18/06/2024
Currently warming up for our vinous next week by seeking out hidden gems. This week's fits that bill perfectly.
From the Southern Rhone, Séguret is a beautiful village creating wines in the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC since 1967. It's not far from more famous neighbors like Gigondas and Châteauneuf du Pape but is not as well known making it exceptionally good value for money.
This particular bottle was sourced from in Peebles. Cracker of a wine for under £15. Juicy fruit, dark pepper, herbs and spicy oak. Great for pairing with a BBQ (if the summer turns up) or strong, smoky cheeses.
11/06/2024
Time for this week's We're off to Greece! Nicely timed as it's also .
Assyrtiko is one of the most exciting white grapes from Greece. Closely associated with Santorini, but grown widely across the country and islands. It's cracking in this warm climate as it retains it's natural acidity and can make a wide range of styles from light and fresh to some fascinating skin contact examples.
This one came from by , we've used it on our pairing nights a few times. Notes of green apple, lemon zest, peaches and wet stones. Great with olive oil crisps or a seafood platter.
05/06/2024
Father's Day is nearly upon us, why not treat your wine loving father or father figure with a wine school voucher? You can book a specific event or an open voucher valid for up to 2 years.
Choose from food and wine pairing evenings, Saturday experiences with 2 course lunch or a fun wine course.
04/06/2024
Something sparkling for this week's . This one comes from from their anniversary range.
We love Cava at Edinburgh Local Wine School. They represent great value for money. Made in the traditional method, which is to say the same method as Champagne, Cava producers use a blend of 3 local grape varieties alongside more well known varieties.
This one is a limited edition bottling to celebrate The Wine Society's Anniversary.
Made by family winery Sumarroca using only their organically grown fruit from free run juice only. The last point is particularly important as this is generally the best of the juice that comes from the grapes.
The wine itself is toasty from extended time on lees with flavours of apple, lemon rind and apricot. Buy it whilst you can!
28/05/2024
Time for our . We've gone back to reds this week after our Rosé post clearly brought on the monsoon like rain we've had. Staying in the south of France with this fantastic Pinot Noir from More closely associated with the Burgundy region in France, Pinot Noir is very popular, it is a tricky grape to grow and needs just the right conditions weather and climate wise-I've been known to compare it to Goldilocks.
This is from a fantastic organic winery in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Limoux. Owned by Yorkshire couple James and Catherine Kingslake, we've been lucky enough to visit a couple of times when in the area and are always impressed by the wines.
The wine we're highlighting is one of their top Pinots. The Capella is one of their higher end wines made from only 2 barrels worth of wine! Stunning wine, full of crunchy red fruit, wild strawberry, spices, toasty oak, hints of bottle age with white mushroom and a lovely savoury finish. This is a step up from our usual tipples but it was a special occasion and needed highlighting. Purchased from
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21/05/2024
It's time for our . With the warm weather the last few days we've been in the mood for a drop of Rosé. This is a current favourite, classic Provence style, pale in colour but not in flavour. Notes of peach, raspberry, cranberry, watermelon and spice cut through any summer salad, a slab of goats cheese or a meadows bbq. This one from can be found at our friend's for less than £15. By our guessing that's less than the wine with the angel, which isn't a patch on this! Don't believe us? It'll be featured at our Rosé tasting on the 31st-limited tickets left, link in bio.
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20/05/2024
It’s official! Local Wine School has made it to the finals of the esteemed International Wine Challenge Industry Awards UK 24 in the Consumer Wine Educator of the Year category. We’re proud to be part of the Local Wine School network and it’s an honour for it to be recognised alongside other industry leaders. Raise a glass with us to celebrate this achievement!
17/05/2024
I'm just back from a fantastic trip to NYC and still battling a bit of jet lag. Whilst there I treated my mum to a full day of wine geekery with . Could not recommend them enough. Great tour out to the North Fork on Long Island, great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
We took in 2 wineries, lunch and one of the greatest farm shop stops I've seen-lots of jam bought as pies don't travel well.
Our 1st winery was . I loved this place. Our flight included a Sauvignon Blanc, white Merlot(yes you read that right), a rosé and a Bordeaux blend. All were fab, my pick was the Sauvignon Blanc. Very Loire like in style due to the relatively cool climate of the region.
