What a splendid evening! 60 Society members and their guests were directed through a discreet passageway off St James’s Street into the smallest public square in London. We were then ushered through the front door of an elegant Georgian townhouse and shown down into the spectacular Sussex wine cellar of Berry Bros.& Rudd, which was exclusively reserved for us for the evening.

After guests had been offered a glass of something sparkling, there was a well-informed introduction from the company’s Wine & Spirits Education Specialist. Then the tasting began in earnest and we were invited to spend the next two hours or so moving between floors and sampling six specially selected reds and whites while making notes and comparing opinions. It was a wonderful way of breaking the ice and everyone had their own recommendations and favourites.

After the formal tasting, “post-tasting” wines were made available and the general socialising continued; and all this to the ready supply of copious canapés designed to complement the drinks. It was an extremely enjoyable time, expertly managed by BB&R, and one which our members said we should certainly repeat. We will make every effort to do so.

Organised by Sarah Sarkhel