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 have more grip; which wines are best enjoyed young and which bottles deserve time in your cellar.

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 matching it with your favourite dish.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

The Duke of Sussex, Bankside

Two – Course Menu

Price

From £139 per person

Welcome to the Red Wine Tasting

Understand the key differences between red wines through a guided tasting of classic styles.

The Red Wine Tasting is a two-hour red wine tasting in London, designed to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of red wine. You’ll taste wines from renowned regions, learn how to taste them properly, and gain the confidence to appreciate their unique flavours and styles.

Why is tasting red wine harder?

Red wines involve more factors than most people realise — tannins, acidity, fruit aromas, maturity, higher alcohol levels and the influence of oak ageing. Tannins shape the wine’s structure and texture, while oak can introduce flavours like vanilla, spice or smoke. Maturity transforms the wine further, adding depth and layers of complexity.

These elements make red wine tasting a fascinating but intricate process. It requires practice, a refined approach, and the right guidance.

Led by Masters of Wine trained Tutors, WSET Diploma holders and Master Sommeliers, your tutor will teach you how to identify key flavour profiles, distinguish between tannins and acidity, and recognise the impact of oak and maturity — all in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

You’ll taste wines blind, without seeing the label, judging purely on what’s in your glass. Every wine is chosen to represent a specific style, region or technique. Nothing is there by accident. Your tutor will guide you through each wine using the Systematic Approach to Tasting — the professional framework used by wine experts worldwide.

This isn’t about passing exams. It’s experience-led, refined over 30 years, designed to build your confidence and help you understand what you actually like.

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.

What will I learn during the session?

You’ll learn which wines are best enjoyed young, full of fresh, vibrant flavours, and which gain complexity through ageing. You’ll cover practical tips for pairing red wines with food, helping you find the right match for any occasion.

During the tasting, you’ll cover:

Bordeaux — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and the role of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc
Burgundy — the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir
Rhône — comparing classic Syrah with New World Shiraz styles
Italy — Sangiovese (Chianti), Nebbiolo (Barolo), and Barbera
Spain — Tempranillo and Garnacha
New World — Zinfandel, Pinotage, and the diversity of styles from Australia, South America and beyond

Red Wine Tasting Agenda

Start times may vary. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time.

Arrive 5–10 minutes early to meet your tutor and the other guests.

Your tutor outlines the session format and introduces the Systematic Approach to Tasting — the framework you’ll use for every wine.

You’ll taste through six or seven red wines. Each one is chosen to teach you something specific about style, region or technique. The tutor introduces each wine, you taste it, and the group shares observations. It’s interactive and relaxed — more like a dinner party hosted by someone who really knows wine than a classroom.

A two-course meal is woven through the tasting, with discussion of how food and wine pair together.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of which red wine styles suit you, and practical knowledge you can use the next time you’re choosing a bottle.

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

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.