The 2nd winery was . More established than RGNY. We had a Rosé to start which was fab with lunch. Followed by their BBQ White-an intriguing blend of Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. Followed by my favourite, a classically packed Chardonnay and finally an aged Merlot.
For anyone heading to NYC with a day to spare I would book on with this company. Sam who owns it is a delight and was great at including all levels of knowledge within the tour group.
16/05/2024
Which of these 3 made the cut for our celebrity wine tasting tomorrow? Only 1 way to find out....buy a ticket! Some seats left, link in bio.
07/05/2024
For this week's Tuesday tipple we're heading to South Africa with . A big hit at last week's crisps and wine pairing event. Paired with Frazzles this made for a smokey bacon feast. The wine itself is a cracker. Expect lots of juicy fruit, a wonderful use of spicy oak and some developed flavours of game and bacon. Worth a mention that Lanzerac were the 1st to make a commercially available Pinotage so they know what they're doing. The wine is available from our good friends
01/05/2024
*Advanced Notice*
We will be taking a break from Tuesday 7th, returning Tuesday 14th (all be it after an overnight flight so who knows what timezone I'll be working in)!
During this time the website will be open as usual for purchases of tastings, WSET courses and gift vouchers. No physical vouchers will be sent out during this time, but you can still buy email vouchers to print off or send onto the recipient.
We will not be answering phone calls and email access will be very limited.
Can anyone guess where we are going?
30/04/2024
Every Tuesday we are going to post our favourite wine finds. This week we are focusing on a grape that is great for the sunshine we've had here today. Albarino, a grape native to Northern Spain that is finding fame elsewhere in the world from Australia to Uruguay!
This find came from our friends . They described it 'like being slapped by a salty peach'! We couldn't agree more. Absolute cracker of a bottle to be enjoyed chilled, in the sunshine with a bowl of salty seafood.
02/04/2024
The weather may have changed since the glorious weekend. We've got the solution to brush away the rainy blues. Our Rioja Masterclass this Thursday has a few spaces left. We have a cracking line up including a classic wine from iconic producer and we'll be taking a look at more modern Rioja and tasting a single variety wine from . Link for tickets in bio
28/03/2024
The sun has made an appearance and it's put us in the mood for Rosè. Whispering Angel is one of the top brands sold in the UK. Do you think you could spot it in a blind line up? If you do, you should come along to our Posh vs Plonk tasting on the 12 April. We'll be tasting a selection of wines against each other to taste whether we can taste the posh from the plonk and then answer the more important question as to which you actually prefer. Limited spaces available.
22/03/2024
Flash back to a couple of weeks ago having post exam wine with our WSET Level 3 class. A wonderful group with some of the most amusing tasting notes I have ever heard! We now await their exam results...
If you want to look as happy as this lot after a gruelling exam then you should sign up for one of our courses. All 2024 WSET course dates are live on our website. Including a Sunday Level 1 course, an evening Level 2 course and of course our intensive Level 3 course.
All of our in person WSET classes are limited to 16 people for the best candidate experience. All of the wines used are suitable for vegans. We also offer exclusive offers to L2 and L3 students post course. Sign up today to get wine qualified in 2024.
10/03/2024
Happy Mother's Day, Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Rose Sunday. All names which this day is known by.
A cheeky 4 generations photo from me today-clearly taken some time ago!
A huge happy Mothering Sunday to all of our customers, students and followers. I hope that whatever you are doing you have a wonderful day.
For those last minute gifts we have gift vouchers on ther website that are emailed instantly!
08/03/2024
is upon us. What a great initiative to both celebrate women and make us think about those women in the world who do not have the same freedoms as us.
For me this is a great time to reflect on 2 of the most important women in my life. My mother and grandmother. Both are exceptionally tough, brave women who have had fascinating lives.
A lot of people ask how I got into the wine trade. I often joke that I fell into it, however looking at these photos I think it's in the genes!
Shout out to Flora who has brought chaos to wine HQ but we wouldn't be without her. Her current job title is chief junk mail shredder!
