True love isn’t just for the fourteenth of February, you know – there are some things that the wine lover in your life will be eternally grateful for at any moment of the year.  One such thing, without any shadow of a doubt, is a luxurious wine weekend at Ballymaloe House.

There are two of these coming up, both hosted by the engaging and very, very knowledgeable Mary Dowey.  If you’d like a real treat – or would like to give an unforgettable gift – then the Ballymaloe course can’t be recommended more highly.

Here’s how Ballymaloe House advertise this special event:

February wine weekend course, 18th-20th February 2011

April wine weekend course, 1st-3rd April 2011

Mary Dowey’s Weekend Wine Courses have become a firm fixture on the spring calendar at Ballymaloe House, Co Cork twice yearly for the past 10 years. Guests come from far and wide to learn the essentials of wine appreciation while enjoying superb food, great wines and good company in one of Ireland’s loveliest country houses.

Mary’s Introduction to Wine Appreciation is suitable for anybody who enjoys wine and would like to know more about it. The course focuses on key grape varieties. Besides quickly mastering the characteristics of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, guests will learn how to recognise quality, buy wisely, serve and store wines correctly and match them with the most suitable foods.

‘The wine-tasting weekend was fantastic and we will highly recommend it to our friends.’  Emma-Jane Dockery, Dublin

Listed among the Top 10 Wine Courses in the UK & Ireland by the Daily Telegraph, and Lonely Planet Top 10 Weekend Breaks. Ballymaloe House is also recipient of the Georgina Campbell Wine Award of the Year 2010.
Mary Dowey (www.marydowey.com) has built up a large following through her enthusiastic and refreshingly unstuffy approach. She is wine editor of The Gloss magazine and a contributor to the internationally acclaimed wine magazine Decanter, having been wine correspondent of The Irish Times 1995-2005. She has visited most of the world’s major wine-producing regions and is the author of several books including Food and Wine – Matching Made Simple and 101 Great Wines Under €12.

Wine Weekend Format
Friday evening:  welcome aperitif, dinner with specially chosen wines and brief talk
Saturday: wine course all day (9.30am – 4.30pm) with lunch, afternoon tea and a
six-course wine-tasting dinner in the evening
Sunday morning: champagne and sparkling wine workshop (10am -12.30pm)

Wine Weekend Packages – course open to both residents and non-residents
2 nights bed & breakfast with Friday dinner and wine talk; Saturday all-day wine course with lunch, afternoon tea and gala dinner; Sunday morning champagne workshop.
€495pp standard room; €595pp superior room;  €275pp non-nesidents
Gift vouchers available: the ideal birthday or Christmas gift for a wine-lover.
Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork. Tel: 00 353 (0)21 4652531
E-mail: res@ballymaloe.ie  Website and online booking: www.ballymaloe.ie

By now, the more ambitious New Year! New You! projects may be losing their charm, in which case there’ll be room in your diary for a gentle blend of education and socialising as Jack Barrett’s informal and extremely useful wine appreciation course returns to Curious Wines at 7.30pm on Tuesday 1st March.

The course runs for six consecutive Tuesdays here at the Curious warehouse and costs €195 for all classes and materials. Though the evenings are relaxed – there’s no exam! – Jack aims, while you sample a selection of bottles chosen to suit the theme of the week, to cover as many aspects of the study and enjoyment of wine as possible:

• what the label tells you, and what to look out for in restaurants and shops when you don’t know the wines;
• how to taste wine, including what to look, smell and taste for (including faults) and how to compare one wine with another; and
• the principal wine regions, and the many factors that decide the character of each wine, from soil and weather to what happens in the cellar.

There’ll be ample opportunity to ask questions and compare notes, and over the course of six weeks you can look forward to a little history, geography, law, science and politics. You’ll probably pick up a few words of three or four languages, and since the only way to our first floor is up the sixteen steps, you’ll get a workout too.

