The Wine School of Cheshire is widely considered the County’s foremost authority on wine tasting and wine knowledge with a wealth of expertise in the industry that spans more than thirty years. The wine school started back in 2013 after founder, Richard noticed the city of Chester and the wider county of Cheshire lacked an enjoyable form of wine education from an independent voice. He went on to begin a more entertaining alternative to the sales focused, supplier led wine tastings on offer: a turn off for many who want to learn more about wine without feeling pressured to buy. We focus on food and wine matching at every event however wine snobbery is never on the menu!
Their comprehensive schedule of wine tasting events and classes is timetabled for wine aficionados and novices alike, all of whom can enjoy themselves at every event which will completely demystify all that goes into making a good bottle of wine. You can learn what all the swirling and sniffing tells you about – and pose your questions to the experts – in an environment which is as relaxed and informal as a dinner party with friends.
Choose from an exciting range of wine tasting events from an evening of Asian wines through to the Saturday Wine Schools featuring 12 wines from a specific region of the world: all events will feature Riedel Performance varietal specific crystal glassware.
At other times, book a bespoke tasting for two or stop by for a glass of something amazing from the Coravin menu or treat yourself to something from the bespoke retail selection.
All of their events are hosted by their founder and Cheshire resident, Richard J. Smith, who will share over 30 years of knowledge about all things wine – as well as a few anecdotes (but alas, no secrets!) from his time as a butler.
Richard graduated from Norwich Hotel School and further trained at the world-renowned Lanesborough Hotel on Hyde Park Corner, London: a former winner of Best Hotel in the World from Condé Nast.
Richard also enjoyed several years at London’s Savoy Group and Four Seasons-Regent Hotels. He is proud to include several members of the British Royal Family as well as international heads of state and a host of top celebrities among his clients.
Richard has worked with a number of organisations assisting with training and development within the hospitality industry including The Cheshire College South and West at their Ellesmere Port Campus.
He has recently appeared at Three Wine Men in Manchester alongside TV wine legends Oz Clarke, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin MW and has presented English and Welsh wines in partnership with Wines of Great Britain at RHS Tatton Park since 2016.
In March 2019 Richard was proud to be intronised into the Confrérie des Compagnons de Grandgousier at a ceremony in The Loire Valley in recognition for his support of the region, particularly Touriane and Touraine-Mesland. Richard hosts tastings and talks for Loire Valley wine around the UK with 2021/22 appearances scheduled for Manchester, Cheltenham, Harrogate, London and Oxford. Richard and The Wine School of Cheshire were thrilled to be selected as one of the top 100 small businesses in Britain for 2020 by Small Business Saturday and have been featured in Cheshire Life and Cheshire Living Magazines, The Daily Mail, Manchester Evening News, Metro and Elite Business Magazine.
They look forward to welcoming you!
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