What makes the Platinum Experience different from other London Wine Academy courses?

This is a step up from all of our other experiences. In this Course, we focus on what "Fine Wine" means, the best way to match food and wine, as well as what makes good investment wines.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to attend?

With the Platinum Fine Wine Experience, we do recommend having at least a basic understanding of wine, and how to taste it, as this is our most in depth wine experience. We do however always welcome any range of knowledge, and our tutors are well-equipped to guide you during the course.

How many wines will I taste and what style are they?

You'll taste 9–10 carefully selected fine wines covering a range of premium white and red styles from some of the world's most renowned wine regions.

Will I learn how to assess fine wine quality and ageing potential?

Yes — evaluating quality and ageing potential is a core part of the course. You'll learn the professional techniques used to assess a wine's structure, balance, and how it will develop over time.

Will I learn how to identify wine faults?

Yes — recognising and dealing with wine faults is included in the course content, so you'll know exactly what to look for and feel confident handling a faulty bottle in any setting.

Will I be able to navigate a restaurant wine list after the course?

Absolutely. One of the practical skills covered is how to read and choose from a restaurant wine list confidently, including spotting value and understanding how to match wines to a menu.

Is this course suitable as a gift or for a special occasion?

Yes — courses make great gifts. You can book in the recipient's name or purchase a Gift Voucher if you'd prefer them to choose the date themselves. Gift vouchers can be redeemed on any of our courses.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your session. Start times can vary by date, so check your chosen date when booking. Arriving late can also delay food service, so please allow plenty of time.

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience -with Wine & Food Matching

Q: What food is included and how does it tie into the course?

With the Platinum Fine Wine Experience, we match each dish with wines, to help you gain a better understanding of the thought process behind the experience. You will enjoy a four-or five-course tapas style meal, expertly paired with wines that make you think, and understand the matching process.

Q: What are the basic rules of food and wine pairing?

At its core, food and wine pairing isn't about rigid rules — it's about balance. Match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. Acidity is key: high-acid wines refresh and pair easily with most foods. Tannins soften with fat and protein, making bold reds ideal for meat dishes. The wine should be as sweet as (or sweeter than) the dish, especially with dessert or spice.

Q: Does the course cover wine investment and storage?

Yes — the course includes a comprehensive section on wine investment and proper storage, giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions about building and maintaining a wine collection.

Q: Where does the Platinum Fine Wine Experience take place?

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience takes place at our phenomenal party venues in London and Mayfair.

The summit of your wine journey – our flagship experience pairing exceptional fine wines with a curated 5-course menu.

Level

Beginner/Intermediate

Duration

4 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Other Guest Venues

Price

From £279 per person

1993

Established — over 30 years teaching wine in London

50,000+

Students taught across three decades

The tutors

WSET Diploma, Master of Wine & Master Sommelier

Welcome to The Platinum Fine Wine Experience

-with Wine & Food Matching

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience is the pinnacle of London Wine Academy classes, a day of luxury you'll want to return to again and again - a course designed for people who want a clear, enjoyable way to understand fine wine with food.

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience is the pinnacle of London Wine Academy classes.

Indulge in a day of fine wine and fine dining with the London Wine Academy. The Platinum Fine Wine Experience combines exquisite wines from unreal regions of the world with perfectly paired dishes of phenomenal food. The course invites you to try our pairing suggestions, while leaving the road wide open for your own discovery of clever combinations.

Curated exclusively for you, this Platinum Fine Wine Experience is designed to cater to both novice and more experienced wine enthusiasts, making it the perfect choice for anyone eager to deepen their knowledge and refine their tasting skills. This experience will empower you to make informed choices and give you an invaluable set of skills that will impress even the most discerning expert.

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience is The London Wine Academy’s most luxurious wine experience, priced from £279 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy has been running immersive wine courses in Mayfair and St James’s for over 20 years. Over 4 hours at The Punch Bowl in Mayfair, you’ll taste 10 premium wines from iconic global estates, each paired with a beautifully curated 5-course menu. This is wine and food matching at its finest — exploring how flavour, texture and balance transform when the right wine meets the right dish. Your tutor holds a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification. The format is integrative rather than lecture-style — no exams, no pressure, just an immersive day of exceptional wine and dining designed for anyone who appreciates depth, detail and pleasure.

What will I learn during the Platinum Fine Wine Experience?