Massive shout out to many of the fantastic women that I have met through working in wine. In no particular order and apologies for any I've missed! .desdames
07/03/2024
Evidently it has been today. My current view is these beauties as I embark on the Advance Course, with a view to becoming a Sherry Educator. Not quite sure how I would have dressed up for this though!
Hopefully all of this studying will perfectly timed for our upcoming Taste of Spain 3 Week Course, link in bio for booking.
04/03/2024
We have some availability on our Champagne and Sparkling Wine tasting on Wednesday. This is a chance for Carrie to wax lyrical about one of her favourite subjects.
The evening includes learning about vintage and non vintage champagne. In addition, there's the much underrated Cava, the very drinkable Prosecco and New World sparkling wines many of which would give their more famous European siblings a run for their money!
We'll taste 7 different top quality sparkling wines, and you can discover for yourself which one's your favourite, and whether Champagne justifies its premium price tag!
Comprehensive tasting notes for all of the wines will be provided, as well as the use of professional ISO tasting glasses.
In addition don't forget that Mother's Day is on Sunday. How about booking a wine tasting as a gift? If you are not certain of which she would prefer then we have gift vouchers available. All details are on our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/champagne-and-sparkling-wine/
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22/02/2024
Possibly the most room splitting, controversial wine we show at our tastings, last night's near full 100% dislike of it a classic example.
We love this wine, it's a cracking example of old school Fino Sherry. This is a Fino Perdido or lost Fino. Ageing takes place in the classic solar system but with extended ageing giving it nutty, lemon rind and sour dough notes. It's a winner with olive tapenade and classic Jerez marinated anchovies.
That said a lot of customers can't get on board with it, for us that is part of the magic of wine, everyone has their own tastes and opinions.
We'll be showing this wine at least one more time this year on our 3 Week Taste of Spain Course in April. Perhaps after that it'll be retirement for one of Carrie's favourites? Book onto the April course to taste and decide for yourself, link in bio.
06/02/2024
This really is a unique opportunity to taste some amazing Hungarian wines but also to meet Csilla Sebestyén. This is a one-off tasting as her visits to Edinburgh are infrequent.
Csilla, alongside her brother run the Sebestyén winery in the Szekszárd region, one of Hungary’s best winemaking areas thanks to its ideal climate and boasting a history dating back to Roman times. The family-run winery produces high quality wines following the highest production standards, strict yield limitation and selection of only the best grapes. They combine ancient traditions with modern technology and knowledge of which grapes thrive in the local terroir to offer a selection of wines from both national and international varieties.
Alongside the winery, Csilla helps other Hungarian winemakers to get their wines onto the export market. Csilla was the head sommelier at Scotland's only 2 Michelin Star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie before heading back to Hungary to concentrate on promoting the wines of Szekszárd.
The line up will be revealed a little nearer the time, but this is one not to be missed!
Our tastings include: a minimum of 6 wines sourced locally so you can find them easily if you like them, full tasting notes, tasting sheet, and use of professional tastings glasses.
Booking is essential and details can be found on our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/hungarian-wine-tasting-with-csilla/
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05/02/2024
Carrie has managed to add an extra date this month for the WSET level 1 on February 26th at the Novotel Edinburgh Centre.
This is a good introductory first course for the wine enthusiast who wishes to be introduced in a structured way to different wine styles. It also provides basic product knowledge and skills for people in the hospitality industry or those wishing to enter the specialist wine retail trade.
This isn't simply a course about tasting though as wine making methods and the basics of grape growing are covered. There's an introduction to some grape varieties, wine styles, service and storage are also introduced. In addition the rudiments of wine and food pairings are always a fun part of the course.
For further details and to book please see our our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/wset-level-1-award-in-wines/
25/01/2024
We have 2 last minute places for our Scottish food and wine pairing tasting tomorrow night. Book now for our special! Includes:
Orkney Crab Pate
Smoked Salmon
Venison Salami
Haggis Bon Bons
Mull Chedder
Strathdon Blue
Caramel Shortcake
16/01/2024
Wednesday sees us return to the Novotel Edinburgh Centre for the first week of our World of Wine course.
