Fliss Syrad, WSET Diploma: New Zealand
2024-10-09 19:45 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
We welcome Fliss Syrad, who is presenting to us for the first time. Fliss had a successful career in corporate strategy, before moving into the wine business in 2012. She holds the prestigious WSET Diploma, and last year was awarded the Vintners Cup for coming top of all Diploma students worldwide. She has considerable experience of conducting wine tastings with groups of all sizes and backgrounds, and loves conveying her passion and knowledge in an informal and entertaining way.
Fliss has recently spent a lot of time in New Zealand, so that places her well to present some top wines of New Zealand to us this evening.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Saturday 28th September. Guest bookings open on Thursday 3rd October. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

David Wright, Owner of David Alexander Wines: Germany
2024-11-13 07:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
In November we’ll be welcoming David Wright, owner of David Alexander Wines. They are an importer, wholesaler and retailer of wine. Founded in 1982, they originally traded in Maidenhead. Like many other retailers, they now trade online.
Whilst they offer mainstream wines (those that are popular and ubiquitous) they also like to find gems that are not on every high street. Wines that reflect the personality and character of the winemaker and their region. David is keen to entertain and educate those willing to explore the world of wine and he’s very keen to be able to present wines to our members.
One of David’s speciality areas is Germany and it’s the wines of that country which we’ll be tasting. There will be both whites and reds, and David will finish with a dessert wine.
We haven’t had a German wine evening for several years and I know we have several fans in our Society. We’ve given David a generous budget so expect to taste some fine wines from excellent producers.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Wednesday 30th October. Guest bookings open on Thursday 7th November. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Christmas Raid on the Chairs Cellar
2024-12-11 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we’ll be celebrating Christmas! And we’re going to do that in style by raiding the Chair’s Cellar!
Yes, Keith will be digging deep into his cellar to bring you some superb wines, which will hopefully get us in the mood for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
Following a bubbly and a couple of classy whites, the main focus will be on the reds. Those of you that know Keith’s tastes well will expect a mature Bordeaux, along with some of his favourites from Italy, South Africa and Chile. There will also be a top red from California (ask those that know Keith well to find out which winery will be featured!). And he’ll finish the evening by serving a 25 year old vintage port.
Food wise, there will be the usual bread and cheese, supplemented with some mince pies and other festive nibbles. (But please eat first, we’re not serving a meal!)
Above all, the focus will be on enjoying the evening and chatting with your friends. Keith won’t be doing too much talking (really!)
If that doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas, I’m not sure what will!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Wednesday 27th November. Guest bookings open on Thursday 5th December. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Richard Addison, Riebeek Valley Wine Company: Swartland, South Africa
2025-01-08 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
To start the new year, we welcome Richard Addison. He’s a specialist in wines from the Swartland Region of South Africa. Specifically, he’s Sales Manager for the Riebeek Valley Wine Company and he’s Sales Representative for Wine Fusion.
Swartland is a wine region about 30 miles north of Cape Town. It’s a relatively young wine region, which has risen in popularity in the last 10 to 15 years. It is attracting many upcoming winemakers who make world class wines that have put this region on the map.
Richard will put together a selection of wines from the Swartland region. This will include plenty of reds, including shiraz and Cape blends.
It should be a fun and fascinating evening to start the new year!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Saturday 28th December. Guest bookings open on Thursday 2nd January. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Members' Choices, preceded by a brief AGM
2025-02-12 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
We have many wine enthusiasts within our Society and it’s always good to taste wines which are recommended by them. That’s why this month we will open the floor to eight of our members, who will each introduce a wine of their choice.
Our volunteers put lots effort into selecting their chosen wine. These evenings are hugely popular with our members, so you won’t want to miss it.
This tasting will be preceded by a brief AGM, lasting about 15 minutes.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 30th January. Guest bookings open on Thursday 6th February. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Andy Brown: Quinta de Pedra Alta, Portugal
2025-03-12 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
This month we welcome Andy Brown, who is presenting to us for the first time. He’s Commercial Director for Quinta de Pedra Alta, a winery with a long history based in the Douro Valley region of Portugal.
