Ever wondered what’s the perfect crisp to go with your bottle of wine?

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By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today

IF you don’t know your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais then raise a glass to Alex Stevenson.

He is the man who runs Reading’s leading independent wine education and events company.

Alex not only holds regular wine tastings and courses he also knows his way around a packet of crisps while helping to raise money for charity.

After many years winning rave reviews from wine experts and amateur drinkers in London, Alex moved to Reading to open the Thames Valley Wine School.

As well as tastings the school offers courses from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust which provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for professionals and enthusiasts.

“Our events are run by friendly wine tutors and are relaxed and informal with an emphasis on learning by tasting,” he explains.

“Whether you are new to wine and want to learn more, want to explore different countries or grape varieties, or simply want to enjoy good company and good times, we have a tasting for everyone.”

The School’s next event is a wine and crisps tasting on Tuesday, May 30, at The Corn Stores in Forbury Road.

“Sometimes you just don’t have anything in the fridge, can’t be bothered to cook, and for some reason can’t decide on a takeaway, but still fancy having some wine and something nice to eat with it, “ says Alex.

“For times like this a bag of crisps and some wine work surprisingly well. We will taste some really special wines and match them with our favourite crisps while sticking to the principles of classic wine and food matches.”

In July, Alex is hosting a wine tasting session in conjunction with the charity, Chemogiftbags which provides Care Boxes containing practical products to help ease some of the common side effects of chemo treatment, such as nausea, metallic taste, muscle and bone pain, dry skin and brittle nails.

“This is a charity close to my heart as both my wife and mother have survived breast cancer.

“We hope wine lovers will come and join us for this tasting and help us to support as many people as possible in our community who have to cope with this terrible disease.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE CRUNCH:

Should it be Pringles with your Merlot? Or Frazzles? A Reading-based expert is keen to share his knowledge

Picture: Thomas from Pixabay

School’s first theology lecture

THE Abbey School in Reading is set to host its first-ever annual theology lecture in partnership with the University of Reading Chaplaincy’s Café Théologique. The lecture, titled Creation out of Chaos: Doing Theology out of Trauma, will be delivered by Dr Karen O’Donnell, a feminist trauma theologian, who will explore the concept of trauma theology and its significance.

The event, which is free to attend, will also be livestreamed on Vimeo.

It takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, May 22.

n For more information, contact Mark Amos at amosma@ theabbey.co.uk

Choir’s concert

“Tickets for the evening on July 7 cost only £30 and include a wine tasting of six carefully selected wines and a two-hour event where you can learn more about wine in a relaxed atmosphere. All profits go to the charity.” n To learn more about the Thames Valley Wine School and to discover what other courses are available, go to: https://www. localwineschool.com/thamesvalley/ n For more information, visit the Reading Male Voice Choir website or call 0118 937 5950.

THE Reading Male Voice Choir will be performing at Christ Church in Katesgrove on Saturday, May 20 at 7pm. They will be performing a variety of popular songs and joined by soprano Charis Anne Luke.

Tickets for the concert are £10 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased online or at the door.

The concert is a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful music and support a local charity.