The Great Wine Regions Series – Part 7: France Beyond Bordeaux

Part Seven of our 12-part masterclass: The Great Wine Regions Series, exploring Alsace, Loire and Jura

France is not just Bordeaux and Burgundy. Some of the most distinctive, food-friendly, and characterful wines in the world come from regions that sit slightly outside the spotlight. Alsace offers aromatic precision and serious dry whites. The Loire delivers a huge variety, from zesty Sauvignon to age-worthy Chenin and elegant reds. Jura is small but unforgettable, with oxidative traditions, mountain freshness, and a style that feels completely its own.

Led by Radu Vasile, our in-house wine educator, this masterclass brings three very different French regions into one clear, structured tasting. Expect practical comparisons, a strong focus on recognising style in the glass, and plenty of “aha” moments as you connect grapes, climate, and winemaking choices to the final wine.

About the Masterclass

This structured three-hour session combines engaging teaching, lively discussion, and guided tasting. You will explore how geography shapes identity: the Vosges rain shadow in Alsace, the Loire’s river-driven climate patterns, and Jura’s cool mountain influence. We will also break down key grapes, labelling clues, and the winemaking methods that make these regions so distinctive.

With Radu’s guidance, you will sharpen your tasting technique, learning how to assess aromatics, sweetness perception, acidity, texture, and oxidative character. To bring the regions to life, we will enjoy French-inspired nibbles alongside the wines.

What to Expect

• Taste 8 wines spanning Alsace, Loire and Jura, covering a range of dry, off-dry, still and potentially oxidative styles
• Understand the signature grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris (Alsace); Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc (Loire); Savagnin and Poulsard (Jura)
• Learn how climate and geography shape aromatic intensity, acidity and structure
• Explore sweetness and balance in aromatic whites, and how to read style from the label
• Compare classic winemaking approaches, including lees ageing and oxidative traditions
• Develop tasting skills focusing on aromatics, acidity, texture, and recognising oxidative notes
• End with a fun, informal quiz – the winner takes home a bottle of wine!

Who Is This For?

Series Loyalty Bonus

Attending more than one event? Get 10% off your next tasting in the series. Learn more, taste more – spend less.

Event Details

When: Saturday 30th May 2026, 12:30 pm
Where: Loki Wine, Edgbaston
Duration: 3 hours
Tickets: £60 per person
Capacity: Limited to 20 guests

Next Session

Part Eight: Southern Italy and The Islands

Refunds available up to 30 days before the event. Tickets are transferable up to 14 days before the event. Due to limited capacity, no refunds or transfers within 14 days of the event.