I’m always excited when we can do a whole evening tasting wines from a single portfolio as it means we can explore their whole range of wines. We’ll be starting with a couple of whites, before moving on to taste four of their reds. And as it’s the Douro, we must finish with a couple of ports. All the wines from Pedra Alta are blends, several made with grapes from vines which are more than 40 years old. So we can see how the winemaker influences the style and character of the wines through careful blending of different varietals.
Andy has been Commercial Director at Quinta de Pedra Alta for over 6 years, building on a career in the wine industry which goes back thirty years.
I’m sure this will be a popular evening. So book early!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Wednesday 26th February. Guest bookings open on Thursday 6th March. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Robert Markham, Fine Wine Manager, Gonzalez Byass UK: Fine Wines from across Europe
2025-04-09 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
This month we welcome Robert Markham, who is presenting to us for the first time. Robert is Fine Wine Manager for Gonzalez Byass UK, a position he has held for 10 years.
González Byass UK is a subsidiary of the historic González Byass business who distribute a considerable portfolio of wines and spirits. Whilst they were traditionally associated with Spain, nowadays they import a carefully selected handful of complementary brands from around the globe.
Robert’s speciality is fine wine brands from across Europe, including Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Champagne Deutz, Quinta do Noval, Disznoko Tokaji and Domane Wachau. So for tonight’s tasting we’ll be going on a European tour, featuring fine wines from France, Hungary, Austria, Portugal and Spain.
I think we are in for a real treat!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 27th March. Guest bookings open on Thursday 2nd April. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Preet Sahota: Boutique Wines of the Southern Hemisphere
2025-05-14 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Preet Sahota is a presenter who needs no introduction to those who have been members for more than a couple of years. He has a reputation for bringing us lesser known wines from the new world, especially South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We like the wines he shows us and they are well priced. So it comes as no surprise that Preet holds the record for the amount of wine ordered at our tastings.
So it will be great to see Preet again and I know that we will all enjoy the wines he shows us this month. I confidently predict we’re going to have a great evening and you will definitely like the wines!
Book early to avoid disappointment.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 1st May. Guest bookings open on Thursday 8th May. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Marion Tardiveau, Sales Support, Thorman Hunt: Italy
2025-06-11 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
In June we welcome Marion Tardiveau, who is presenting to us for the first time. Marion is a Customer Services Representative at Thorman Hunt, a family-run specialist wine shipper sourcing premium artisanal wine for restaurants and hotels in London and the UK.,
After studying English and Mandarin for three years, her fascination with wine led her to study in France, where she achieved two diplomas and a degree in International Wine Business.
Marion moved to London 6 years ago. Italy is one of her favourite wine regions and it’s wines from that country that we will be tasting this evening.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 29th May. Guest bookings open on Thursday 5th June. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Lucia Dovalova, Director, The Naughty Grape: From the Carpathians to Hook - A Slovak Wine Journey
2025-07-09 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
In April, member Alastair Dudley and I were invited to visit the Slovakian Embassy in London, where they were hosting a wine tasting of wines from Slovakia. It’s fair to say that the wines we tasted very much exceeded our expectations. We tasted stunning bubblies, amazing whites and reds, with a mix of indigenous and international varieties.
And then we met Lucia Dovalova, Director of The Naughty Grape, which retails wines from Slovakia in the UK. Her passion and enthusiasm for wine is remarkable and her knowledge exceptional. She is very excited about bringing the wines of Slovakia to the Whitewater Valley Wine Society.
So this month, you are all in for a real treat. Not only are the wines great, but the value is good as well. This is a tasting I think we will be talking about for a long time.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 26th June. Guest bookings open on Thursday 3rd July. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Mark Bedford, Owner, Caviste: Madness, Devotion and Brilliance
2025-09-10 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
In September, we welcome back Mark Bedford, owner of our local wine merchant Caviste. Mark is well known to many of us and we always enjoy our evenings when he presents.
Mark will introduce the people and their stories behind 9 wines that Caviste has sold over the years. It takes commitment, skill, vision and a high degree of craziness and self-sacrifice to make many of the wines that we enjoy. We shall endeavour to identify both the terroir of the vineyard and the personality of the winemaker, while Mark amuses us with the stories behind the wines.