Really, it’s all those self-improvement classes rolled into one.  First come, first served.

Reservations by telephone only on 021 432 0233.

Beginners’ course (Tuesday 01/03/2011 for six weeks) costs €195.

If you’re in Cork this Wednesday (December 1st) with a bit of free time, head down to the Cork School of Music on Union Quay. Blake Creedon, the Irish Examiner’s wine man, will be hosting a tasting with Wine Australia, where you’ll be able to try a range of reds, whites, rosés, sparkling and dessert wines from a list of stockists across Ireland, including yours truly.

Blake Creedon: “I was delighted to accept an opportunity offered to me by John McDonnell of Wine Australia Ireland earlier this summer.  They’ve given me free rein to pick a few dozen of my favourite wines from Australia, regardless of price, styles or retailer. In return, they’d provide the wine and the venue for a one-off wine-tasting evening, namely… “Blake’s Favourite Fifty Australians”".

Wednesday, December 1, from 6pm to 8.30pm at Cork School of Music, Union Quay.
Tickets are €20.
Booking (via Wine Australia Ireland on 065 7077264) is advisable.

For more information, go to Blake’s Festive Fifty

The housewarming in September of the first floor of our warehouse got a seasonal top-up on Saturday, when a festive crowd climbed the fairy-light-lit stairs to our Christmas wine fair.

Over a hundred bottles from stock were open to taste, and an elite squad of Santa’s elves, namely Lesley Atkins from Boutinot, Joyce Austin of New Zealand Boutique Wines (who will be hosting a tasting of NZ wines here on the 2nd December) and Charles Robb of R&R Wines helped the home team to pour out samples, talk about the wines and provide a friendly welcome to the tasters.

Anthony Cresswell of Ummera (www.ummera.com) and Olive Hallahan of Castlemary Farm (021 465 2832) purveyed their delicious smoked goods and goat cheese respectively.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them if you’d like some of their fine foods on your table this year.

Thank you to all who attended for contributing to another relaxed, cheerful, busy event at Curious Wines and for helping to get the Christmas ball rolling.  We knew you’d like some photos – and shutter virtuoso Ger McCarthy obliged in style, as you’ll see below!

Photos courtesy of Gerard McCarthy Photography, germac.ie

Here’s the big one you absolutely DON’T want to miss. This weekend we will be opening up additional space in the our Cork wine store and uncorking/unscrewing around a hundred different wines for what is sure to be the best show in town this Saturday.

Following on from the success of the Good Wine Show last year, this is the day to try and buy your Christmas wine as we show off our range of established favourites as well as the many new wines that we’ve added to the list during the year. So who will be joining us?

Charles Robb, R&R Wines
Charles holds a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma with traveling scholarships gained after time in Portugal and Spain in successive years. While taking his Diploma Charles was named top wine student in Northern Ireland and awarded the ‘The Charles Kinahan Scholarship’.
Key wineries: The Ned, Woodstock, Glaetzer Wines, Farnese, Santa Alicia, Château Bauduc, Duval-Leroy.

Joyce Austin, New Zealand Boutique Wines
For the past eight years, Joyce Austin, owner of New Zealand Boutique Wines, has been bringing to Ireland a collection of hand-crafted wines from New Zealand’s most exciting boutique wine growers. Joyce is a native of Dublin, who moved to Auckland 17 years ago.
Key wineries: Waipara Springs, Muddy Water, Greenhough.

Lesley Atkins, Boutinot
A self confessed ‘fino freak’, Lesley is our head lady at Boutinot, a major international wine business based in the UK. They have a portfolio of over 800 wines, are exclusive agents for around 150 producers around the world and notably, have their very wine production sites in both the northern and southern hemispheres. No doubt there will be some fino for tasting.
Key wines: Cuvee Jean Paul Sec, La Reine de l’Arenite Fleurie, La Clochette Sancerre, Dignite Syrah.

