15 Apr 2009
Claridge�s, located in the heart of London�s prestigious Mayfair area, has designed a series of exclusive Wine Dinners to take place throughout 2009 to be attended by the wine-makers themselves from France, Australia, South America and South Africa. Each evening is tailored to discerning wine connoisseurs and fine-dining devotees and is a unique opportunity to both celebrate a shared passion and enjoy the company of remarkable wine makers.
Claridge�s is renowned as a gastronomic destination in London, famed for its expertly selected wine list and extensive champagne menu, not to mention leading culinary prowess. This year they invite diners to educate their palate while enjoying an evening of convivial discussion amongst like-minded wine enthusiasts, in one of the world�s finest establishments.
For those guests travelling from Asia and wishing to extend the Claridge�s experience, the hotel offers a range of suites to satisfy all tastes, brimming with style and character. The spacious and luxurious Claridge�s Deluxe Junior Suites and Mayfair Suites are available for �495 per suite per night including full English breakfast*
The Wine Dinner experience begins at 7.00pm with aperitifs and an informal introduction to the wines of the evening from the wine-maker themselves. Guests will enjoy an authentic insight into the wine-making process, the origins of the grape and the character of the wine maker, while they impart their industry expertise and individual passion. From the vineyard to Claridge�s, the dinners bring a distinguished authority to guest�s tables, likely to delight the most ardent of food and wine aficionados.
Dinner is served from 7.45pm in the decadent surroundings of the Reading Room, with its sleek, Art Deco inspired fireplaces, striking leather columns, richly cushioned chairs and banquettes, it combines chic style with relaxed comfort. Guests will choose from a delicious menu, meticulously crafted to perfectly complement the wines selected for the evening. Each of the five courses will be paired with a different wine, selected by the celebrated wine-maker of the evening.
The programme will continue on selected dates throughout the year. These fully inclusive experiences are priced at �170.00 per person. Limited spaces are available so an early reservation is strongly recommended. For reservations, please call +44 (0)20 7409 6307
* This rate is available until December 2009, subject to VAT of 15% and discretionary service charge of 5%. For reservations, please cal +44 (0) 7107 8842
About Maybourne Hotel Group Maybourne Hotel Group whose headquarters is in Mayfair, London, owns and manages, Claridges, The Connaught and The Berkeley three of the world�s most renowned hotels. Maybourne hotels are committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its people whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.
Notes to Editors � Full Programme for 2009
- Bordeaux � Thursday 14th May 2009 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateaux and Vineyards will be represented by Director, Edouard Thouvenot who will introduce the wines of the evening. Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA is the leading exporter of AOC Bordeaux wines, foremost among them the famous Mouton Cadet.
- Australia � Thursday 18th June 2009 Grant Burge, Barossa Valley Mr Grant Burge will introduce his wines selected for the evening. Grant Burge is a fifth-generation Barossan vigneron and winemaker, who throughout his career, has been one of the most respected and innovative forces in the Australian wine industry. The fascinating history of the Burge family and their long association with winemaking in the Barossa can be traced back to March 1855. Following in the footsteps of his father and forefathers before him, Grant Burge now carries the winemaking tradition into the 21st century.
- Argentina � Thursday 24th September 2009 Chakana, Lujan de Cujo Mr Gonzalo Perez Cerini, the Director, will demonstrate his passion for wine-making and introduce the wines of the evening. Chakana continues the tradition of estate wines, making the wine in the same place that the grapes are grown. This complete integration between agricultural and enologic practices, result in wines of superior expression. Chakana offers the best expression of its unique terroir, Agrelo, at Lujan de Cuyo County, Mendoza.
- Burgundy � Thursday 22nd October 2009 Domaine Monnier, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet & Pommard Mr Xavier Monnot (grower) will introduce the wines on the evening Xavier Monnot (Grower) Since 1723, the Monnier Family have resided in Meursault. Xavier Monnot, grandson of Ren� Monnier is the 11th generation of wine-maker. The vineyards, encompassing 17 hectares of land are situated in the most prestigious �Terroir� of Burgundy among the C�te de Beaune. The land is ploughed and cultivated in the traditional way. Grapes are hand picked, sorted and vinified using modern techniques, combined with traditional methods to achieve maximum quality.
- South Africa � Thursday 12th November 2009 Thelema, Stellenbosch Mr. Gyles Webb directs all farming and winery operations, and will introduce the wines on the evening Thelema is one of the highest and probably coolest wine farms in the Stellenbosch area. Although wine was made on the farm during the early part of the century, there were no living vines present at the time of purchase. An enormous amount of work was required to restore the wine farm. In 2000, Thelema bought Sutherland, an apple orchard in the Elgin Valley. To date, 45 hectares of vines have been planted on this cool-climate site, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Grenache and Pinot Noir. The rolling hills and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean offers excellent conditions for growth. All of the Sutherland fruit is transported to Thelema for vinification, and bottled under the Thelema Sutherland label.
Issued by Grebstad Hicks Communications on behalf of Maybourne Hotel Group
For more information, please contact: Luci Pickett or Carol Kong Grebstad Hicks Communications Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2810 0532 Fax: (852) 2525 7972 Email: luci.pickett@ghcasia.com / carol.kong@ghcasia.com