Is Champagne the same as sparkling wine?

No — Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine that can only come from the Champagne region of France, made under strict rules. Other sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant are made in different regions using varying methods. The course explores all of these styles.

What sparkling wine styles will be covered during the experience?

During the Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea experience, you will cover a range of diverse sparkling wine styles including Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Cap Classique, all from different regions around the world.

What food is included in the Afternoon Tea?

For the Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea Experience, we match various styles of sparkling wine with traditional afternoon tea bites — savoury, sweet, and sandwiches. All the favourites.

Is this experience 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.

Do I need any wine knowledge to attend?

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.

How should sparkling wine be stored and served?

Sparkling wine should be stored on its side in a cool, dark place and served well chilled — typically between 6–10°C (43–50°F). Once opened, it's best enjoyed promptly, though a sparkling wine stopper can help preserve the bubbles for a short time.

How many sparkling wines will I taste during the session?

You'll taste six different sparkling wines throughout the afternoon, including a welcome glass of English Sparkling Wine on arrival.

What time should I arrive and where does the experience take place?

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your session. Start times can vary by date, so check your chosen date when booking. The experience takes place at our phenomenal partner venues through London and Mayfair.

The Champagne & Sparkling Wine Masterclass

If you have ever been lost in a conversation about Champagne, Cava and Cap Classique, then this masterclass is just right for you

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Matching small plates & tapas-style meals

Price

From £169 per person

Rated 4.6 out of 5 – based on 82 Google reviews

Read our reviews on Google

Welcome to the Champagne & Sparkling Wine Masterclass

Champagne, Crémant, Cava, Prosecco — a curated range of styles, tasted and compared.

Sparkling wine is one of the most diverse and misunderstood categories in the world of wine. Beyond Champagne, there are dozens of styles produced across Europe and the New Wine World — each with its own grape varieties, production methods, and flavour profiles. Most people stick to one or two familiar names. This masterclass is designed to change that.

At The London Wine Academy, we will take you through six to eight sparkling wine and Champagne styles in a single session — tasted blind, explained clearly, and paired with carefully chosen small bites and canapés. You will come away knowing not just what you enjoyed, but why.

Whether you are already a Champagne devotee or simply curious about what else is out there, this is a focused, enjoyable, and genuinely informative afternoon.

The Sparkling Wine and Afternoon Tea Experience is a 2-hour and 15-minute wine experience at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £129 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy has welcomed over 50,000 students to its independent, experience-led courses in Mayfair and St James’s. You’ll taste Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and English sparkling wine alongside a curated afternoon tea menu, learning what makes each style different and how to choose with confidence. Your tutor — holding a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification — will cover production methods, tasting techniques and the details that matter when you’re buying or ordering sparkling wine. This is one of the Academy’s most popular experiences — whether it’s a celebration, a gift, or simply something you’ve been meaning to do.

What will I learn during the Champagne & Sparkling Wine Masterclass

This is not a passive tasting. You will work through each wine with guidance from one of our tutors, building a real understanding of what sets each style apart — from the grapes and regions to the methods that create those bubbles.

Styles to discover during the Champagne & Sparkling Wine Masterclass:

Cava
Prosecco
Crémant de Loire
New World sparkling wine
English Sparkling Wine
Non-vintage Champagne
Vintage Champagne
And more, depending on the session

During this masterclass, you will learn to:

Identify the key sparkling wine styles and understand what makes each one distinctive
Understand how bubbles are made — and why the method matters
Compare Champagne with Prosecco, Cava, Crémant, and other styles side by side
Recognise quality and value across different price points
Pair sparkling wines confidently with food
Choose the right fizz for any occasion

How the session works

You will be welcomed by one of our tutors — and a cool glass of Sparkling Wine. This is your first wine of the session, and a good place to start to get to know your fellow wine enthusiasts joining you for the afternoon.

From there, you will work through six to eight sparkling styles, each introduced in context and tasted with focused guidance. Our tutors use the Systematic Approach to Tasting — a clear, practical framework that gives you a reliable method for assessing any wine, not just the ones in your glass today.