Anthony Creswell, Ummera Smoked Salmon
For many of you, Anthony needs no introduction. You want to taste Ireland’s best smoked salmon and smoked duck? You will this Saturday. Ummera.com

Olive Hallihan, Castlemary Farm
Even the great chefs at Ballymaloe House look to Olive for her goats cheese. Grab a Sancerre, the perfect accompaniment, and transcend to a state of unworldly bliss!

Mike & Matt Kane
The men behind Ireland’s mixed case specialist. Mike is sure to be wearing a shiny shirt and acting half his age, while Matt is there to wash your glasses. And maybe even offer some wine advice.

Our Dad
Well really there’s a lot to thank ‘our da’ for. Without him, none of this would be happening. A seasoned wine drinker, Barry will be sharing how wonderful it is to have two sons in the wine business.

We sure would love to see you there. To meet our da and the rest of the gang… book now!

Saturday 20th November, 12.00-6.00pm: CURIOUS WINES CHRISTMAS WINE FAIR

Tickets €15, refundable when you spend €100 or more.

As promised in our general release on upcoming Christmas wine tastings, we’ve two very special additions to the line-up of indulgences at our Kinsale Road premises in the weeks ahead.

Jack Barrett of Woodstock to Rootstock, the man behind the Wine Appreciation courses currently being held at Curious HQ, will be presenting Masterclasses on two of France’s most exciting wine regions: the Southern Rhône and the broader but no less exciting South of France.

These are premium events with serious wines on show as examples of the regions, so ticket prices reflect the unique opportunity to taste two amazing line-ups of wines.

Tickets for both events can only be booked by telephone (021 432 0233) or by calling into the shop (we’re open 7 days).

As ever, places are ultimately limited so it’s first come, first served.

Thursday 25th November, 7.30pm: WINES OF THE SOUTHERN RHONE 2007 VINTAGE

The Southern Rhône wine region is the area in France north north-east of Avignon and south of Montélimar. It has a Mediterranean climate which means plenty of sun with the result grapes ripen well and produce warm tasting fruity wines which can be drunk when young. The best can age well for 15 years and more.

The classification of the area is: 1. Côtes du Rhône, 2. Côtes du Rhône Village and 3. the Cru, which include the best known Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaume de Venice etc.

It is an area where very good value wines can be sourced. With the possible exception of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which can be expensive, bargains can be found. It is also a lovely region to visit and is especially popular with cyclists and walkers. Mont Ventoux which dominates the area is a “Holy Grail” for cyclists.

The evening will explain the region in some detail and wines, many of which would be regarded as the benchmark for the cru, will be tasted along with some food for essential ‘absorption’!

The wines will be exclusively from the 2007 vintage, one described as “the vintage of a lifetime”, many wines achieving top ratings from critics such as Robert Parker (these wines are amongst his own personal favorites). The value of the wines will range from €20 to €100 per bottle, and will include:

1. Paul Jaboulet ‘Le Paradou’ (AC Beaumes–de-Venise
2. Domaine des Escaravailles ‘Le Venebren’ (AC Cairanne)
3. Domaine Jaume (AC Vinsobre)
4. Chateau du Trignon (AC Sablet)
5. Perrin & Fils (AC Rasteau)
6. Domaine du Cayron (AC Gigondas)
7. Domaine des Pallieres ‘La Raciner’ (AC Gigondas)
8. Domaine de Janesse ‘Chaupin’ (AC Chateauneuf-du-Papes)

Tickets €55. Call 021 432 0233 to book.

Wednesday 1st December, 7.30pm: WINES OF THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

“France’s best kept secret, the South of France is, in my opinion, the place to look for wine”, says Jack. “The wine producers here are producing a lovely blend of new and old world wine styles.”

The area we will cover on our South of France evening will extend from Bandol near Toulon in the east to the Roussillon area close to the Spanish border in the west. This is a huge area and produces a huge variety of wines using different variety of grapes and blends of grapes.

