Our wine host for the evening was Meganne, an archaeologist specialising in Classical archaeology, who decided to bring together two of her favourite things: ancient history and wine. She guided us on a journey across the Mediterranean, told through seven wines. After setting the scene and providing a beautiful ancient map, we travelled across the ancient world through one of history’s greatest epics — Homer’s Odyssey. Each glass represented a new chapter in Odysseus’ remarkable voyage home after the fall of Troy, carrying us from shore to shore as the story unfolded, one port, one landscape and one glass at a time. Where possible, the wines were chosen from regions traditionally associated with Odysseus’ adventures. Each bottle had a purpose, whether through its connection to place, its symbolism, or both.

All wines were purchased from Majestic in Skipton, and most were new to the group — especially the Nivola Lambrusco, a slightly sparkling red with which we set off on our journey. Its bubbles captured the joy and relief of victory as the Greek fleet finally left the shores of Troy, while the rich crimson colour reminded us that every triumph came at a cost.

As the story unfolded through each wine, it was the sixth — E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône (France) — that emerged as the group favourite. Meganne chose it because she felt it captured the spirit of the final stage: the Rhône has been connected to the Mediterranean for thousands of years through trade, carrying people, ideas and, of course, wine across the ancient world. We thought it had strength and depth — “a big Rhône wine” — a fitting choice for the last stage of Odysseus’ voyage, and, at £13.99, a very good one for the price.

For supper, what more could one have wanted than a delicious Greek moussaka — and thanks to Mary and Honor, that is exactly what we all enjoyed. As we left, each of us thanking Meganne for the most wonderful and interesting tasting, she reminded us that the ancient Greeks understood something that still resonates today: home is not necessarily the grandest place we will ever see; it is simply the place where we belong.