Each wine is paired with a small bite or canapé chosen to complement its style. The food is there to make the pairing principles tangible, not to distract from the tasting. You will see — and taste — exactly why certain combinations work.

The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable. There is always room for questions, and the session moves at a pace that suits the group.

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Agenda

Start times of this workshop may vary. Please check your chosen date for correct start time.

Please arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your class.

On arrival

Be welcomed by The London Wine Academy. Enjoy a glass of Sparkling Wine while meeting the rest of the group.

Introduction

Your tutor introduces the Systematic Approach to Tasting and sets out the session plan. You will also cover the key production methods — Traditional Method, Charmat, and others — before the main tasting begins.

The main tasting

Work through six to eight sparkling wine styles, tasted and compared. Each wine is introduced in context, assessed using the tasting framework, and paired with a small bite or canapé. Plenty of time for discussion and questions throughout.

Close

Your tutor rounds up the session with key takeaways and practical guidance you can use straight away — choosing wine in a shop, ordering in a restaurant, or hosting at home. You are welcome to ask any remaining questions before you leave.

Who leads the session?

All The London Wine Academy masterclasses are led by Masters of Wine trained Tutors, WSET Diploma holders and Master Sommeliers. Teaching is clear, practical, and grounded in real-world wine knowledge built over more than thirty years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Champgne the same as sparkling wine?

Not quite. All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne must come from the Champagne region in France and follow strict production rules.

What sparkling wine styles will be covered?

Styles to discover during the Sparkling Wine & Champagne Masterclass:

Cava
Prosecco
Crémant De Loire
New World Bubbly
English Sparkling Wine
Champagnes
Vintage Champagne

What is English Sparkling Wine & why is it exciting?

English Sparkling Wine is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, and the chalk soils of southern England share similarities with the Champagne region. It has gained international recognition in recent years and is one of the most exciting emerging wine styles in the world. You’ll try it on arrival.

What is the difference between Champagne, Prosecco, and Canva?

Champagne is French and made using the Traditional Method, where bubbles form in the bottle, creating complexity and fine mousse.
Prosecco is Italian, typically made using the Charmat Method, producing a lighter, fruit-forward style.
Cava is Spanish and also uses the Traditional Method, but with its own native grape varieties.
Each reflects a different approach to sparkling winemaking, from method to flavour profile.
All three are tasted and compared during the experience.

How are the bubbles in sparkling wine created?

Bubbles in sparkling wine are created through a second fermentation, where yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Because this happens in a sealed environment, the CO₂ cannot escape and dissolves into the wine.
When the bottle is opened, the pressure is released and the dissolved gas forms bubbles.

What food is included?

Each sparkling wine and Champagne style is paired with a small bite or canapé chosen to complement it. The pairings are designed to make the food and wine pairing principles practical and easy to understand.

How do I pair sparkling wine with food?

Pair sparkling wine by matching its acidity, sweetness, and intensity to the dish.
High acidity makes it versatile — it cuts through rich or fried foods beautifully.
Brut styles suit savoury dishes, while sweeter styles work with dessert or spice.
Light styles pair with delicate foods; fuller styles suit richer dishes.
When in doubt, sparkling wine is one of the most food-friendly options.

How should sparkling wine be stored & served?

Sparkling wine is best stored much like still wine—on its side, in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature (around 10–12°C). Keeping it away from light, heat, and vibration helps preserve both freshness and those all-important bubbles.

When it comes to serving, chill it well—around 6–8°C is ideal. Too warm and it can feel flat; too cold and you’ll lose some of the aroma and flavour. Open it gently (a quiet “sigh,” not a loud pop) to keep the bubbles intact, and pour slowly into a glass to maintain that lovely fizz.

Is this suitable for a hen party or celebration?

Yes—this experience can work beautifully for a hen party or celebration, depending on the style of event you’re looking for. It’s a relaxed, elegant afternoon with sparkling wine, food, and a sociable atmosphere, making it ideal for groups who want something a little more refined and memorable.

There is a guided tasting element, so it’s not a high-energy or “bottomless drinks” style event. Instead, think of it as a stylish way to celebrate—perfect for those who enjoy great wine, good food, and a more polished, laid-back experience together.

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.