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Bristol - 150th Masterclass - 1933 End of Prohibition w- Alex Hunt MW - Sat Eve
Join Alex Hunt MW to taste some of the finest and most inspiring wines of the USA.
You must also purchase a ticket to the Anniversary Exhibition Walkaround to attend this event.
Nationwide Prohibition ran for 13 long years in the United States from 1920 to 1933. Called the ‘Eighteenth Amendment’ it banned the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol across the whole country. Most wineries went out of business and many vineyards too, but not all of them.
Join fine wine and USA expert, Alex Hunt MW, alongside our USA buyer, Sarah Knowles MW, as they roll back the clock in a masterclass featuring some of the most iconic wineries and vineyards in America – those that survived Prohibition.
Hidden in small corners of America, there are truly special plots of vines that were lovingly tended by workers despite their commercial insignificance. The preservation of these vines has given the wine world the gift of some of the longest standing vineyards in the country.
Likewise, many wineries came up with creative ways to avoid bankruptcy whilst the sales of alcohol were illegal. The stories, although few of them, have helped to shape the modern history of American wine.
This masterclass promises to take you on a journey through some of those vineyards and wineries. Sarah Knowles MW (USA buyer for The Wine Society) and Alex Hunt MW (fine wine and USA expert) will show six wines from these special producers and sites – some of the most exclusive finds in all American wine. They will recount stories from their visits and give context to cultural importance of these wines.
1: Buena Vista Carneros Chardonnay 2020 (£32/bottle)
2: Buena Vista 1857 Red Wine 2018 (£210/bottle)
3: Once and Future Bedrock Vineyard Zinfandel 2020 (£45/bottle)
4: Sobon Estate Rocky Top Amador County Zinfandel 2021 (£18.50/bottle)
5: Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Museum release)
6: Hanzell Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2016 (£62/bottle)
7: Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2020 (£25/bottle)
8: Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020 (£108/bottle)
9: Radio-Coteau Harrison Grade Syrah 2016 (£67/bottle)
Please remember that you must also have a ticket to our Anniversary Exhibition Walkaround on the Saturday Evening to attend this tasting.
Our Masterclasses during our Exhibition Weekends are the perfect way to dive deeper into some of the most interesting topics of wine - past, present and future.
Given that they are hosted during the walkaround events, and within the same building, it is essential that members purchase the ticket to attend the relevant walkaround in addition to their masterclass.
If you are unsure about whether you have booked the correct tickets, please do not hesitate to contact tastings@thewinesociety.com
Members who attend our 150th anniversary events will be entitled to our usual 10% tastings discount on most available wines shown. Our limited edition wines, however, are in short supply and we will therefore not be able to offer the discount on all wines. Please note, this discount will also not apply to wines that are already discounted.
Do you send physical tickets or is it all e-tickets?
We no longer send out physical tickets for our events. An email confirming registration will be sent to the member who has purchased the ticket(s) and this email can be used as confirmation upon arrival at the event.
Can I bring a non-member?
Yes. Tickets must be booked by a member, but you are welcome to bring non-member guests.
Do I need to know lots about wine to attend?
Absolutely not! Our events target a range of experience and knowledge levels, and we try to make this clear on our event pages. If you’re unsure if an event is for you, simply contact tastings@thewinesociety.com and we will try to help.
Do I get a discount on wines after events?
After our ‘in person’ events, we offer attendees a 10% discount on the wines we have shown, subject to availability. You will be provided with a private code after attending the event to redeem the discount
What is your cancellation policy?
Full details on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Can I join a waiting list for sold out events?
Yes. Please do feel free to join our waiting lists for sold out events. If tickets become available you will be contacted by email.