The most exciting wines come with a ‘vin de pays’ classification. Normally this represents basic wines but here the opposite can be the case. Nevertheless it can be a confusing region for the consumer with so many different appellations eg Minervois, Corbiere, Fitou, Pic San Loupe, Herault etc. We will try and make sense of all these regions and recommendations will be made as to the better producers in the various areas.

Wines will include benchmark Bandols made of the Mourvedre grape, a number from the extensive Languedoc region, including the ’1st growth’ Mas du Daumas Gassac and le Soula, an award winning wine from Gerard Gauby in the Agly Valley in the west of the region.

This night should be one of lovely wines and hopefully an understanding and appreciation of a great wine region.

Again, wines shown on the night will be from the exceptional 2007 vintage and will include:

1. Domaine de La Rectorie (AC Collioure)
2. Domaine Roc D’Anglade (Vin de Pays Gard)
3. Le Soula (Vins de Pays Côtes Catalanes)
4. Mas de Daumas Gassac (Vin de Pays l’Herault)
5. Prieuré de St. Jean de Bébian (AC Coteaux du Languedoc)
6. Les Bastides d’Alquier (AC Faugères)
7. Chateau d’Aussieres (AC Corbière)

Tickets: €55. Call 021 432 0233 to book.

It’s coming into that time of the year again when everything goes a little giddy, and noisy, in the wine trade. Well, we’ve a series of hosted wine tastings between now and the Yule to help you see the wood for the Christmas tree when it comes to choosing your top seasonal tipples.

All events will be hosted in our splendid new wine warehouse off the Kinsale Road roundabout in Cork. The first three festive tastings are detailed below, with news on two regional Masterclasses to follow.

Places are limited, so please don’t leave it to the last minute to book.

Tuesday 9th November, 7.30pm: SANTA ALICIA WINE TASTING

Chilean Winery of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition three years ago, and our biggest selling range since we introduced them to the Irish market, we’re delighted to welcome Daniel Soto of Santa Alicia to present this superb range of wines. From new vintages of old favourites to icon wines that will reset your expectations on what this natural haven for wine-making is capable of, this is your chance to get an insight into the new Chile.
Tickets €8.

Saturday 20th November, 12.00-6.00pm: CURIOUS WINES CHRISTMAS WINE FAIR

This is the big one and the one you don’t want to miss! Following on from the success of the Good Wine Show last year, this is the day to try and buy your Christmas wine as we show off our range of established favourites as well as the many new wines that we’ve added to the list during the year. There will be dozens of wines open to try, some tasty bites from local food producers, and as many special offers, spot prizes and unrepeatable discounts as we think we can get away with.
Tickets €15, refundable when you spend €100 or more.

Thursday 2nd December, 7.30pm: NEW ZEALAND WINES FOR CHRISTMAS

Joyce Austin is back, and this time the First Lady of New Zealand boutique wine in Ireland is upping the ante. Presenting a new level of New Zealand wines to grace the dining table on Christmas Day, Joyce will be looking beyond the usual suspects to what’s new, exciting and redefining what the Land of the Great White Cloud represents in the wine world. And Oyster Bay it ain’t!
Tickets €15.

If you’d like to sample some wine as part of the Christmas preparations, or if you’re still disappointed about missing last year’s Good Wine Show, or our grand opening in September – we have something for you.  Keep reading.

On Saturday 20th November, between 12 and 6pm, Curious Wines will be holding a Christmas wine fair upstairs at our Kinsale Road premises.

It’s an opportunity for us to show off our range of established favourites as well as the many new wines that we’ve added to the list during the year.

It’s an opportunity for you to pre-select the perfect wines to suit your celebrations.  We’ll have recommendations for party wines, the best bottles for gifts, and also some ideas for specially good wines to grace the Christmas table, whatever you’re eating.  An hour or two in November spent choosing the wines you like best is good fun, and takes away the anxieties that go with making hasty decisions at the last minute.   There will be dozens of wines open to try, some tasty bites from local food producers, and as many special offers, spot prizes and unrepeatable discounts as we think we can get away with.