Week 1 we will be tasting wines from Bordeaux and Southern France. Bordeaux is probably the World's most famous wine region - renowned for cult wines such as Chateau Margaux, & Mouton-Rothschild which can retail for £1000s a bottle. But there is much more to this warm, south-westerly part of France.
You need no previous experience – the emphasis is on learning by your own experience of tasting the different varieties of wine. It is also a great way to meet new friends who share your enjoyment of wine.
These tastings are also available to book as individual sessions, so you can dip in and out as you wish.
For further details or to book please see our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/8-week-world-of-wine-course-1/
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09/01/2024
We are thrilled to be working with for their annual Australian Wine Tasting in Edinburgh.
Experience Australia’s diverse and thrilling wine scene alongside
delicious canapés at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
Taste crisp vibrant whites, standout sparklings,
elegant reds and thrilling alternative grape varieties.
From the rogue to the refined, you’ll discover
Australian wines that are far from ordinary.
• 350 wines from 70 wineries across Australia
• Meet winemakers and winery owners
• Experience our most iconic wines and explore new trends
• Australian and Scottish-inspired canapés
Don’t miss this exciting tasting, buy your ticket now!
More info on our website or head to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australian-wine-tasting-edinburgh-2024-tickets-758925595887?aff=oddtdtcreator
08/01/2024
Firstly Happy New Year! Hardly seems possible that we are in 2024 already. Carrie's first year at the helm of the Edinburgh Local Wine School has absolutely flown by.
We are offereing a guilt free alternative to Dry January and that's Tryanuary. The premise is to try something new this January. Whether it be wine from a different region, different maker or a course you may have previously dismissed as not being for you. You could even book a WSET course, or a lovely day at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh with us.
What are you waiting for? We still have some availability for events in January and look forward to seeing you soon.
For further details and to book please see our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/events/
29/12/2023
A note on availability on food and wine evenings.
Scottish Food and Wine:
26/01/24 2 places left
15/02/24 9 places left
Good availability in April and June
Italian Charcuterie:
02/02/24 10 places left
Good availability in June
Spanish Tapas:
09/02/24 2 places left
Good availability in April and July
French Cheese:
16/02/24 SOLD OUT!
Good availability in July
Crisps and Wine:
23/02/24 2 places left
03/05/24 16 places left
Chocolate and Wine:
15/03/24 14 places left
Scottish Cheese & Wine:
05/04/24 7 places left
Book now to avoid disappointment! All tastings can be made suitable for those following a gluten free diet upon request.
27/12/2023
Our wine line up from Christmas!
🍾 Champagnes from
🍷 Still wines from from .bordeaux
Our new office assistant Flora is getting to grips with training and was spolit rotten over Christmas.
We are taking a break from wine school activities and will only be sporadically checking emails until Sunday 7th Jan. In the meantime there is some availability on tastings for early next year. Use your Christmas gift vouchers to book your spot today!
24/12/2023
Fancy a new challenge for 2024? How about taking your wine knowledge further and enrolling on a WSET course?
Wine & Spirit Education Trust awards are recognised globally so are ideal for professionals as well as enthusiasts. Whilst each level builds on the previous one some people prefer the immediate challenge of the higher qualification.
These need to be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance in order for us to get study packs and ensure you are registered for the exam.
If you are an employer wishing to train your staff the level 3 course will equip them with knowledge and understanding of a wide range of products. This course is suitable for someone in a supervisory level position in wine sales and service.
Further details of each level's content and to book please see our website. https://www.localwineschool.com/edinburgh/wset-level-1-award-in-wines/
23/12/2023
5 weeks today! One of our favourite events to present to you is the popular Introduction to Wine Tasting which includes a two course set lunch. We use the Burke & Hare room in Hotel du Vin Edinburgh and have lunch in their lovely bistro.
What to expect:
🥂 six white wines including champagne before lunch
🍲 Two course set lunch
🍷 6 red wines after lunch
Fun and friendly atmosphere
Cover all the basics of both winemaking theory and wine tasting practical
Our most popular tasting to give as a gift
Kick back, relax and enjoy the ambience as we spend the whole day tasting, learning about and enjoying our wine...
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