past Events: 2009
Book signing
"Breakfast lunch and Dinner"
by stephen jeffers
Monday 21st December 2009, 11am - 2pm
The first cookbook by the chef/proprietor of the eponymous Jeffers by the Marina, the acclaimed restaurant in Bangor, County Down and the new Jeffers Bar & Grill, at the Castlereagh Hills Golf Club.
Stephen Jeffers believes in making sure you have the very best seasonal ingredients which are available - you don't need to fuss or over-embellish.
“In our book, less is definitely more (and we're not talking about the size of our portions!).
Jeffers cuisine is simple, but full of flavour and with a lot of attitude.”
“It's hard to believe you're still in Northern Ireland. Smoky jazz on the stereo, a Conran-influenced interior . . . there's hope for us yet - Jeffers By The Marina” (Belfast Telegraph)
“Much has been said about the ‘new Irish chef’ and Jeffers is one of the most talented…This book is a tribute to all things fresh and all that is simple. It weaves its way through from the traditional to the modern with great imagination” (Michael Deane)
Neal McAlindon, Stephen Jeffers, Kevin McAlindon, Peter McAlindon
THE WINES OF CHRISTMAS
Saturday 5th December 2009, 2.30 - 4.30pm
Can you think of a more pleasurable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the madness of December? Ok... maybe there are some more attractive alternatives, but they probably cost a lot more than £15!
This will be a great opportunity to taste a selection of traditional andmore eclectic recommendations for the festive period. The aim of this tasting and discussion is to highlight wines that pair well with the festive fair.
An informal and fun journey through the minefield that is Christmas entertaining.
MASTERCHEF DINNER @ JEFFERS BAR & GRILL
Thursday 3rd December 2009
David Henry, a chef at Jeffers by the Marina in Bangor, was a semi-finalist in this year's BBC Professional Masterchef competition.
He will prepare and cook a dinner based on the recipes he used during the making of the programme.
This excellent four course meal will be accompained by wines selected by Direct Wine Shipments.
Jeffers Bar & Grill, Castlereagh Hills Golf Club, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast BT5 7TX
T: 028 9044 9649
www.jeffersfood.com
PALACIOS REMONDO WINE TASTING & SUPPER
Thursday 26th November 2009, 7.30 for 8pm
Bodegas Palacios Remondo is based in Alfaro in the Rioja Baja. This old family firm has been revitalised by the arrival of Alvaro Palacios who has already made his name, starting from scratch, with his extraordinary Priorat wines. He is now bringing the family Rioja winery to the attention of the wine world.
Join us as we welcome Óscar Alegre, Export Manager of Palacios Remondo on his first visit to Direct Wine Shipments. Óscar will lead us through their wines from Rioja, Bierzo and Priorat.
NB This will be a predominately red wine tasting
 
PALACIOS REMONDO WINE DINNER
@ JAMES STREET SOUTH
Wednesday 25th November 2009, 7.30 for 8pm
Oscar Alegre from Palacios Remondo will be hosting the wine dinner at the award winning James Street South Restaurant and he will be able to provide us with an introduction to these superb Spanish wines. The wines will be paired with a five course tasting menu.
The evening will provide you with the opportunity to sample wine from the vineyard and listen to Oscar about how this family business has been revitalised by introducing organic principles to the vineyard and has brought the family Rioja to the attention of the wine world.
The evening will commence at 7.30pm with a drinks reception.
smoked eel and scallop with Iberico ham
~~~
rare seared venison with beetroot
~~~
loin of lamb with cutlet
~~~
selection of spanish cheese
~~~
baked plum with vanilla cream and brandy snap
www.jamesstreetsouth.co.uk
Walkabout Wine Tasting November 2009
Friday 13th November 2009
4.30pm – 7.30pm
After the success of our 30 for 30 tasting, we are delighted to invite you to a tasting of a selection of new wines and new vintages from around the world which are perfect for autumn and winter.
With wines to suit all pockets and styles there is guaranteed to be something you’ll love.
Click on the link to see Chilli & Chocolates review of the evening 
Click here to see Paula Gracey's Sunday Life column (22/11/09)
BON COURAGE WINE TASTING & SUPPER
Thursday 15th October 2009, 7.30 for 8pm
Closely tucked in beside the peaceful waters of the Breede River in Robertson, lies the Bon Courage Estate.
This prestigious award winning estate has enjoyed the expert attention and dedication of three generations of the Bruwer family.
We are delighted to welcome back to Direct Wine Shipments Export Manager, Göran Morander, as he guides us through a selection of these great wines.
BON COURAGE WINE DiNNer
Wednesday 14th October 2009, 7.30 for 8pm
Fontana restaurant in Holywood is renowned for its modern cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. It will be holding a South African wine dinner with Direct Wine Shipments/McAlindon Wines and Bon Courage. The evening will commence with a drinks reception and will be followed by a menu paired with wines from the Bon Courage vineyard.
