Wine in a nutshell: demystifying drink

Tasting wine, talking about wine, even learning about wine in a congenial group can be one of life's more liberating pleasures. Imagine leaving work to go to a relaxed tasting where you can ask questions and explore the world of wine with a kindly and knowledgeable host and you've got my idea of heaven in your mind.

So come and join me on the year's first Introduction to wine course on Tuesday evenings. I'll be your guide to demystifying the baffling aspects, but you'll keep the magic of this alluring drink. Each week you'll taste 6 wines, mostly handmade by artisans, not in factories by chemists. See the website for details of each week's focus and contact me for further information or to book a place.

Also next week, on Thursday 5th February we are hosting a very special one-off tasting pitting Bordeaux blue blood Chateau Leoville-Barton against Moss Wood, one of the best wineries in Margaret River. The list of vintages is here and we hope you can come. Seats are filling fast so take advantage of the very reasonable price for an event like this.

Don't forget the regular Free Friday tastings. Today we highlight the wines from vines around Montalcino to illustrate the magnificent 2010 Brunellos that are being released over the next week or two. /CW