Do I need wine knowledge to attend the Red Wine Tasting?

Not at all. Our courses are designed to be approachable and jargon-free. Beginners are always welcome, and our more advanced masterclasses are perfect if you already have some experience.

What are tannins and why do they matter in red wine?

Tannins are natural compounds from grape skins, seeds, and stems that create a drying sensation in your mouth. They give red wine structure and influence how long a wine can age. This is covered in detail during the course.

What is the difference between Old World and New World red wines?

Old World wines (Europe) tend to be more structured, earthy, and savoury, while New World wines (Americas, Australia, South Africa) are typically fruitier and bolder. The course often compares both styles side by side.

How many wines will I taste during the session?

You'll taste six to seven carefully selected red wines, curated to take you through a range of styles, regions, and grape varieties.

Will food be included in the Red Wine Tasting?

Yes — all our courses include food, whether that's a main course, tapas-style dishes, or a multi-course menu depending on the format. We can cater for most dietary requirements with advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking.

What will I be able to do after completing the course?

You'll be able to identify red wine styles, understand how tannins, acidity, and oak influence flavour, choose wines confidently in a shop or restaurant, and pair red wines with food.

What time should I arrive and where is the venue?

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your session. Start times can vary by date, so check your chosen date when booking. The London Wine Academy is proud to partner with venues in London and Mayfair.

Is the Red Wine Tasting part of a series?

Yes — it is part of the London Adventurer Wine Tasting Experience. At the end of the session, your tutor can advise on the next step in your London Wine Academy journey.

The Red Wine Tasting

Q: What red wine regions and grape varieties will be covered?

The course covers a wide range, including but not limited to, Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec), Burgundy (Pinot Noir), Rhône (Syrah/Shiraz), Italy (Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera), Spain (Tempranillo, Garnacha), and New World varieties like Zinfandel and Pinotage.

Q: What temperature should red wine be served at?

Lighter reds like Pinot Noir are best served slightly cool (around 55–60°F / 13–16°C), while fuller-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are best just below room temperature (62–68°F / 17–20°C).

Q: Should I decant red wine before drinking it?

Decanting can help separate sediment in older wines and allows younger, tannic wines to open up and breathe. Your tutor will cover when and how to decant during the session.

Taste a range of red wines from key regions side by side and see how grape variety, tannin, acidity and ageing shape flavour and texture. We’ll show you why some reds feel smooth and others grip, and which styles are worth keeping.

By the end, you’ll know what you enjoy and how to choose reds to suit the moment — whether you’re drinking a glass on its own or planning a wine with food.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

The Duke of Sussex, Bankside

Two – Course Menu

Price

From £139 per person

Rated 4.6 out of 5 – based on 82 Google reviews
Read our reviews on Google

Welcome to the Red Wine Tasting

Discover the complexities of red wine on a course designed to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of all things tannin and terroir.

In the Red Wine Tasting, you’ll learn about wines from renowned regions, discover how to unlock their flavour profiles, and gain the confidence to appreciate their unique flavours and styles.

You’ll learn how red wines often involve multiple factors, such as tannins, acidity, fruity aromas, maturity and higher alcohol levels.
You’ll learn all about the influence of oak ageing, oak styles and toasting levels.
You’ll learn that all of these factors make it more challenging to figure out on your own.

Most importantly, you’ll learn that you don’t have to.

The London Wine Academy will take your hand along this journey into wine and help you uncover the nuances of renowned red grape varieties from global wine regions and unlock the hidden treasures within each glass.

What will I learn during the Red Wine Tasting?

Along this immersive journey, The London Wine Academy will take you into a realm of rich history, diverse grape varieties, and intricate production methods. You will be transported by each sip to the renowned red wine regions of the world, and you will finally “get it”.

On this Red Wine Tasting, our talented tutors will help you figure out which red wine style is your favourite; young, vibrant, fresh, and fruity? Dark, smoky, smooth, and chock full of history? You’ll be enlightened on which of your favourite styles works best with a fresh tomato pasta, or perhaps a decadent fillet of fish.

Alongside your fellow classmates and the well-travelled London Wine Academy tutors, get ready to delve ever deeper into the welcoming world of wine.

