There are evenings when wine simply tastes better, not because of the bottle, but because of the company, the ceremony, and the sheer theatre of it all. Last week’s Winter Banquet hosted by The Wine Guild of the United Kingdom was one of those nights.
Alison and I (WineGuide101) were officially intronised into the Guild (yes, that’s genuinely the term!), marking a proud milestone in my wine journey as I was recognised as a Wine Professional. The ceremony itself was part Hogwarts, part House of Lords, complete with velvet robes, medallions, and an ornate staff that made me wonder if I should be reciting an oath or preparing to duel a sommelier.
But beyond the pageantry was what truly united everyone in the room: a shared passion for exceptional wine.
The Feast & The Fizz
Held at the elegant Hyatt Regency London, the banquet was a masterclass in pairing indulgent dishes with some truly inspired wines. The evening kicked off with a selection of cold and hot canapés, each bite expertly matched with crisp aperitifs that set the tone for what was to come.
Fish Course: Artelium Chardonnay 2023
This English Chardonnay shimmered in the glass with pale gold tones and sang of green apple, wild pear, and lemon zest. Its refined acidity paired beautifully with the cured chalk stream trout—a match that reminded everyone that English still wines are no longer the underdog.
Main Course: Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Ah, Tuscany at its lyrical best. Layers of ripe red fruit, rose petals, and sweet tobacco unfolded like a Tuscan sonnet. The Brunello’s elegant power met its match in the Scottish braised beef, creating a duet of grace and depth.
Dessert: Bluebell Vineyard Estate Sweet Noir 667, 2023
A 100% Pinot Noir dessert wine from Sussex—sweet, yes, but balanced with freshness and finesse. Think fresh raspberries and cherries mingling with a whisper of redcurrant. It was indulgence with discipline, the vinous equivalent of a tuxedoed jazz pianist.
Cheese Course: Burmester Vintage Port, 2002
Finishing on a tawny, cocoa-rich note, this Port was pure nostalgia. Mature, confident, and endlessly smooth—like the Guild members themselves, most of whom have likely forgotten more about wine than many will ever know.
A Toast to Tradition
As the evening wound down, glasses raised and laughter echoed, I was struck by what the Guild truly represents: the preservation of wine culture, craftsmanship, and camaraderie. In a world of fleeting trends and algorithm-driven tastes, it’s reassuring to know that some traditions still swirl on, rich and full-bodied.
And yes, I’m already looking forward to the next banquet. I may even practise my robe flourish.
About the author
Damon Segal — @wineguide101 wine lover, marketer and the voice behind WineGuide101. Damon combines decades in marketing with a passionate, down-to-earth approach to wine.