During the Platinum Fine Wine Experience in Mayfair, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your tasting skills whilst unlocking the secrets of the vineyard. Delve into the fascinating world of wine production and gain knowledge on evaluating quality, ageing potential, and spotting exceptional value for money. Discover key wine styles, explore renowned grape varieties and regions, and become well-versed in identifying and dealing with wine faults.

Included in this Platinum Fine Wine Experience, our comprehensive course also covers the art of wine investment and storage, empowering you to make wise decisions in building your collection. Plus, we’ll reveal the insider tips to effortlessly pair wine with food and navigate restaurant lists like a true wine buff. Learn how to create harmonious flavour combinations that elevate each dining experience to new heights.

Our Masters of Wine-trained tutors, WSET Diploma holders, and Master Sommeliers will provide practical tips you can easily apply to create unforgettable culinary experiences at home or with colleagues.

Prepare your palate as you sample 10 carefully selected fine wines throughout the day, complemented by a paired 5-course lunch.

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.

Platinum Fine Wine Experience (With wine & food matching) 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.

Arrive on your day of luxury and Fine Wine, to be greeted by one of the London Wine Academy tutors. Learn all about the Systematic Approach to wine tasting, and find out how fine wines are rated and catalogued in the wider wine industry.

Taste ten premium white and red wines from around the world, accompanied by a five-course meal, as your tutor guides you through each wine in a relaxed, intimate group setting.

Alongside an in-depth exploration of fine wine, you’ll discover the essentials of wine investment and learn how to store and care for your wines with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Platinum Experience different?

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience is the final step in luxury for the London Wine Academy Courses. The focus is on high-quality wines, how best to invest in and store them, and the perfect ways to match them with food.

How many wines will I taste and what styles are they?

You will be tasting 10 premium wines during the day, across a wide range of styles, varietals and regions. There will be a combination of white, red and sparkling wines from all over the world for you to taste and delve deeper into.

What food is included and how does it tie into the course?

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience includes a five-course, tapas-style pairing menu, matched with the wines you will be tasting during the course. Here, the intent is to showcase the best ways to pair different wine styles with various food offerings, ensuring you know the best tips and tricks to do your own wine and food pairings after the course.

What are the basic rules of food and wine pairing?

Start simple: match weight and intensity.

Light dishes (like salads or fish) work best with lighter wines, while richer dishes (like roast meats or creamy sauces) suit fuller-bodied styles.

Acidity in wine cuts through fat beautifully—think a crisp white with something buttery—while a touch of sweetness can soften spicy food.

Tannins in red wine pair well with protein, helping wines feel smoother.

And above all, trust your palate—if it tastes good to you, it’s the right match.

Will I learn how to assess fine wine quality?

Absolutely. During the course, you will be guided through the Systematic Approach to Wine Tasting.

We will start by looking at the wine: its colour and clarity can give clues about age and style. Then smell – take a moment to identify aromas and how intense or complex they are.

When focusing on the palate, feel for balance (do acidity, fruit, tannin and alcohol feel in harmony?), length (how long the flavours linger), and complexity (how many layers you can find).

Fine wines tend to be balanced, expressive, and leave a lasting impression.

Does the course cover wine investment and storage?

Absolutely. During the course we will touch on wine investment and storage, in a clear and practical way. We introduce the key ideas behind investing—what makes certain wines age-worthy, why provenance matters, and which regions and styles tend to hold long-term value. We also cover the essentials of storage, because even the best wine needs the right conditions. You’ll learn how to keep bottles cool, stable, and protected from light and temperature swings so they can develop properly over time.

Where does the Platinum Fine Wine Experience take place?

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience takes place at our partner venues in London and Mayfair. Venues vary depending on the date of the experience – confirmed venues are available on our calendar.

How much does the Platinum Fine Wine Experience cost?

The course costs £279 per person, includes a five-course wine and food matching, and takes place over four hours.

What wines specifically will I taste?

The wines tasted during this experience vary from date to date, venue to venue. The course often includes wines such as:

Sebastien Dampt, Chablis
O Qvinto Arrio Reserva
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

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.

Tagged punch bowl

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience -with Wine & Food Matching

Welcome to The Platinum Fine Wine Experience

-with Wine & Food Matching

The Platinum Fine Wine Experience is the pinnacle of London Wine Academy classes, a day of luxury you'll want to return to again and again - a course designed for people who want a clear, enjoyable way to understand fine wine with food.

What will I learn during the Platinum Fine Wine Experience?

Platinum Fine Wine Experience (With wine & food matching) Agenda

Frequently Asked Questions

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