Newcastle Wine School

15/04/2026

Argentinian Malbec owes its exceptional ripeness to the quality and intensity of UV light in the high Andes.

Malbec (aka Cot) is French in origin, you’ll find it in the Loire and in Bordeaux where plantings are on the increase in response to climate change.

Malbec makes, “the black wines of Cahors” prized for their deep colour and body in the Middle Ages.
If you would like to try a Malbec from Cahors check out local French specialists and .cavavin and follow for more Wine Wednesday fun facts.

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15/04/2026

It’s World Malbec Day on Friday but did you know that...

🍷Argentinian Malbec is a modern phenomenon. Rich fruity plum and blueberry cheesecake scented crowd pleasing wines that owe their exceptional ripeness in part to the quality and intensity of the UV light in the high Andes.

🍷Malbec (aka Cot) is French in origin, you’ll find it in the Loire and occasionally as part of a blend in Bordeaux where plantings are on the increase in response to climate change.

🍷Malbec is the grape that makes, “the black wines of Cahors.” Wines prized for their deep colour and body. Sold in London as early as the 13th century, popular up until the 19th century and now discovering its former glories.

🍷If you would like to try a Malbec from Cahors check out local French specialists and .cavavin and follow for more Wine Wednesday fun facts🍷

08/04/2026

FIVE STEPS TO BETTER WINE CHOICES...

How to choose which wine is best for you?

1) Know your grapes. Some grapes make wine that is very distinctive, Gewürztraminer is a good example, you either love it or hate it. Others, like Chardonnay, can make wine in a wide range of styles. That’s something for everyone. Even the, “Anything But Chardonnay” brigade. There are around 1,400 wine grapes in the world but you can get away with knowing only 14.

2) It’s not just what is grown but where it is grown. Climate, warm or cool, will have a major influence on how the wine tastes.

3) The vineyard. Some sites, sheltered, well drained and with a favourable aspect towards the rising sun are prized above others for the quality of grapes that they produce.

4) What happens in the winery. Like a chef creating a signature dish the winemaker can employ a number of techniques in the wine making process to stamp his personality on the finished wine.

5) Finally if and how the wine has been matured. The length of time and the nature of the ageing vessel, for example European or American oak barrels, concrete tanks or trendy amphora all have a different influence on the finished wine.

Once you begin to understand these factors and throw in a little bit of history and local culture, then you can begin to form an expectation of what each wine might taste like and really understand why you like what you like.

In the world of wine a little learning goes a long way (oh and by the way, it’s great fun!)

Want to learn more? Try our Saturday Introduction to Wine with Champagne and two course lunch and have fun discovering the world of wine.

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

Newcastle’s only independent wine fair returns. Your favourite local and specialist wine merchants all under one roof.

Purchase your ticket in advance, collect your glass on arrival and then taste exciting and unusual wines especially selected for the event.

Newcastle Wine Fair showcases the best of the region’s wine offer. A fantastic opportunity for you and your friends to sample in one social afternoon up to 100 wines from around the world.

Doors are open to the public from 12.30 and will close at 4.00. Drop in between those times for an informal walk around tasting.

Book your ticket now, numbers strictly limited and no payment on the day.

Newcastle Wine Fair
Sunday 8th March
Royal Station Hotel Newcastle

Ten merchants
16 countries
100 wines
1 afternoon

https://www.localwineschool.com/newcastle/newcastle-wine-fair/

.cavavin

22/02/2026

Newcastle Wine Fair
Sunday 8th March
Royal Station Hotel Newcastle
https://www.localwineschool.com/newcastle/newcastle-wine-fair/

.cavavin

17/11/2025

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s breakthrough novel, “Fiesta”

The story is set in Pamplona at the time of the festival of San Fermin. I was there for the tasting of the wines rather than the running of the bulls. More fun less danger. Pamplona, capital of Navarra and gateway to wine country…

16/11/2025

👩‍🔬Fascinating visit to EVENA, the Navarra Viticulture and Oenology Station. Here researchers are discovering unknown grape varieties from which mysterious men in white coats are busy crafting experimental wines.

🍇 In a project to preserve vineyard diversity and promote the use of native varieties, the EVENA vine stock repository includes 63 ancient varieties recovered from abandoned vineyards.

🍷 Recovered varieties with commercial potential include;

🥂 Oneca, an almost forgotten ancestral variety recently returned to the register of authorised Navarra varieties.

🥂 Musa, a new white variety from a Cabernet Sauvignon seed. The vine was discovered in a vineyard in Arellano, home to the Roman “Villa of the Muses”

☀️ The recovery of resilient, ancient viticultural material is an exciting development in the effort to combat the impact of climate change.

14/11/2025

Coming Monday, November 17th.

Local Wine School educators have selected their 12 wines for Christmas and we’re offering you a chance to win them all.

Videos start Monday, November 17th, so make sure you are following to be in with a chance of winning.

10/09/2025

Old Vines, Fine Wines...
We are delighted to be joining forces with to present a very special tasting of wines from old vines.
Featuring wines from world renowned producers including
An exceptional opportunity to taste, learn and honour the living legacy of the world’s historic vineyards.
Follow link in bio to discover why this is the best value tasting we have ever hosted!