most iconic Cambridge colleges with a glass of Vins de Provence rosé in hand and some delectable nibbles.
Date: Wednesday, 29 June
SUMMER BORDEAUX EVENT
Join us for a splendid evening as we taste some marvellous Crémant, White, Rosé and Dessert wines from Bordeaux at Peterhouse college – the oldest college in Cambridge. The event will be hosted by CWM’s co-founder and Bordeaux wine buyer Hal Wilson, and special guest presenter, Joe Wadsack. The event will include some light canapés.
Date: Thursday, 2 June
JAMES EADIE WHISKY TASTING EVENT
Come and join us and Hugh Barron from James Eadie for a phenomenal whisky tasting at our Kings Parade branch. James Eadie (1827-1904) was a Scottish brewer who established a significant brewery in 1854. Today James Eadie distillery is the blender and independent bottler of single malt & grain whiskies and is run by Rupert Patrick – the great-great-grandson of James Eadie.
Date: Wednesday, 15 June
Duckhorn Dineer at The Senate
We’re excited to invite you to a terrific three-course dinner at the Senate Bistro paired with some exquisite premium Californian Napa Valley wines from Duckhorn.
Date: Wednesday, 25 May
Champagne and Sparkling AT CWM CHERRY HINTON
Join us for an exploration of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the World. Includes 8 wines and nibbles.
Date: Tuesday, 24 May
CAMBRIDGE DISTILLERY GIN TASTING
We are delighted to present a gin tasting event with Cambridge Distillery, hosted by the Master Distiller (and MW), William Lowe. Come and taste through the range of 5 expertly crafted, locally produced gins in our beautiful CWM Bridge St bar.
Date: Wednesday, 4 May
Australia Tasting Flight
In April we’re offering an awesome Australian tasting flight in our Bridge St. and Cherry Hinton Road wine bars – 4 wine samples for £11. As always, we don’t take bookings in our bars.
Wine is produced in every state of Australia, with more than 60 designated wine regions; however, Australia’s wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, with vineyards located in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. The major varieties are predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc.
QUIZ NIGHT AT CWM CHERRY HINTON
Come and test your general knowledge (including a section or two on wine). A fun evening with some great prizes. The bar will be open and don’t forget you can bring your own food.
Date: Tuesday 26 April
Mackmyra Swedish Whisky Tasting
Richard Mckeand, brand ambassador for Mackmyra Swedish Whisky, will be presenting five of their whiskies, plus a special dram on the night at our Kings Parade branch – including Brukswhisky 2008, Svensk Ek, Bjorksav, Stjärnrök, Svensk Rök and a mystery dram.
Date: Thursday 21 April
Cost: £25 per person*(Only 16 tickets available)
Sud de France Tasting Flight
For the month of March we’re offering a tasting flight of one of our favourite, and often overlooked, french regions: Sud de France. The flight includes four samples (2 whites, a rose and a red) at £9 and is available at our Bridge Street and Cherry Hinton Road bars. (We don’t take bookings at our wine bars).
Sud de France, also known as Occitanie, refers to the Languedoc, Roussillon and a large part of the South-West regions of France. Here producers are making some of the most exciting and best value wines available today. It’s an often under-appreciated region, but we are working on changing that. In Occitanie they have 300 days of sunshine a year to produce a perfect wine.
Filey Bay Tasting
Filey Bay is Yorkshire’s first-ever single malt distillery based in the village of Hunmanby, near Filey Bay on the Yorkshire Coast. Filey Bay is obsessed with every step of the distilling process, from field to bottle, using 100% homegrown barley. Mentored by renowned whisky expert Dr. Jim Swan, they respect tradition whilst applying their own thinking to create a whisky that doesn’t just replicate Scotch but is delicious in its own right.
Date: Tuesday 29 March
A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY – Wine Tasting at Cherry Hinton Rd
Hosted by CWM’s Christian Fell-Clark and William Heaton, the tasting will include a selection of wines that are new, a bit left-field, unusual grape varieties, and wines that we just like.
Date: Tuesday 29 March
Champagne Billecart-Salmon TASTING EVENT
Join us and Charlie Wethered, Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brand Ambassador, for a sparkling evening as we taste through a range of six Billecart-Salmon world-class Champagnes.
