By Dina Nazari
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The aroma of the wine fills the space along the buzzing of conversations from a room filled with oenophiles and aficionados. Elsewhere, others nosh on nibbles from the parade of platters filled with cheeses and chocolate truffles.  Here is a place where “the rose-coloured glasses of life” as said by F. Scott Fitzgerald, lay poised across the table, ready to be sampled by those in search of the lovely drop. Whether guests are a novice or an aspiring sommelier, most will find that the Wine Cottage’s wine tasting events appeal to wine lovers of every level.

Presented with the Travelers’ Choice Award 2020, the Wine Co5ttage shares their adoration for wine through their highly entertaining and didactic wine tasting experiences. Besides indulging in exquisite delights and delicious wines, guests can learn about the intricate science of food and wine pairing and tasting all led by certified wine maker and instructor, Kam Zadeh. After all is nibbled and empty wine glasses rest beside bare wooden platter boards, the end to a perfect day is commemorated with an official Wine Cottage Certificate of Attendance award.

Wine Cottage takes pride in their five-star Luxury wine tasting events, attracting wine enthusiasts seeking this immersive experience. The Wine Cottage exclusively handpicks wines from some of the finest châteaux and vineyards from around the world. Their events take place every Saturday at their exclusive spot, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel in beautiful Fitzrovia. Home of traditional pubs, West End theatres and historical landmarks, this is the ideal setting for the Wine Cottage experience.

With its cobble stoned pathways and glamorous green spaces, Fitzrovia is located slap bang in the middle of London. The area was influenced from artists and writers such as Jacob Epstein and Virginia Woolf of the 1930s. It was first referred to as Fitzrovia, named after the Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street, a cosy spot where groups of writers would often congregate. Preserving its bohemian aura to this day, it’s home to the famous 189-metre-tall BT tower, art galleries and a variety of gastronomic joys to experience.

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"The Wine Cottage exclusively handpicks wines from some of the finest châteaux and vineyards from around the world."

The evening begins as wine enthusiasts enter past the chandeliers and modern artwork decorating the walls. Awaiting is a glass of prize-winning Vintage English Sparkling Wine or Champagne carefully paired with a sweet and zesty French lemon and lavender tartlet. The austere white wines and the opulent reds follow, two of each with a heavenly Recioto della Valpolicella Classico and a Colheita style vintage port trailing. In addition to the ambiance and company amongst other wine lovers, guests relish their wines all of which are expertly paired with scrumptious chocolate truffles, dark chocolates, and piquant cheeses.

Behind the art of wine tasting and the knowledge of old and new world wines, Wine Cottage’s resident expert and wine instructor Kam Zadeh makes the whole luxury experience all the more entertaining. Whilst guests sniff, swirl, and sip, they are kept intrigued as Kam brilliantly explains each glass’ fascinating journey from the soil and harvesting to how wine is aged in barrels. He then shares how to recognise light, medium, and heavy wines.

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"Home of traditional pubs, West End theatres and historical landmarks, this is the ideal setting for the Wine Cottage experience."

His fascination for wine began during a stint working at a wine bar in London after sipping a glass of red. He fell in love with the aromas and flavours this drink had to offer and began his wine journey working in vineyards to learn the trade. Today, he has his own multi-award-winning wine label called the “Kam Zadeh COLLECTION” and has been working with Wine Cottage for five years, sharing his passion for wine with thousands of their guests.

As said by British Wine Critic, Michael Broadbent, -“Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures. -” This relates to Wine Cottage’s notable experience. The crisp and elegant wines leave the palates inspired whilst the mind is satiated with new knowledge of the grape, vintages, and labels they never knew. For those seeking to experience a memorable wine tasting experience, be it virtual, group or private, the Wine Cottage offers something in the glass that all will enjoy.

Dina Nazari

Dina Nazari is a staff writer based in the UK. She is passionate about writing, photography, culture, and travel and has a keen eye for uncovering hidden gems across the globe as well as back home in London. She has a particular passion for writing about historical sites and empires of the world, inspiring all readers for their next adventure.