This is the first wine tasting in the UK that I have been to that didn't have a man in either a tweed jacket with elbow patches or a beard searching for his pipe. The crowd was young and fun, a mixture of young couples, young women on a night out and post graduate students who knew a thing or two about whisky. It's a shame Oddbins limits the tickets to 12 - 18, this would be a great party!

My two recommendations from the night- Lands End Sauvignon Blanc 2007. It's clear pale lemon with a gooseberry and hay aroma, high acidity, full body with citrus and spice on the palate and the length wont leave you lagging. At £9.99 you can't go wrong.

For the reds, it's a Lourensford 2006, Shiraz with viognier from Stellenbosch. This red was a deep purple with a lighter rim. On the nose it was smoky with purple berries and vanilla. On the palate it had high acid and extremely high tannins, full body and long length. In my opinion it could age for a while and keep getting smoother. It might be a little rough at the moment, but at £7.49, it's great value.

The only problem is apparently the local stores have run out of some supplies. The owner/manager is supposed to let me know when they are available, and as soon as I know, I will spread the word. Until then . . . to your health.