A Grape Night In

I was recently lucky enough to win a "Grape Night In" - a wine and food evening for 10 people. The idea was supposed to be that it would be held in my home, but as Laura and Kiki, who run the business, are based in London we decided that instead of dragging them and all the guests out to Hampshire, we would hold the event in the flat of my friend Andrew, who lives not far from Waterloo station - very convenient for everyone - and invite a selection of mutual friends.

Laura and Kiki  have only been running the business for a few months, both already well experienced in the wine trade. Their events are fun and relaxed - not evenings for wine snobs, but lively evenings where some unusual and interesting wines are paired with delicious dishes in a fun and informal atmosphere. Relaxed and informal it may be - but the girls are extremely knowledgable. They just aren't pompous about it!

The Grape Night In Girls

As well as the food and wine, there was a fun quiz that ran throughout the evening. You can imagine how competitive a room full of compers was about that! And at the end of it, there was no clearing up and no washing up. They brought all the glasses and dishes with them and even cleared away the empty bottles and dropped them off for recycling.

The theme of our evening was "London Calling"  and  here is the menu. No, I'm not going to explain where the place names come in to it,  just in case you are ever lucky enough to attend one of their events yourself.

Wines

Seilos Pinot Grigio/Riesling (Brazil) - NOTTING HILL

The Paddler Gruner Veltliner 2010 (Marlborough, NZ) - PUTNEY

Charles Melton 'Rose of Virginia' 2011 (Barossa Valley, AUS) - CAMDEN

Gran Cerdo Tempranillo 2010 (Spain) - BANK

Vino Hormigos Malbec Classico 2010 (Mendoza, ARG) - OXFORD STREET

 

Nibbles

Plantain Chips

Edaname Bean & Peashoot Salad

Anchovies & Peperonata

Chorizo &  Black Pudding Stew (or vegetarian alternative)

Bermondsey Spa cheese

 

The wines and food were all delicious, and the pairings of the wines and dishes worked extremely well.

 

As well as private events like this, which make  a great change from a traditional dinner party or formal wine tasting, Laura and Kiki run frequent public events such as dinners and wine tastings - you can see what's coming up on their events page. I see they have some Christmas packages lined up which I'm sure will be brilliant.

 

I was really delighted to win this prize, and would like to use this post to say a HUGE thank you to Laura and Kiki and to wish them well with the business. I'm sure we will be seeing you again soon!