This promises to be another great evening at The Raven.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 28th August. Guest bookings open on Thursday 4th September. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Alun Griffiths, Master of Wine: Languedoc/Roussillon
2025-10-08 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
It is with enormous pleasure that we welcome back Alun Griffiths to present our October tasting. Alun is a great friend of our Society and needs no introduction to many of our members. We know that his evenings with us are always informative, interesting and fun. For the benefit of our newer members who may not know Alun, he has been a Master of Wine since 1991. For many years, he was Wine Director at Berry Bros & Rudd, following which he was based in Hong Kong for several years.
Back in the UK, Alun lectures on wine and has been a panel judge at the International Wine Challenge and the Decanter Wine Awards Competition. He’s a regular member of the Decanter Magazine tasting panel. And he is non-Executive Chairman of Thorman Hunt, a family-run specialist wine shipper sourcing premium artisanal wine.
This time, Alun will be presenting the wines of Languedoc/Roussillon in France. He’ll be picking some of his favourite wines from a recent visit to the region.
It’s a privilege to be able to welcome Alun for what is sure to be a fantastic evening.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 25th September September. Guest bookings open on Thursday 2nd October. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

James Booth, Director, New Generation Wines: New Zealand Pinot Noir (mostly!)
2025-11-12 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
This month we welcome James Booth, Director of New Generation Wines, who is presenting to us for the first time. New Generation was set up by James in 2006. His company imports and distributes wines to independent merchants across the UK and the London-focused on-trade, as well as supplying selected lines to multiple retailers. James creates its portfolio around wines which he believes have an edge; those that stand out from the crowd, challenge perceptions and which are made by inspirational people, forward thinkers and pioneers.
The focus of our evening will be New Zealand pinot noirs. James will also include one or two whites, wines which he regards as rather special and which he wants to show us.
It’s likely to be another sell out. So book your places soon.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 30th October. Guest bookings open on Thursday 6th November. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Christmas Raid on the Chair's Cellar
2025-12-10 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we’ll be celebrating Christmas! And we’re going to do that in style by raiding the Chair’s Cellar!
Yes, Keith will be digging deep into his cellar to bring you some superb wines, which will hopefully get us in the mood for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
Following a bubbly and a couple of classy whites, the main focus will be on the reds. Those of you that know Keith’s tastes well will expect a mature Bordeaux, along with some of his favourites from Portugal, Australia and Chile. There will also be a top red from California. And he’ll finish the evening by serving an aged vintage port.
Food wise, there will be the usual bread and cheese, supplemented with some mince pies and other festive nibbles. (But please eat first, we’re not serving a meal!)
Above all, the focus will be on enjoying the evening and chatting with your friends. Keith won’t be doing too much talking (really!)
If that doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas, I’m not sure what will!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Wednesday 26th November. Guest bookings open on Thursday 4th December. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Claudia Hussain, Noble Green Wines: Volcanic Wines
2026-01-14 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we welcome Claudia Hussain, who is presenting to us for the first time.
Claudia is an enthusiastic and lively ambassador for Noble Green Wines, who are an independent wine, craft beer and spirits merchant located in the Twickenham area. Regular members will know that I’m very keen to support our independent wine merchants. It’s through them that we’re able to buy and taste wines which typically offer more than those available through the supermarkets.
Claudia will present her pick of volcanic wines. These are wines from vineyards grown near active, dormant, or extinct volcanoes. Here, rich ash and lava from eruptions are present in the soil, so have an impact on the agricultural functions that surround them. Volcanic soils are quite porous, which means that the soil near the surface isn’t holding onto rainwater or humidity to hydrate the vines, so they develop deep roots in their search for moisture and nutrients.
This sounds like a fascinating evening. So book early to avoid disappointment.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 1st January. Guest bookings open on Thursday 8th January. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Members' Choices, preceded by a brief AGM
2026-02-11 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
We have many wine enthusiasts within our Society and it’s always good to taste wines which are recommended by them. That’s why this month we will open the floor to eight of our members, who will each introduce a wine of their choice.
Our volunteers put lots effort into selecting their chosen wine. These evenings are hugely popular with our members, so you won’t want to miss it.
