I have always been somewhat fascinated by wine and its ability to carry the flavours and essence of a whole region, but as a local lad from Lincolnshire, it’s not an everyday occurrence for me to have the opportunity to sample flavours from across the world.
Recently, however, I had the pleasure of receiving an invitation to a Cheese & Wine Tasting Experience at the Hilton Hotel. Join me as I recount my delightful journey through the world of wine, and detail how you can get involved if this sounds like your cup of t…Glass of wine!
Taking place in a private suite at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on the Brayford Waterfront, the Wine Tasting gave me and a room full of other, likely more experienced, wine enthusiasts an unforgettable tasting tour set against an iconic Lincoln Cathedral backdrop.
As we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly hotel staff and enjoyed a complimentary glass of Prosecco as we waited for the night to commence.
The evening began with Anna, our captivating Sommelier, explaining the running of the night and giving a fitting introduction to the tasting line-up. Her unmatched passion for wines could be felt throughout the evening and with an impressive knowledge of all aspects of the wines on offer, it came as no surprise that she was well-versed in the responsibilities of a wine specialist. With impressive training from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Anna made a fitting host for the evening’s presentation.
The Wines
On the table in front of us, we were presented with an array of glasses and a taste card, on which we would detail our thoughts and flavours of the tastings to unfold.
Over the course of the evening, 4 hand-selected and distinctly brilliant wines were presented for us to sample and as we marvelled at the sun’s glow slowly setting over the top of the Cathedral’s towers in the distance, we were introduced to our first wine of the night.
A fabulous white wine kicked things off, this light-bodied French wine made from Pinot Gris grapes and crafted in the Alsace region of France offered a soft and fruity introduction to the evening. Accompanying each tasting Anna would run through the history of the wine, the characteristics that made each one unique and the notes and flavours that we could identify when trying them out for ourselves. This wine was shortly followed by the second white of the evening and two reds each with distinct flavours and fascinating characteristics for us to hear all about.
The Cheeses & The Art of Pairing
Arguably just as important as the wines on offer during the evening was the selection of cheeses.
Both cheese and wine have had a distinctive synergy with each other throughout much of history. In many wine-producing regions of Europe, the pairing of cheese and wine has been a traditional and important part of their culinary heritage for centuries. Typically, the richness and complexities of many cheeses perfectly balances the fruitiness and tannins present in wines. The contrasting flavours can complement and bring out the best in the other, and through many centuries of pairing experimentation, there is a wide selection of regional-specific harmonious pairings that are now considered classics.
The cheese for this evening’s tasting was provided by Long Clawson Dairy. This award-winning British producer, located just outside of Lincolnshire in the village of Long Clawson near Melton Mowbray, specializes in a variety of cheeses, in particular their reputable Stilton cheese.
The true brilliance of the evening was the perfect pairing of the wines and the cheese. Each cheese perfectly complemented the wines and bringing out the strengths in the other.
As the tastings drew to a close, we were invited to continue the evening upstairs in The Electric Bar. This elegant rooftop cocktail bar overlooks the scenic Brayford Marina, providing a contemporary setting to enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in breathtaking views of the city. With an extensive drinks menu and a stylish and vibrant atmosphere, the panoramic rooftop bar was the perfect spot to extend the evening's festivities.
I found this to be a fantastic and informative introduction to the world of Wine Tasting and whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just fancy trying something new, I highly recommend giving the Hilton Wine & Cheese tasting a go for yourself.
I left with a newfound appreciation of wines, a better understanding of how to describe what it was I was tasting, and an appreciation for the art of pairing food and wine.
Find out how you can book the DoubleTree by Hilton’s Cheese & Wine tasting for yourself.
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ABOUT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel is situated on Brayford Wharf North, overlooking the picturesque Brayford Pool marina. Its prime location means Lincoln’s historic attractions, shopping areas, and entertainment venues are all within close walking distance. Guests can explore the historic streets, visit museums and art galleries, or take leisurely walks along the waterfront. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln provides a comfortable and convenient base for visitors, offering modern amenities, excellent dining options, and a prime location for exploring the city's attractions.
