Fill in the missing blank!

'There's nothing else like it. Indeed of all the world's great wines, it is the most neglected and overlooked - and the least inexpensive. There are, in other words, lots of reasons to take [BLANK] seriously.'

...so writes Andrew Jefford, my favourite wine writer.

What immediately springs to mind when you see the 'S' word? Sweetness, trifle, Granny's favourite Christmas tipple?

On Thursday 23rd September (in a change to our previously published tasting schedule), we're looking to challenge all of those preconceptions, showing eight different styles of Sherry at the Peak Weavers in King Street Leek, six of which are dry, matching each one with a different taster dish in order to show just how versatile a drink it is.

Increasingly, restaurants are now listing sherries by the glass, encouraged by the success of Spanish restaurants and popularity of tapas styles dishes, whereby well chilled Fino is now becoming widely accepted not only as a great aperitif but also as an extremely versatile alternative to white wine with a wide range of foods from every cuisine.

Indeed, so desperate are we in the trade to promote this misunderstood category that we talk simply of 'Fino' and 'Manzanilla' when we're referring to the dry stuff, 'PX' and 'Oloroso' when we think of the sweet...anything but the dreaded 'S' word!

Thanks to this enormous tragedy of justice however, there is more than generous funding available to a limited number of independent wine merchants to host events such as this to dispel some of the myths and prove to people how exciting a product it is.

We are extremely delighted to have been chosen this year (one of only five nationally) and with the help of THE SHERRY INSTITUTE OF SPAIN we are able to offer 30 places at this event for just £18 each (with £10 refundable on any purchases made on the night).

Come with an open mind, learn how the different styles of sherry are made, and enjoy matching the food to the wines.

As always, contact the shop direct for tickets (in advance only). We accept most credit and debit cards and will put your tickets in the post.