The WineBarn recently hosted our Annual Portfolio Tastings in Oxford and Cambridge. Both wine tastings had an excellent turn out.
We have been supplying sophisticated German wines and hosting events at Christ Church College in Oxford and King's College in Cambridge for over 20 years. Both colleges provided beautiful surrounds, rich in heritage. Our team relished the opportunity to see familiar faces again, as well as welcome newcomers.
Guests were treated to an informative and informal tasting journey through some of Germany’s most sophisticated new and mature wines. There were a wide selection of wines available to try, including a variety of Riesling Grand Cru, elegant Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), mineralic Silvaner, easy drinking Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), sparkling Sekts and fruity Spätlese.
The historic colleges purchase and store wine for feasts, special occasions, high table and for the wine room. They also offer a point of sale where wines and spirits can be bought by fellows, students and staff.
King's College in Cambridge
The Financial Times recently described King’s College as having a “first class” cellar. The college has its own Wine Steward - Peter de Bolla. He travels to wine tastings and buys some of the best wines and ports available for the college's cellar.
Peter de Bolla, Wine Steward at King's College, said, "Iris Ellmann established her German wine importing company almost 25 years ago. Very rapidly The WineBarn became the go-to place for the brilliant wines of Germany. Today it is without doubt one of the most important wine importers in the UK, representing many of the finest estates across the varied regions within which world class wines are produced in Germany. The knowledge and expertise across the company is extensive, and their portfolio of wines - from steely bright entry level Rieslings from the Rheingau to majestic late harvest examples from the Mosel - showcases some of the finest available in the UK. Ellmann and her team are continually seeking out new and upcoming estates, and are champions of the remarkable German red wines, made not only from Spätburgunder but also less well-known varietals in the UK, such as Lemberger or Dornfelder. It has been a pleasure to work with The WineBarn for over 18 years and to follow their exciting evolution as a company and advocate for German wine in the UK. Bravo!"
Iris Ellmann, MD of The WineBarn said, "It was encouraging to see so many open minded trade professionals and wine stewards recognise the importance of having impressive German wines featured in their wine lists."
A big thank you to everyone that attend, and to the catering teams for their delicious spread and excellent service on the day.
Christ Church College in Oxford
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