Join California wine expert Sophie Thorpe DipWSET to explore classic premium wines from across the sunshine state.
Event details
Sophie Thorpe DipWSET will guide you through benchmark styles, from those that established the state's reputation - such as the iconic Fumé Blanc and Napa Cabernet - to cooler-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that compete with the finest examples from around the world. You'll taste a range of wines from top producers across the varied state, from Napa to the Central Coast, giving a snapshot of California's vinous heritage and future, and what makes it such an exciting wine region. You'll also have the opportunity to taste a mature example of Napa Cabernet to explore the true ageability of these incredible wines.
Guests will enjoy their wines alongside a selection of cheeses from La Fromagerie.
Wine list
- Robert Mondavi 'To Kalon' Fumé Blanc Reserve 2020
- Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2022
- Sandhi Central Coast Chardonnay 2024
- Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir 2021
- Ridge 'Geyserville' 2022
- Tablas Creek 'Esprit de Tablas Rouge' 2022
- Mayacamas Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
- Cakebread Cellars Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1985 (magnum)
Tasting level
Masterclass: Our most advanced sessions, suitable for those who have a WSET Level 3 qualification or equivalent knowledge. Gain expert knowledge and insights from a specialist speaker.
About the presenter, Sophie Thorpe DipWSET
Sophie Thorpe is a London-based freelance wine writer, content consultant and event host.
Discovering wine at university, she has spent over a decade writing in-house for fine wine merchants (Berry Bros. & Rudd and FINE+RARE), developing a deliciously nerdy love of wine. Her work has been published in Decanter, Club Oenologique, The Spectator and more. A Stage Three Master of Wine student, she has earned various accolades over her career – shortlisted twice for the Emerging category at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Awards (2017 and '18), awarded the Guild of Food Writers Drinks Writing Award (2021) and, most recently, shortlisted for the 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Short-Form Writing (2024).
Explore her writing at firstpress.uk.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.