Most Swallow, few spit

In leafy Putney, the Star & Garter along the river organises sporadic tastings during the week to better your knowledge of worldwide wines. Having been done up not too long ago in the archetypal refurb complete with patterned wallpaper, the pub is spacious yet cosy, boasting a special private room befitting for wine tasting as well a resplendent cheese room, providing the snack half way through.

Run by the very knowledgeable Assistant Manager and Sommelier Michael Monte, sessions are interactive yet informative as well as relevant to the time of year. Starting off by introducing you to the palate and the tastes we are capable of, he guides you through the theme of the tasting organising each one in a different way so you will never tire of attending!

Summer wines commenced with a brainstorm of what summer means – barbeques, rosé, picnics, sun (well hopefully it is England after all!) etc and so wines were matched to these. Each one was a blind tasting where we all commented on colour, nose and taste – comprising body, acidity, alcohol and tannin levels before coming to flavour. Finally you had to guess the grape, the wine and the country region – no mean feat! My friend Hannah became known as ‘alcohol girl’ pretty much guessing the correct level each time.

Personally I think the session gets harder as you get through unless you’re a spitter and retain your full palate and don’t pig out on the plethora of cheeses! It’s very good value at £15 for most and for suggestions fill in the questionnaire at the end. If you fancy something else to eat, the menu has now been extended to main courses and there is a great array of sharing platters.

http://www.thestarandgarter.com/index.asp 020 8788 0345