Ramble down the Rhône Masterclass

It's a treat to welcome Certified WSET Educator Linda Field, who lives in the Rhône Valley in France. The Rhône is such a diverse region, and it can be tricky to navigate without a guide. Understand the Tale of Two Rhônes: North vs. South. The river connects them, but the styles are worlds apart. The North, home to steep, granite slopes. Here, Syrah is the only permitted red grape. From the "roasted slopes" of Côte-Rôtie (famed for its floral, peppery elegance) to the powerful, long-lived majesty of Hermitage. The South (the blenders). It's a Mediterranean landscape where Grenache is king. The wines are often "GSM" blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre). Names like Luberon, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and others are known for their sun-drenched fruit and the scent of garrigue (wild herbs like rosemary and thyme). Learn why "Côtes du Rhône" is such a smart buy, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape gets all the fame. Linda moved to the Rhône Valley in 2008 to open the Auberge du Vin Wine School, teaching WSET courses and the French Wine Scholar programme. She is an Accredited Rhône Educator and is keen to promote the wide variety of wines in the region beyond Châteauneuf-du-Pape! We'll explore what’s new in the region (2026 trends). Winemakers are moving toward higher altitudes and using more Mourvèdre or Counoise to maintain freshness as the valley gets warmer. There has been a massive shift toward organic and biodynamic farming, with the Rhône now one of the leading "green" wine regions in France. And don’t overlook the whites! From apricot-scented Viognier to the textured, waxy blends of the South, Rhône whites are having a "moment" in the wine world. It will be a fascinating evening - hope you can join us!