Date: Wednesday 2 March
RIBERA DEL DUERO TASTING EVENT
Ribera Del Duero is a complex land with a harsh climate and high altitude. The unique characteristics of the soils and climate in which vines are cultivated serve to produce exceptional wines. Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, recently released his first-ever Ribera Del Duero Top 100 report. This is certainly a region to keep an eye on.
Come and try for yourself at our Ribera Del Duero Tasting event.
Date: Tuesday 1 March
ITALY TASTING FLIGHT
Italian wine is the perfect choice for Valentines month – whether you’re sharing it with a loved one or simply loving yourself! Passionate and intense, Italian wine is produced in every region of Italy. The country is also home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.Come and try our Italy tasting flight at only £9 for 4! Available at our Bridge Street and Cherry Hinton wine bars.
*We don’t take bookings at our wine bars, just pop in.
RAMEY WINES TASTING EVENT
Ramey Wine Cellars is a Californian wine producer, located in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Founded in 1996 by David Ramey, it produces a collection of wines sourced from multiple Californian AVAs (American Viticultural Area) with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah the primary grape varieties.
Date: Wednesday 23 February
Cost: £35 per person
VEGANuary TASTING FLIGHT
What’s Veganuary you ask? An annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organisation that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Still not convinced about the whole ‘Vegan’ wine thing? We promise you won’t know the difference. January tasting flight £8.50 for 4! Available at our Bridge Street and Kings Parade wine bars.
MÉDOC TASTING EVENT IN CAMBRIDGE COLLEGE or ONLINE
We have a fantastic tasting event coming up in partnership with Médoc wines. The tasting will take place on 8 December at the prestigious Peterhouse College (the oldest college in Cambridge) and will be live-streamed to those attending online (samples delivered to your door). Your hosts will be wine and food journalist (and icon) Fiona Beckett and CWM co-owner, Hal Wilson. Buy our Marvellous Medoc 3 bottle case (online or in-store) and you get to attend one of these events absolutely FREE (tickets are worth £45 each)!
Date: Wednesday 8 December
PORT TASTING FLIGHT
It’s that time of year when we crack open some fabulous Ports to keep warm (and sweet!). Our Port tasting flight will guide you through various styles of this wonderful tipple. From a semi-sweet Ruby to 10-year-old White Port, Tawny and Vintage single Quinta Port; come along and find out why we’ve been chosen as this year’s Decanter Sweet and Fortified Specialist of the year!
The tasting is only £9.50 for 4! Available at our Bridge Street and Kings Parade wine bars. As always, we don’t take bookings, just pop in.
Festive Tipples Tasting
Join CWM’s Duncan Hay (DipWSET Student) as we taste through some of our festive favourites. The tasting will include Fizz, White & Red Wine, as well as Madeira and Port. These are the tipples we’d serve at our Christmas table.
Date: Tuesday 7 December
PLANTATION RUM TASTING EVENT
Plantation Rum is a French-owned rum producer who bottles rums from all over the Caribbean. Some of these rums are transported to France for cask finishing, including Cognac cask finishing.
Date: Tuesday 30 November
NOVEMBER IS SHERRY MONTH
This flight, at only £9.50, includes a dry Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, to sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. Sherry is produced in a variety of styles made primarily from the Palomino grape, ranging from light versions similar to white table wines, such as Manzanilla and fino, to darker and heavier versions that have been allowed to oxidise as they age in barrels, such as Amontillado and oloroso. Sweet dessert wines are also made from Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel grapes, and are sometimes blended with Palomino-based sherries.
BEAUJOLAIS TASTING EVENT
Join CWM co-owner, Brett Turner, for a fun and informative tasting through a range of beautiful Beaujolais. These wines are the perfect companion to a Thanksgiving turkey feast – come and find out why.
Date: Tuesday 23 November
Cost: £25 per person
SHERRY TASTING EVENT
Join us for Sherry Week – the perfect time of year to sample these delights! The tasting will include light dry Fino, sea breeze matured Manzanilla through to more robust and fuller Paolo Cortado and Oloroso, as well as the sweeter Creams and the wonderfully luscious world of Pedro Ximénez. We’ll prove to you that sherry is not just for Christmas or your gran, but that there’s a style for all occasions and foods!
