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.

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 Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea Experience

We take the afternoon tea tradition and give it a little twist, with this Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea Experience. In addition to upgrading your Afternoon Tea, the London Wine Academy will help you impress your friends and family with all your newfound Sparkling knowledge.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.15 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Afternoon Tea and Wine Matching

Price

From £169 per person

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

Welcome to The Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea Experience

Champagne, Crémant, Cava. Scones, Sandwiches, Sweets

Those hours between lunch and dinner famously stretch an unfortunate amount of time, to the point where a lady had to take it into her own hands and break that ever-long fast with the now staple, Afternoon Tea.

To add a twist to this traditional tea break, we at the London Wine Academy invite you to join us for an afternoon of delicious and delicate dishes, supplemented by some superb Sparkling Wines and Champagnes.

While one might die for their favourite tea type, there is something decadent and a little bit divine about sipping on Fizz and taking the afternoon to delight in delicate bites of scrumptious sweets and savoury sandwhiches.

This Sparkling Wine and Afternoon Tea Experience is the perfect London wine tasting for special occasions, birthdays, or simply an excellent afternoon out.

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 this Experience?

During this Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea Experience, you will hear all about the different styles and types of Sparkling Wine, their incredibly complex production methods, and perhaps even figure out just which of the many styles is your favourite.

The London Wine Academy will make sure to show you that the different styles of sparkling wine are all perfect pairing partners for different moods, foods, and occasions.

Styles to discover during the Sparkling Wine & Champagne Masterclass:

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

Arriving at the London Wine Academy Afternoon Tea Experience, you will be greeted by one of our talented tutors – and even better, a cool flute of English Sparkling Wine. With this first sip, discover what makes English Sparkling wine one of the most exciting new kids on the block.

You’ll then taste six different sparkling wines, including elegant Champagne, vibrant Prosecco, and artisanal Crémant and Cava — each carefully paired with delicious sweet and savoury treats from an expertly executed Afternoon Tea.

You will find the afternoon with the London Wine Academy a wholly exciting, educational, and exceptional experience, and might just prompt you to join one of our many other Wine Courses and Masterclasses to deepen your understanding of bubbles, English Wine, or even Fine Wine.

Sparkling Wine & Afternoon Tea 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.

Be welcomed by the London Wine Academy to your special Sparkling Wine and Afternoon Tea Experience. Enjoy a fresh glass of fizz on arrival before meeting and greeting the new friends you will make in this superb social setting.

Learn all about the Systematic Approach to wine tasting, figuring out your favourite fizz, before diving into the sure-to-be-delicious dishes accompanying each sip of Champagne.

During this experience, you’ll learn to:

Identify key sparkling wine styles and flavours
Understand how bubbles are created (and why it matters)
Compare Champagne vs Prosecco
Choose the perfect fizz for every occasion
Pair sparkling wines beautifully with food

While away the wonderful afternoon with us, before departing with all your newfound knowledge – and perhaps even consider joining one of the other London Wine Academy Courses or Masterclasses on another day.

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 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, sandwhiches. All the favourites

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.

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