A Ramble down the Rhône with Linda Field

Being able to welcome Certified WSET Educator, Linda Field - who literally has her feet "on the ground" at her own wine school, Auberge du Vin - is a real treat. The Rhône is such a diverse region, and it can be tricky to navigate without a guide.

Here's a snap-shot of what you'll experience during our tasting:

Undertand the Tale of Two Rhônes: North vs. South: - while the river connects them, the styles are world’s apart:

The North (The Aristocrats!): Home to steep, granite slopes. Here, Syrah is the only permitted red grape. You’ll experience the "roasted slopes" of Côte-Rôtie (famed for its floral, peppery elegance) and the powerful, long-lived majesty of Hermitage.

The South (The Blenders): A Mediterranean landscape where Grenache is king. These wines are often "GSM" blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). You’ll explore names like Luberon and Gigondas, known for sun-drenched fruit and the scent of garrigue (wild herbs like rosemary and thyme).

Learn why "Côtes du Rhône" is the "smart buy" - while Châteauneuf-du-Pape gets the fame, the Côtes du Rhône Villages (like Sablet, Seguret, or Plan de Dieu) often offer 90% of the quality for a fraction of the price.

Explore what’s new in the region (2026 Trends)

Climate Adaptation: Winemakers are moving toward higher altitudes and using more Mourvèdre or Counoise to maintain freshness as the valley gets warmer.

Sustainable Viticulture: There has been a massive shift toward organic and biodynamic farming, with the Rhône now being one of the leading "green" wine regions in France.

White Wine Resurgence: Don’t overlook the whites! From the apricot-scented Viognier of Condrieu to the textured, waxy blends of the South, Rhône whites are currently having a major "moment" in the wine world.

This is a fascinating evening - hope you can join us!