This tasting will be preceded by a brief AGM, lasting about 15 minutes.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 29th January. Guest bookings open on Thursday 5th February. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £20 members / £24 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Svitlana Tsybak, CEO, Ukrainian Wine Company UK
2026-03-11 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Late last year, member Alastair Dudley and I were priveleged to attend a tasting of Ukrainian wines, presented by Svitlana Tsybak, CEO of the Ukrainian Wine Company UK. It’s fair to say that the wines we tasted very much exceeded our expectations. We tasted several amazing whites and reds, with a mix of indigenous and international varieties.
It was clear that Svitlana’s passion and enthusiasm for wine is remarkable and her knowledge exceptional. She is very excited about bringing the wines of Ukraine to the Whitewater Valley Wine Society. Svitlana is keen to promote Ukraine’s culture, history and bravery through their wines, which she wants to share with the world.
So this month, you are all in for a real treat and you will be tasting some fantastic wines. from small and medium sized wineries. This is a tasting I think we will be talking about for a long time. You will also be supporting the winemakers of Ukraine at what is a difficult time for their country.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 26th February. Guest bookings open on Thursday 4th March. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Tony Cloke: Spy Valley Wines, New Zealand
2026-04-08 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Last time Tony presented to us, we had a fantastic evening tasting Spy Valley Wines, from New Zealand. It was one of the best tastings that year. So we have no hesitation in welcoming him back to taste a new selection from this prestigious winery.
Based in the UK, Tony is European Sales Manager for Spy Valley Wines. He started out as Brand Manager several years ago when he worked for Bibendum Wine, their UK market partner.
Spy Valley Wines is one of the most highly regarded wineries in the Marlborough region of New Zealand. Spy Valley can trace its history back to the 1990s when Bryan and Jan Johnson established their 320 acre vineyard on land considered too hard, too dry and too unfertile for wine. But their passion won through and the family run estate flourished. Today, they export seven varietals to 35 countries across the world.
A key advantage of having an evening dedicated to one wine estate is that we will be able to taste most of the varietals produced on the estate.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Friday 27th March. Guest bookings open on Thursday 1st April. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Robert Boutflower, Tanners Wine Merchants: Rioja
2026-05-13 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
It’s been four years since we last welcomed Robert Boutflower to present to us. We had a great time on that occasion, so we have no hesitation in giving him the opportunity to talk to us again. Robert is a Director at Tanners Wine Merchants, a long established retailer, well known to many of our members. The business can trace its roots in Shrewsbury back to the mid 19th century.
This time, Robert will present his selection of wines from Rioja. Nestled in the heart of North Central Spain, not far from the vibrant city of Bilbao, lies the renowned La Rioja wine region. Despite being Spain’s second smallest region, spanning a mere 5,000 km2, La Rioja holds the esteemed title as the country’s most distinguished wine-producing area. This region is a wine lover’s paradise, producing some of Spain’s finest wines.
Our evening will feature both white and red wines.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 30th April. Guest bookings open on Thursday 7th May. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Andrew Walker, Director Solaris Wines: Slovenia & Romania
2026-06-10 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we will welcome Andrew Walker, Director of Solaris Wines, who is presenting to us for the first time.
Solaris is an independent wine retailer and they are proud of that! Andrew’s aim is to seek out fascinating wines and passionate producers. He has visited every vineyard on their list and knows each winemaker personally. So we are sure to hear plenty about the personalities involved.
Andrew will present his choice of wines from Slovenia and Romania. Regular members will know that the Whitewater Valley Wine Society has recently had presentations of both Slovakian and Ukrainian wines….and we’ve been very impressed with the wines from both countries. And I have no doubt that we will find that the wines from Slovenia and Romania are equally impressive and affordable.
So it’s going to be another great evening!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 28th May. Guest bookings open on Thursday 4th June. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Keith that places are still available. You can book through Keith by telephone on 07976 272822
As soon as Keith has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Aoife Curtin: UK Brand Development Manager, Journey's End
2026-07-08 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
This month we are delighted to welcome Aoife Curtin, who is presenting to us for the first time.
Aoife is UK Brand Development Manager for South Africa’s Journey’s End winery. She is a young and hugely enthusiastic ambassador for their winery. And she is excited about showing our members wines from across the winery’s portfolio. Regular members will know that I am always keen to offer our members an evening tasting wines from a single winery, as it gives the opportunity to explore the wines in more depth.