Date: Tuesday 9 November
PORT TASTING EVENT – SOLD OUT
Our Port tasting will guide you through the various styles of this wonderful tipple. From dry to super-sweet, there’s something for everyone! Come along and find out why we’ve been chosen as this year’s Decanter Sweet and Fortified Specialist of the year!
Date: Tuesday 16 November
Nyetimber Tasting
We have another exciting tasting event coming up on 3 November: Nyetimber, hosted by sales manager Thomas Jacques. Nyetimber is the undisputed king of English Sparkling Wine, the most highly reviewed, multi-award winning, serious English Fizz, since 1988. Only estate-grown Champagne grapes are used.
Date: Wednesday 3 November
RIOJA MONTH
October is Rioja month and to celebrate we’re offering 10% OFF any 3 or more Rioja’s (online and in-store). Plus you can enjoy our Rioja tasting flight throughout October in our Bridge Street or Cherry Hinton Road winebars (only £8 for 4 wines).
The tasting flight includes:
– Hacienda Lopez de Haro – Rioja Blanco 2020
– Bodegas Navajas Crianza Tinto 2016
– Beronia 100% Graciano Rioja Crianza 2015/2017
– Lopez de Heredia Rioja Reserva ‘Viña Bosconia’ 2009
Charles Krug Dinner
Join us for a splendid evening of food and wine at the Senate Bistro, hosted by Peter Mondavi Jr. In 1861, Charles Krug, the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking, established the winery that started it all. Peter is the second son of Peter and Blanche Mondavi and grandson of Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, the Napa Valley pioneers who purchased the historic Charles Krug Winery in 1943.
Date: Wednesday 27 October
CHAMPAGNE TASTING EVENT
We are delighted to invite you to our Charles Heidsieck Champagne tasting event on 19 October, hosted by brand ambassador Simon Stockton. The Champagne House was founded in 1851 by visionary and entrepreneur, Charles Heidsieck. It is the smallest of the Grandes Marques Champagne Houses. Based in the Reims region of Champagne, Charles Heidsieck is one of the best-known producers for both vintage and non-vintage cuvée.
Date: Tuesday 19th of October
BORDEAUX DINNER
We’re delighted to invite you to our Bordeaux Dinner on 15 September in celebration of #BordeauxWineMonth. This world-renowned region needs no introduction! The evening includes a four-course dinner paired with spectacular wines from Bordeaux, hosted by CWM’s Independent Wine Buyer of the year 2020 (as voted by London Wine Fair) and Bordeaux expert, Hal Wilson.
Date: Wednesday 15th of September
BEST OF MACONNAIS WHITE BURGUNDY MASTERCLASS
Presented by our old chum, the charming wit and raconteur, Ben Hawkins from Berry Bros and Rudd, St James’s. Explore this “Emerging Great” southern Burgundy sub-region through two of its finest estates: Heritiers du Comte Lafon and Bret Brothers. Two very different estates with one shared goal, to elevate The Maconnais to its deserved status. Both estates are globally renowned and admired by wine reviewers.
Date: Wednesday 22nd September
More Events by our friends at Cambridge Wine Academy
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Dates:Tuesdays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May & June 6 (exam) 2023
Time:10am – 5pm
Cost: £820 (includes over 70 wine samples, study pack, tuition & examination)
Tour of the New World Wine Tasting
Weds, 3 May
7pm,
Cost: £30 includes 8 wines plus bread, cheese & cold meats
Tour of Italy Wine Tasting
Weds, 5 April
7pm
Cost: £30 includes 8 wines plus bread, cheese & cold meats
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Tuesday 12 April 2022
10am – 5pm
Course fee: £175 includes study materials, wine samples, tuition and examination.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Tuesdays, 19, 26 April & 3 May 2022
10am – 5pm
Course fee: £475 includes study materials, wine samples, tuition and examination.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Tuesdays: 17, 24, 31 May & 7, 14, 21, 28 June
10am – 5pm
Course fee: £795 includes study materials, wine samples, tuition and examination.
To book a place https://www.cambridgewineacademy.com/wine-courses/ or contact Steve on info@cambridgewineacademy.com for more information.
Tour of Spain
Wednesday 6 April 2022
Tickets: £30, includes 8 wines & nibbles
Tour of the New World
Wednesday 4 May 2022
Tickets: £30, includes 8 wines & nibbles