New For Members
Seasonal/Holiday Bundle
With the celebration theme in mind please remember that this merchandise bundle is available and could be that perfect solution for you or your branch to gift (maybe as a thank you to that venue which has produced a memorable meal) or a thank you to members. The Bundle includes 5 of each of these items of branded Society merchandise – Gift Bottle Bags, Champagne Stoppers and Anniversary DropStops (3 per pack) at a special discounted price. Place your order now, via your zone page of the website.
Don’t forget all merchandise items are available to purchase on their own.
Plus remember our range of Monographs. The most recent titles have their striking covers and also cover a wealth of information, in easily digestible form, on wines, spirits and foods. They would be a welcome gift for anyone you know who is keen to find out more about the popular topics from Madeira, Blended Scotch, Olive Oils and Spices and so much more. Not forgetting our latest release ‘Pinot Noir Around the World’
Vintage Guide (Card & App)
The printed 2024 printed Vintage Cards are now available for members to purchase via the website. Members wishing to purchase copies, as a gift for family, friends or colleagues, should do so on the members only pages to ensure they receive the special price for members. The Vintage App is currently being updated and the new assessments for 2024 will be available during November. Please remember to click the refresh button on your device to make sure that you are viewing the most recent information.
André Simon Lecture with Amanda Barnes
This year’s topic asks “Does South America have any ‘grand crus’?”. Amanda takes you on a journey criss-crossing the Andes through Chile and Argentina and then entering into Uruguay. She highlights the new and upcoming Geographical Indications (GIs) to watch out for - names including Paraje Altamira, Limari and Maldonado to identify the produce top-class wines. Due to be released in November.
‘IN THE NEWS’ ON SID’S BLOG
Q: Which grape has adapted better to the hotter climate change conditions?
A: That is a tough one. Don’t believe any one grape has been the most successful. There are lots of worthy candidates among those that didn’t quite get enough ripeness previously but now are thriving. However, one of the grapes in the top group would be Barbera. This variety with large grapes and thin skins tends to overproduce so needs to have attentive pruning. Presently producing the best riper Barbera wines ever in Italy and plantings have expanded worldwide because of the helpfully impressive, underlining acidity always there for balance. Expect to see more Barbera wines in the future. Some other top candidates include a couple from the Rhone. Counoise is late ripening with good acidity too. Stylistically also fits the increasing trend of lower alcohol and easy drinking. As does the increasing bounce back of the Cinsault grape variety formerly used mainly as a blend for Rhone-style reds but now also seen around the globe as a fresh lighter chilled popular red wine. In Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is easier to ripen. Several grapes in California being revived led by Mencia (native to Galicia in Spain). The best advice is to be open-minded and taste some new or revived old grape varieties in wines for a new experience that will likely be quite different from your earlier impressions before climate change!"