A sparkling weekend in Champagne: Épernay, Aÿ and beyond
A weekend from Reims: a small train through Mercier’s chalk cellars, de Venoge and Veuve Clicquot in the glass, and the growers in Aÿ I ran out of time to visit.
Get to know wine better, no snobbery required
I’m Alla. I write about wine and host tastings for teams and private guests, and this is where I share stories from vineyards and cellars.
Fresh from the journal
Where the wine comes from
From the chalk cellars of Champagne to the high vineyards of the Troodos: notes from places I’ve been lucky enough to visit, and from the people who make the wine there.
Tastings for your team or your guests
At your office, at home or at a venue you like, and always with room for questions. I bring the stories, the glassware and the practical details; you bring the curiosity.
Corporate wine tastings
For your team or your clients, at the office or at a venue you choose.
Private tastings
For friends and family, from a small evening at home to a larger celebration.
Wine masterclasses
One subject in depth, such as Champagne or Old World against New, at any level.
Staff training
Practical sessions that give your staff the words to talk about wine with confidence.
Hosting and moderating wine events
For wine brands, venues and organisers: dinners, launches and collaborative evenings.
Request a tasting
Tell me about your group and I’ll send a proposal with a price to match.
Pictures from the road
Cellars, vineyards and the odd long lunch from the places I write about, shared on Instagram.
De Venoge in Champagne 
On the vine at Binifadet 
The grands crus of Chablis 
The rock cellar at Binifadet 
Tasting at Tsiakkas, Cyprus 
Tanca Nº 13 rosé, Menorca
Let’s pour something together
If you’re a wine brand, importer or event organiser, I can write about your wines, host a tasting or event around them and give honest advice on what to pour. Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll reply by email.
Work with meUntil the next glass,Alla