In 1996 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with the Journey’s End wine farm, restoring it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards. They feel fortunate to be nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, beneath which lay 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils. This creates one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa, and is where their vines are planted.
This promises to be a really interesting evening and early booking is advised.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 25th June. Guest bookings open on Thursday 2nd July. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Keith that places are still available. You can check with Keith by calling 07976 272822.
As soon as Keith has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Laurie Webster, in partnership with Wellbrook Wines: Argentina
2026-09-09 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
It’s been 12 years since Laurie Webster last presented to us, so it’s with much pleasure that we will welcome him back again this month. When Laurie last visited us, we tasted an excellent selection of wines from Argentina. So knowing how much our members appreciate Argentinian wines, I’ve asked him to bring us up to date and show us his latest recommendations.
This time, Laurie will be presenting in partnership with Wellbrook Wines. They are a small, Kent based company, which imports most of their wines directly. This enables them to show quality wines at affordable prices.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 27th August. Guest bookings open on Thursday 3rd September. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Meghan Pieratt, Familie Perrin, France
2026-10-14 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we welcome Meghan Pieratt, who is presenting to us for the first time. Meghan is Business Development Manager in the UK for Famile Perrin.
Famille Perrin is one of the most prominent wine-producing families in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, best known as the owners and stewards of the legendary Chateau de Beaucastel. Now in their fifth generation, the family is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, practices they have championed since the 1950s.
It’s always good to devote a whole evening to one producer. Meghan will help us explore their diverse portfolio, which ranges from good quality everyday options up to premium wines.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 1st October. Guest bookings open on Thursday 8th October. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Preet Sahota, Edgmond Wines
2026-11-11 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Preet Sahota is one of our Society’s most popular speakers and needs no introduction to those who have been members for more than a couple of years. He has a reputation for bringing us lesser known wines from the new world, especially South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We like the wines he shows us and they are well priced. So it comes as no surprise that Preet holds the record for the amount of wine ordered at our tastings.
So it will be great to see Preet again and I know that we will all enjoy the wines he shows us this month. I confidently predict we’re going to have a great evening and you will definitely like the wines!
Book early to avoid disappointment.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 29th October. Guest bookings open on Thursday 5th November. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

Christmas Raid on the Chair's Cellar
2026-12-09 19:45 - 22:00 | The Raven Hotel, The Raven Hotel, Hook, RG27 9HS, United Kingdom
Tonight we’ll be celebrating Christmas! And we’re going to do that in style by raiding the Chair’s Cellar!
Yes, by popular demand, Keith will be digging deep into his cellar to bring you some superb wines, which will hopefully get us in the mood for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
More details about the wines will be published nearer the time.
Food wise, there will be the usual bread and cheese, supplemented with some mince pies and other festive nibbles. (But please eat first, we’re not serving a meal!)
Above all, the focus will be on enjoying the evening and chatting with your friends. Keith won’t be doing too much talking (really!)
If that doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas, I’m not sure what will!
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Thursday 26th November. Guest bookings open on Thursday 3rd December. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
wvws.bookings.clive@gmail.com
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!

The Society's 40th Anniversary Dinner
2027-03-05 19:30 - 23:00 | Elvetham Hall Hotel, Hartley Wintney, Hook, RG278AS, United Kingdom
The Whitewater Valley Wine Society will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027.
Our main celebration event of the year will be a gala dinner, to be held on Friday 5th March 2027.
And we’re delighted to tell you that we already have a Master of Wine lined up as our guest speaker!
The venue for our special evening will be Elvetham Hotel, located in Hartley Wintney, just a few miles from Hook. Elvetham Hotel is a stunning, privately owned estate, set in 35 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds.
Our spring evening will start at 7.30pm with a welcome bubbly. We will then enjoy a four course dinner (with several choices for each of starter, main and dessert) and a cheese course. Our meal will be accompanied by wine, and followed by coffee/tea. We have negotiated to take our own wine into the hotel, so the wines will be chosen by us to suit the occasion and menu choices.
Bookings for the dinner will open in Autumn 2026. More details then.
