A different way of understanding the fundamentals of a glass of wine
Clifton Club, Centenary Room
Friday 24th April from 9.30 am
Saturday 25th April from 9 am to 2 pm
Over the past three to four years, John Manley has been researching and presenting a series of talks on The Chemistry of Wine with a particular focus on the remarkable 2% of a glass that explains almost everything we taste, smell, and experience.
As a new experiment, he’s hosting an intensive one‑and‑a‑half‑day session that builds on these talks. It’s extraordinary how the many features of wine connect through their underlying chemistry, and this extended format will offer a deeper appreciation and a deeper understanding of one of the most complex and fascinating liquids in the world.
The sessions are designed for non‑scientists. They introduce key ideas in chemistry gently and accessibly, always linking them back to what we encounter in the glass. The pace will be more relaxed than the standard talks, allowing more time for explanation, discussion, and interaction.
The programme runs across three half‑days: Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, totalling around 10 hours of content. Light lunches will be provided on both days, along with a Friday evening dinner featuring a guest speaker. These shared meals will offer further opportunities for conversation and exploration.
The cost is £150, which includes all refreshments, two lunches, the Friday dinner with wines, and all tasting wines used during the sessions.
