A TWIST ON THE CLASSICS
Our April tasting in The Courtyard at Hotel du Vin became a wonderfully spirited journey across Central and Eastern Europe, led by the infectious enthusiasm of Abbie Wafer from Jorvine and Alex Bassick from Betton Wines. Their theme, A Twist on the Classics, came alive through a line‑up they personally curated — wines that have shaped their own developing palates and sparked their curiosity.
Throughout the evening, Abbie and Alex brought thoughtful insights, personal stories and a genuine joy for sharing wines that mean something to them. By the final glass, the room was buzzing with conversation as members compared discoveries and favourite moments from the journey.
A huge thank you to Katie and Abbie from Jorvine, and to Alex from Betton Wines, for curating such a fabulous tasting — the kind that reminds us why we love doing what we do. Grateful applause also goes to Julie and Kevin, who once again made the venue logistics look effortless. And finally, our thanks to the wonderful team at Hotel du Vin, whose charm, excellent service and delicious food — plus a surprise glass of Prosecco in the evening sunshine — set the tone beautifully. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, bringing curiosity and openness to the evening.
Zavec Brothers Pet Nat 2023 — Slovenia
🍋 Bright & Zippy — Cloudy, fizzy and full of attitude; dry, lively and bursting with fresh energy.
🍽️ Pairs with: Sushi, goat cheese, salted crisps, sunshine
✨ Vibe: Wild, fresh, made for good times
Bodrog Borműhely ‘Dry Tokaj’ 2024 — Hungary
🌿 Clean & Mineral — Crisp citrus, green apple and flinty freshness in a bone‑dry, modern Tokaj.
🍽️ Pairs with: Seafood, fresh salads, light vegetarian dishes
✨ Vibe: Clean, modern, quietly impressive
Ktima Apostolidi Vidi Anno Lofos 2024 — Greece
🌊 Smooth & Textural — Fresh yet gently rich Vidiano with a long, stony finish and real presence.
🍽️ Pairs with: Creamy seafood, grilled vegetables, chicken in rich sauces, mezze
✨ Vibe: Modern Greek elegance with confident poise
Caii de la Letea Fetească Neagră 2023 — Romania
🍒 Velvety & Vibrant — Dark fruit, gentle spice and easy charm; lively and full of character.
🍽️ Pairs with: Grilled lamb, pork, hearty stews, tacos, tomato‑based pasta
✨ Vibe: Smooth, spirited, quietly bold
Zagreus Santimenti Mavrud 2023 — Bulgaria
🔥 Bold & Natural — Pure, vivid fruit with juicy power and an energetic finish; proudly unfiltered.
🍽️ Pairs with: BBQ, grilled lamb, duck, tomato‑based dishes, spicy Asian plates
✨ Vibe: Untamed, vibrant, proudly natural
Zagreus Noble Mavrud 2020 — Bulgaria
🍫 Lush & Decadent — Sweet, velvety layers of dark fruit, cocoa and caramel with fresh lift.
🍽️ Pairs with: Dark chocolate desserts, mature cheeses, after‑dinner sipping
✨ Vibe: Luxurious, warming, quietly decadent
MARGIN TASTING NOTES...
Looking Ahead…
Our next gathering takes place on Tuesday 5th May 2026 in The Cookery at York College (YO23 2BB), where we’ll meet from 6.00pm for New Zealand, New Dimension — an exploration of bottle‑mature wines presented by Preet Sahota of Edgmond Wines.
This will be Preet’s third visit to the York Section, and he’ll be guiding us through a fascinating question: can New Zealand wines age gracefully? From Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris to Pinot Noir and even Cabernet Franc, we’ll explore how these wines evolve with time and what hidden dimensions emerge in the glass.
Preet has built a strong reputation across our Sections — and beyond — as a gifted storyteller with a talent for uncovering lesser‑known, great‑value wines from niche producers. His tastings often sell out quickly, matched only by the record‑breaking wine orders that follow them.
The closing date for this event is Friday 24th April 2026. If you’d like to join us and haven’t received an invitation, please contact Jason Valentine, Section Chair. Tickets are selling fast.