During the course, we’ll explore a variety of red wines from some of the world’s most renowned regions. You’ll gain insights into:

Bordeaux (Bold Cabernet Sauvignon, plump Merlot, & the role of Malbec, Petit Verdot, & Cabernet Franc)
Burgundy (The elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir)
Rhone (Comparing the classic Syrah to New World Shiraz styles)
Italy: Iconic reds like Sangiovese (Chianti), Nebbiolo (Barolo), and Barbera
Spain: The richness of Tempranillo and the vibrancy of Garnacha
Other Varietals: Discover lesser-known gems like Zinfandel, Pinotage, and the freedom and diversity of red wines from the New World

Book your place today!

Gain the knowledge and ability to choose exciting new wine styles, grape varieties, and producers.
Be introduced to the mechanics of wine tasting and the professional approach to wine assessment.
Your tutor will pass on insider tips to help you navigate the pitfalls of buying wine for any occasion.

Red Wine Tasting Agenda

Start times of this wine workshop may vary. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time. Kindly arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your class to meet and greet the London Wine Academy tutors who will be guiding you along your journey.

The London Wine Academy experts will be waiting to welcome you into one of the exquisite London venues we work alongside to make these wine experiences one to remember and absolutely brag about. You’ll be joined by a small group of new friends, equally excited to learn about red wines, and together you will taste through six or seven excellent wines, carefully curated for your red wine course.

Enjoy a superb two-course meal with your new friends and the London Wine Academy tutors, as they give you a teaser into food and wine matching. At the end of this red wine tasting experience, be sure to find out what the next step in your London Wine Academy journey may be – get excited to delve deeper into this glorious world of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What red wine regions and grape varieties will be covered?

During the Red Wine Tasting, we’ll explore a variety of red wines and regions.
You’ll gain insights into:

Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, & Cabernet Franc)
Burgundy (Pinot Noir)
Rhone (Comparing the classic Syrah to New World Shiraz styles)
Italy: Sangiovese (Chianti), Nebbiolo (Barolo), and Barbera
Spain: Tempranillo, Garnacha

What are tannins and why do they matter?

Tannins are natural compounds found mainly in grape skins, seeds, and oak barrels. They give red wine that slightly dry, grippy feeling in your mouth—like strong tea. They matter because they add structure and balance, help wines age, and play beautifully with food, especially rich dishes like steak, where they soften and become smoother.

How does oak ageing affect red wine?

Oak ageing adds flavours of vanilla, spice, and smoke, and softens the texture of the wine. The type of oak and toasting level also play a role – all of which are explored during the Red Wine Tasting.

How many wines will I taste during the day?

You will be tasting 6-7 refreshingly fabulous red wines during your London Wine Academy tasting.

What temperature should red wine be served at?

Red wine is best served slightly below room temperature – usually around 12–18°C depending on the style. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir prefer it a bit cooler, while fuller-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon can be slightly warmer. Too warm and the alcohol stands out; too cold and you lose flavour.

Should I decant red wine before drinking it?

Decanting can really help, but it depends on the wine. Younger reds often benefit from a bit of air to open up their aromas and soften tannins. Older wines are more delicate – decanting is mainly to remove any sediment. If in doubt, a short time in a decanter usually does more good than harm.

Will food be included?

Yes, absolutely. You will get to enjoy a two-course meal during the Red Wine Tasting.

How much does the Red Wine Tasting Cost?

The Red Wine Tasting costs £139 per person, and includes 6 red wines, as well as a two-course meal over 2 hours

How long does the Red Wine Tasting Last?

The Red Wine Tasting is a two-hour experience, including 6 wines for tasting and a two-course meal. Start times may vary depending on the day so please check the Calendar dates for the correct times

The Red Wine Tasting is a 2-hour wine course at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £139 per person. Part of the Adventurer Tastings series, participants explore a curated selection of red wines from key global regions, learning to identify grape varieties, styles and flavour profiles guided by tutors holding WSET Diploma, Master of Wine or Master Sommelier qualifications. A 2-course menu is included. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it provides a focused, enjoyable introduction to the world of red wine.

Feature Venue

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

Feature Venue

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.