For our first tasting of 2009, Charles Robb of Robb Brothers Wine Merchants will be in Cork to regale us with tales of the unexpected from his wine adventures around the world and, of course, let us sample some of his most curious and sumptuous finds.

There will be an eclectic mix of Old and New World wines to sample, all of which will be available on the night from Curious Wines.

Charles’ renowned and extensive knowledge, experience and palate will ensure a highly informative and delectable wine experience.

Places are limited to just 30 people, on a first come, first served basis.

Date: Friday 6th February 2009 – 7:30 PM
Location: Hayfield Manor Hotel, College Road, Cork
Ticket Price: SORRY, WE’RE SOLD OUT! Please check back for details of our May Tasting.

To receive announcements of upcoming wine tasting events, both ticketed and free of charge, join our Wine Club mailing list.

Last night we delved head first into our first wine tasting event. Celebrating the launch of Curious Wines, this one had to be a bit special, and indeed it was!

With our stock of New Zealand’s best just off the boat, forty special guests got tucked into twelve different Kiwi wines, including nine whites in the form of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, and finishing off with three reds – two Pinot Noir and one Syrah.

We were delighted to welcome Joyce Austin, of New Zealand Boutique Wines, who really took the evening to another level. Apart from being incredibly informative, she whipped up great excitement and enthusiasm, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. There was plenty of discussion and debate regarding the best wine on the night, but it was great to see so many people discover new favourites.

There was a mysterious wine thrown into the mix and one lucky attendee will win a case of New Zealand’s best for Christmas. We will announce our winner within the next week and will keep you posted on future wine tastings through our wine club, which is free to join. Simply sign up for our newsletter and you will be the first to know about up and coming events, bin-end specials and much, much more.

For everyone who attended and anyone who wants to play along at home, the following are the wines tasted on the night (in order):

• Tussock Sauvignon Blanc 2007
• Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
• Waipara Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2008
• Tussock Pinot Gris 2007
• Greenhough Gewurztraminer 2008
• Waipara Springs Chardonnay 2007
• Waipara Springs Premo Dry Riesling 2006
• Coney Ragtime (off-dry) Riesling 2007
• Muddy Water James Hardwick (medium) Riesling
• Greenhough Pinot Noir 2006
• Waipara Springs Premo Pinot Noir 2006
• Bilancia Syrah 2007

If you attended on the night or have your very own stores of any of these wine tasting night favourites, we’d love to know what you think of this grand kiwi tribe.

Curious Wines are delighted to welcome Joyce Austin of New Zealand Boutique Wines all the way from Auckland to Cork to host a seated tasting of New Zealand’s most exciting new wines. This is part of a series of special tastings to celebrate the launch of Curious Wines, and our New Zealand night promises a lively start.

These wines are fresh off the boat and we’re showing New Zealand in its many glories with ten wines featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer, Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah and the much hallowed Pinot Noir. There’ll even be some special prices, exclusive to attendees on the night, to celebrate this new range at Curious Wines.

Join us for what promises to be a wonderful tasting. Places are limited to just 30 people, on a first come, first served basis.

Date: Thursday, 27 November 2008 – 7:30 PM
Location: Jury’s Hotel, Western Road, Cork [Map]
Ticket Price: SORRY, we’re SOLD OUT! (But keep an eye out in December for news of January tastings!)

To receive announcements of upcoming wine tasting events, both ticketed and free of charge, join our Wine Club mailing list.