Uncover the murky origins of winemaking and follow its journey across mountain and sea to the heart of the Roman Empire while sipping wine that will transport you to the age of antiquity.
Event details
From the remote Caucasus to the heart of the Roman Empire, drink with emperors, priests, and barbarians as we trace wine's epic voyage over mountains and across seas to become the ancient world's tipple of choice.
Uncover the answers to questions like "how did humans start drinking wine before they learnt how it was made?" and "why did the Romans mix their wine with salt water?" as you experience wine from a entirely new perspective.
Over the course of the evening, you'll enjoy a selection of wine curated to reflect ancient oenology including Georgian amber wine, Greek retsina, and recently-revived ancient grapes.
Example wine list
- Teliani Valley - Kakhuri No. 8
- Zorah - Voski
- Domaine Tournelles - Old Vine Merwah
- Kourtaki - Retsina
- A Roman surprise!
- Crociani - Vin Santo di Montepulciano
- Domaine Jamet - Collines Rhodaniennes
- Kanaan Winery - Pretty Pony Ningxia
Other sessions in this series
- Wednesday 1 February: Burgundy, Bordeaux and beyond
- Wednesday 8 February: the making of modern wine
Purchase a series ticket and save £20!
About the presenter, Sam Povey
Sam Povey is a wine educator from Aberdeen, Scotland. He first discovered his interest in wine at university and pursued it by travelling to Georgia and his local wine shop. Before joining the industry, he was an economics tutor but fell into wine when he took a job behind the bar at an urban winery. He then moved into wine and food retail in north London: managing wine lists, hosting tastings and training staff. Today, he teaches the WSET Levels 1-2 Awards in Wines and hosts events at WSET School London. Read our Q&A with Sam.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.
Tasting level
Beginner: No prior knowledge required, only enthusiasm! Perfect if you want to try something new, brush up on the basics, or taste some delicious drinks.