Wine Tasting with Richard Pearey

Wednesday, 21st October 2026

Changing wines in changing climes

The extraordinary long, hot, dry summer that Europe has experienced this year saw the earliest harvest ever in Burgundy, when picking of Chardonnay grapes began on August 13th in the Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard breaking a record set in 1556 (an apparently legendary year of heatwave and drought). Perhaps more pertinently it will no doubt turn out to be the fifth year this century making the top ten hottest years since 1354. This is having a profound effect on the general style of wines, so the idea behind this tasting was to choose wines that reflected this. But at the same time in this world of extremes, London’s Hedonism Wines in Mayfair has become known (at least to some AI) as the best wine shop in the world. Therefore it seemed apt to share some of their current best-sellers that have helped achieve this position: bottles that are very popular and not for just for the Mayfair purse. Having made the selection, it is clear the great majority would fit both briefs. It is with confidence in your unerring good taste that long term Brydges Place member and Hedonism fine wine specialist Richard Pearey presents to you the following eight wines from six countries:

There will be some cheese and charcuterie to enhance the flavours/line the stomach (delete as appropriate…)

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The venue

Brydges Place is a private member’s club close to Covent Garden, but a far cry from the formal clubs of St James’s and Pall Mall. It was a house long before it became a club and it is still furnished as a home, though undoubtedly that of a flamboyant and generous host who loved to entertain. Membership tends to come from the music, acting and arts world, who want somewhere discreet to relax with friends away from the prying crowds. No Instagrammers here. Even the main entrance is understated – a polished wooden door with a simple brass plaque, but in the back alley; a long narrow alley connecting St Martin’s Lane with Chandos Place and one of a few said to have been the inspiration for J K Rowling’s Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

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About your host

Richard Pearey DipWSET has been passionate about wine from an embarrassingly early age. His time at Magdalene encouraged him to begin a cellar in 1984 and despite (or perhaps because of) a long career in advertising, film and sports marketing, then men’s luxury shirts, has been drinking steadily ever since. His addiction to the grape has led many of his friends to hand over their wine cellars to his care. He has organised and hosted wine evenings as corporate or staff entertainment for city firms, marketing agencies and private clients, from 8 to 200 people. He has run a wine course for friends, his own wine club – Who Nose – since 1985 and his old school dining society, the oldest in the world, for 26 years. He co-founded a wine event company, We Don’t Spit, in 2013 and learned to spit, at which point he began his official wine qualifications. Covid and lockdown gave time to complete the WSET Diploma; then, probably under the influence, the Master of Wine programme seemed a natural next step. Year one quickly taught him two things: how little he knew and how slowly he typed. It did, however, persuade Hedonism to let him manage the tasting area, which must be one of the greatest jobs in wine.
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Cambridge Society of London Transfer and Refund Policy

i) At least 14 calendar days before the event: We will provide full refunds (minus any booking/transaction fees, which are nonrefundable). Alternatively, if you have found a suitable replacement, we can change the name on the ticket on the understanding that you will reclaim the ticket price from them separately.

ii) Between 4 and 14 calendar days before the event: Our arrangements with our hosts are always finalised 4 calendar days before each event. With more than 4 calendar days’ notice we can still change the name to someone named by you on the understanding that you will reclaim the ticket price from them separately. Alternatively, we MIGHT be able to sell it to someone else; there is no guarantee of that but we will do our best and then refund you if successful.

iii) Less than 4 calendar days: We regret that we cannot offer refunds if given less than 4 calendar days’ notice