On 2 November 2026, we gather at The Caledonian Club in Belgravia for a deep dive into the granitic heartland of Portuguese white wine: Alvarinho from Monção and Melgaço: Our side of the story.

Led by winemaker and first Portuguese Master of Wine and winemaker Tiago Macena, this masterclass offers an intimate...exploration of one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most distinctive microclimates.

The Terroir: Between the River and the Mountains

Tucked into the far northwest corner of Portugal along the Minho River, Monção & Melgaço is the historic birthplace of Alvarinho and one of the nine distinct sub-regions that comprise the broader Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes. Unlike the more maritime-influenced coastal areas of the region, Monção & Melgaço is sheltered by an amphitheatre of mountains.

This unique geography creates a distinct climate defined by:

• Thermal Amplitude: Warm summer days and cool nights that preserve vibrant acidity while developing deep aromatic complexity.

• Granitic Soils: Ancient granite land that imparts a signature stony minerality, weight, and structural tension to the wines.

• Aging Potential: Exceptional longevity, allowing these whites to evolve gracefully over years—and even decades—in the bottle.

Meet Your Host: Tiago Macena
Guiding us through the region’s landscape and winemaking philosophy is Tiago Macena.

Tiago has recently become Portugal’s first Master of Wine, he holds a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Lisbon, along with a postgraduate qualification in Wine Business. A winemaker with hands-on experience across the Dão, Alentejo, and the Azores, Tiago is also a respected wine educator, panel taster, and columnist for Revista de Vinhos, he brings technical expertise, academic rigor, and a winemaker's passion to the glass.

The Flight

Attendees will evaluate a carefully curated flight of 8 wines showcasing the range, versatility, and depth of Monção & Melgaço. The line-up spans young, crystalline expressions, wood-aged cuvées, sparkling Alvarinho (Espumante), and mature vintages—demonstrating why this sub-region stands in a class of its own.

Event Details & Registration

• Date: Monday, 2 November 2026

• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Registration from 10:15 AM)

• Venue: The Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, Belgravia, London SW1X 7DR

• Audience: Open to UKSA Members and qualified UK Sommelier Industry Professionals

• Capacity: Strictly limited to 30 seats

Seats are extremely limited to ensure an interactive, high-level tasting environment. UKSA membership is not essential so please feel free to pass on this invitation to your trade friends and colleagues. 

(Please note: Due to high demand and strict capacity limits, registrations will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.)

'2026 in the Vineyard - the Year in Review' Hosted by Gusbourne Wine
Estate.

Led by Gusbourne's Head of Wine Communication Laura Rhys Master Sommelier. 2009 Sommelier of the Year and UKSA judge and member.

It’s already shaping up to be an unusually challenging year for English Vineyards –
from late frosts to prolonged drought – it seems 2026 will certainly be one to
remember for English wine…
Join us at Gusbourne Estate in Kent for an immersive day within the vineyards
and winery, exploring in-depth how recent vintage variations have expressed
in their wines.

Following a tour of the estate vineyards (please bring sturdy footwear and a
waterproof coat) we’ll go behind the scenes in the winery with the winemaking
team, learning what makes them Triple WineGB Winery of the Year and their wines
some of the most awarded in the UK (including a privileged first tasting of 2026
base wines from tank).

We’ll then be treated to a focused tasting from the Gusbourne range, including
some rare bottles from the library cellar, followed by a seasonal wine-paired lunch.
Perhaps most special of all, we’ll be hosted by the wonderfully talented Laura Rhys,
MS; a Master Sommelier since 2010 (and one of only 299 in the world) Laura has
been Gusbourne’s Global Ambassador since 2015.

In the winery, she works alongside the winemaking team at two critical stages: blind tasting and blending. She diplomatically refuses to single out a favourite Gusbourne wine (“It changes from vintage to vintage”) – making her the perfect host to explore this fascinating aspect
of English wine.

Event Details & Registration

• Date: Monday, 9 November 2026

• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Venue: Gusbourne Winery - Kenardington Road, Appledore, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2BE.

• Audience: UKSA Members - Exclusive

• Cost: Free (£10 refundable attendance deposit)

Validate your expertise on the international stage! Registration is now open for UKSA members to sit the renowned ASI Certification 2 Exam in London on Monday 30th November 2026.

Praised by finalists in the 2026 UK Sommelier of the Year competition as an important asset to their success, the ASI Certification 2 tests advanced theory, tasting, and practical service standards recognised around the world.

• Cost: Complimentary entry for active UKSA members (A £75 refundable deposit is required upon confirmation).

• UKSA membership is compulsory - membership is just £40 per year - if you are not a member yet Activate Your UKSA Membership Now

• Deadline: 5:00 PM on Friday 6th November 2026.

• Places: Strictly limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Click here for more information on the ASI Certification 2 exam or contact info@uksommelieracademy.com with any questions.

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