Wine Evenings
These evenings are designed for lovers of fine wines and food, are great fun and not necessarily for wine experts. They are held around the third Friday of every month except August when everybody except Hoteliers and Restaurateurs seem to be on holiday.
The evening starts at 7.30 with an Aperitif in the Drawing Room Bar and an opportunity to meet that evening`s presenter and to mingle with other guests. A table seating plan, together with the Menu and list of wines to be tasted are displayed in the Hall.
At 8 o’clock we all go into the Private Dining Room and, hosted by Bill, proceed with a five course dinner especially chosen to go with a different wine to accompany each course. The wines are introduced by the presenter, who is expected to talk about each wine only so long as his own dinner doesn’t get cold although he’s normally happy enough to answer any questions between mouthfuls.
Before the main course we have a `blind tasting` where guests are invited to taste and identify one of the wines as to country, vintage, region etc. This is a lighthearted interlude but marks are awarded and a winner announced who receives a prize – normally a nice bottle!
When dinner is over coffee is taken back in the Drawing Room Bar and there is an opportunity to chat with guests who were placed on other tables and to meet Christine who will have cooked dinner. It is probably best to have booked a taxi home and you are welcome to leave your car here overnight or even book a room and enjoy a great Hereford breakfast in the morning.
Hopefully you will have had an enjoyable evening, with good food, great wines and convivial company, and in the morning – if you can remember, you might think that you have learned something of the magic of wine.
If you would like to go on our mailing list and receive advance notice of future Wine Dinners, please ask a member of staff to record your details – including email address as we are almost ready to join the computer age. We advise you to book a wine evening that you are interested in as soon as is possible as numbers are limited and sell out quickly………..and we hate to disappoint! Regretably we require at least 48 hours notice of cancellations or a full charge will be made.
Cost, depending on the wines, usually around £65-£75 per person.
“An ideal opportunity to entertain friends or celebrate a special occasion”
FORTHCOMING WINE DINNERS
Friday 21st June
WINES OF AUSTRALIA
with John Villar and Emma McRobb of Bibendum.
To celebrate the visit of the Australian Test Cricket Team
MENU
APERITIF: Pepik Sekt Josef Chromy, Tasmania
CHINN’S ASPARAGUS SOUP, POACHED DUCK EGG
Cured ham wafer, honey syrup
Mad Fish Grandstand Sauvignon Blanc, Western Australia
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PAN FRIED HAKE
Red pepper relish and crispy sage
Chateau Tanunda The Three Graces (Marsanne, Viognier Rousanne), Barossa Valley
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PAN ROAST MAIZE FED CHICKEN BREAST
Leek and pancetta dumpling, Potato and shallot puree, turned vegetables and tarragon jus
Tim Adams Bluey Block Grenache, Clare Valley
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PIMMS JELLY, CUCUMBER SORBET
Poached strawberries & mint
The Noble Riesling d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale
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ARTISAN MARCHES AND WELSH CHEESES
Fudges biscuits, celery, grapes
St Hallet Garden of Eden Shiraz, Eden Valley
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COFFEE
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£70 per person
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Friday 19th July
OUR ANNUAL SOAKING AL FRESCO
with Brian Joy