If you spend a hundred euro or more, we’ll even refund the €15 you spent on your admission ticket.

In case you already know what you like and don’t wish to participate in the tasting, it’ll be business as usual on the ground floor – no ticket required!

Places are limited, so don’t delay if you’d like to join us.  Call us on 021 432 0233 or make your reservation online.

It was the night we’d all been waiting for. A superb Champagne masterclass from Malcolm Davis of Duval Leroy was followed by 150 curious folk crowding into Curious Wines for the official opening of Cork’s biggest wine store. We were delighted that everyone agreed our 2,500 square foot continental-style wine shop is a great addition to the city’s cosmopolitan food and drink culture.

With 100 bottles opened, the wine was flowing from start to finish. Everyone was well fed thanks to Margaret Smith of Umnumnum and Anthony Creswell of Ummera Smoked Products, and Colin McLean & Co. kept the feet tapping all night long. Your efforts are much appreciated, guys, thank you. And a big thanks also to all of our guests on the night. It wouldn’t have been the same without you!

For news on future tastings, sign up for our monthly newsletter and/or “Like” our Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of Gerard McCarthy Photography, germac.ie

This time last week we announced that beginners’ and advanced wine courses will be starting next month in Cork, but not all Irish people live in Cork, so I searched my little heart out for 10-15 minutes to see what everyone else is up to over the next 6 months or so across the country.

You’ll generally find courses starting again around this time of year with everyone getting back to some sort of normal routine, so if nothing here is close enough to you, now is the time to look for courses in your local area.

If you’re running a wine course soon and you are not included below, please get in touch to scold me. Alternatively, feel free to pimp yourself in the comments section below.

Six Week Wine Appreciation Course with Jack Barrett (Woodstock to Rootstock)

Where? Curious Wines, Cork.

Beginners’ course (Thursday 14/10/2010 for six weeks) costs €190.
Advanced course (Wednesday 13/10/2010 for six weeks) costs €225.
Reservations for either course by telephone only on 021 432 0233. Further information.

Kevin Ecock’s Wine Appreciation Course

Where? The Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

22nd September-3rd November.

Cost €180. Further information.

One Day Wine Appreciation Course with Tom Quinn (winecourse.ie)

Where? Various venues (Dublin, Cork & Galway)

Sept 18th (Saturday) – Dublin – One Day Wine Appreciation Course
Sept 19th (Sunday) – Dublin – One Day Wine Appreciation Course
Sept 25th (Saturday) – Cork – One Day Wine Appreciation Course
Sept 26th (Sunday) – Galway – One Day Wine Appreciation Course

Cost €140, includes 2 course lunch. Further information.

Four Week Wine Appreciation Course with Wine Academy Ireland

Where? The Quay, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

October 2010: Wednesday Evenings 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
November 2010: Thursday Evenings 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th

Cost €85. Further information.

Six Week Wine Appreciation Course with Ely Wine Bar

Where? Ely Wine Bar, Dublin

Tuesday evenings from 5th October-9th November. Single tasting evenings also available.

Cost €245, includes supper. Further information.

Four Week Wine Appreciation Course with Alain Bras

Where? Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Every Thursday – 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th February 2011

Cost €145. Further information.

Two Day Wine Weekend Courses with Mary Dowey

Where? Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork

February 18th – 20th 2011
April 1st – 3rd 2011

Cost from €495. Further information.

Appreciation courses & WSET courses with Maureen O’Hara

Where? Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

One day courses begin October 21st and include lunch.
WSET courses commence October 13th.

Cost from €150. Further information.

Other Wine Courses of Note

Keep an eye on Dermot Nolan and Matthew Nugent. I couldn’t see any courses about to start, but these guys do hold appreciation courses as far as I’m aware.