Not many businesses can boast of a proud history that spans more than three centuries. But that's exactly what sets Berry Bros. & Rudd, the wine merchant based in St. James's, apart from its competition: more than 300 years of authority in the wine industry. But the merchant has never been one to rest on its laurels, and now it's taking on the mantle of passing those centuries of knowledge on to you. With its curated classes, Berry Bros. aims to show the people of London and beyond that wine is something to be richly enjoyed, debated and, of course, tasted – not something to be scared of.

The foodism Beginner's Guide to Grapes

The Key Info

The foodism Beginner's Guide to Grapes, in association with Berry Bros. & Rudd, are four events that each explore the characteristics of eight particular grapes – how and where they're grown, and how they're expressed in different parts of the world, with a drinks reception and a tutored tasting session.

Berry Bros. & Rudd's Wine School is located in The Pickering Cellar, 3 St James's Street, SW1A 1EG. For more information, go to bbr.com/foodism

Because wine education isn't just fun – it can be an amazing way of getting to know your own palate better, too. This means that as well as the tangible knowledge you'll gain – the kind that'll help you decode wine lists and give you an eye for value – you'll be able to train your palate to identify flavours you like and ones you'd rather avoid; to judge a wine's complexity by way of how many different flavour notes you can pick up; and to confidently give your observations on what you're tasting.

Berry Bros. & Rudd's Wine School is located in a setting unlike any other: the historic wine cellars underneath the merchant's St James's Street shop, from which it's done business since the late 17th century. And unlike some educational tastings, Berry Bros.' courses aren't stuffy, nor do they cater solely for people with an existing high level of knowledge; they're fun, interactive and with an emphasis on enjoying yourself while you learn.

That's why we at Foodism are proud to team up with Berry Bros. & Rudd for four events, exclusively available to our readers, where you'll break down eight classic grape varieties through discussions, tastings (blind and otherwise) and even a drinks reception, too.

The events run on 22 June, 6 August and 7 August from 6:30-8:30pm. What's more, you can bag a ticket to any of them for just £65; £40 off full price. T&Cs apply. For more information or to book, go to bbr.com/foodism, email eventsandeducation@bbr.com or call 020 3301 1680