Göran Morander, the export manager for Bon Courage will be hosting the evening, providing us with an insight into this excellent South African wine company.
The evening will a be a great opportunity to taste a great selection of wines to accompany a delicious meal.
Gunderloch & Jurtschitsch
Wine Tasting & Supper
Thursday 17th September 2009 7.30 for 8pm
To start our autumn tasting program we are delighted to welcome speakers from two outstanding family owned estates. Stefanie Hasselbach from Gunderloch Estate in Germany and Alwin Jurtschitsch from Jurtschitsch Sonnhof in Austria.
With stunning Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners on offer this tasting is a must for fans of top quality white wines.
NB: This is a white wine tasting
Vive La France!
bastille day shop tasting
Tuesday 14th July 2009
Join us on Tuesday 14th July as we celebrate Bastille Day with some great wines from France. This will be an informal shop tasting of a few wines from the home of the classic grape varieties. From the classic Bordeaux to the revolutionary Languedoc, France has something for everyone.
No booking required
IRISH WINE DINNER @ MOLLY'S YARD
Tuesday 16th June 2009 - 7.30 for 8pm
Molly’s Yard is the second of Hilden Brewing Company’s restaurants and opened 3 years ago to critical acclaim. Housed in the converted Victorian stables and courtyard of College Green House, the restaurant serves superior but unpretentious Modern Irish cuisine. Head Chef Ciarán Steele keeps his menus small and select with the emphasis placed on preparing food which is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.
Located in the heart of Belfast’s bustling university quarter, Molly’s Yard is a restaurant with such a disarmingly relaxed and familiar charm that once inside you feel far from the madding crowd.
We have selected a range of wines with a link to Ireland to accompany Molly's Yard wonderful local produce, which will be presented by Peter & Neal McAlindon.
 |
|
Menu
Bread & oils
~
Pan-fried organic salmon with lambs lettuce, broad beans and bacon and scallion dressing.
~
Confit of Irish duck leg with puy lentils
and caramelised apple.
~
Fillet of Fermanagh beef with Queen Meabh potatoes,
field mushrooms and port wine butter.
Served with fine beans.
~
Irish cream Carrageen moss pudding with coffee sauce
or
Four provinces cheeses with Ditty's oatcakes
Molly’s Yard
1 College Green Mews,
Botanic Avenue
Belfast BT7 1LW
Tel: +44 (0)28 90 322 600 |
30 for 30 Walkabout Wine Tasting
Friday 12th June 2009 4.30pm – 7.30pm
To help us celebrate 30 years in Corporation Square we are delighted to invite you to an informal walkabout tasting of a range of new wines and new vintages from around the world. With wines to suit all pockets and styles there is guaranteed to be something you’ll love.
Review
Domaine de Cristia Wine Tasting & Supper
with Dominique Grangeon
Thursday 4th June 2009, 7.30 for 8pm
Domaine de Cristia is situated in Courthézon in the Rhône Valley and has been run by the Grangeon family since 1942. It is now run by sister and brother Dominique and Baptiste Grangeon.
Its name comes from a vineyard site within the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation which adjoins lieu-dit Rayas. The domaine is 50 acres and produces Vin de Pays, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Châteauneuf du Pape rouge, Châteauneuf du Pape blanc and another 2.5 acre plot of 100 year old vines in the Cristia lieu-dit
“If you haven’t figured it out yet, this is one of the up and coming new superstar producers in Chateauneuf du Pape thanks to the inspired efforts of the Grangeon family” (Robert Parker)
NB: The wines at this tasting will be predominately red.
Domaine de Cristia Wine Dinner
with Dominique Grangeon
Wednesday 3rd June 2009, 7.30pm
James Street South will be hosting a Rhône Valley wine dinner with Direct Wine Shipments/McAlindon Wines and Domaine de Cristia. The evening will commence with a drinks reception and will be followed by a five course tasting menu paired with wines from the Domaine de Cristia vineyard.
Dominique Grangeon will be hosting the evening, providing us with an insight into the workings of the vineyard and she will talk us through a selection their wines. Domaine de Cristia is situated in Courthézon in the Rhône Valley and has been run by the same family since 1942.
The evening will a be a great opportunity to taste a great selection of wines with a superb dinner.
The menu
white gazpacho
domaine de cristia tavel rose 2006/07
~~~
foie gras and rabbit terrine with pickled girolle and peach
domaine de cristia chateauneuf du pape blanc 2006
~~~
red mullet with minestrone and pancetta
domaine de cristia vin de pays grenache 2007
~~~
roast loin of venison with asparaus, artichoke and black truffle
domaine de cristia chateauneuf du pape rouge 2006
~~~
white chocolate parfait with ballywalter strawberries
and pepper caramel
domaine de cristia muscat beaumes de venise 2005
~~~
selection of french and irish cheese
 
NEW ZEALAND Shop TASTING
Saturday 30th May 2009
11.30am - 3pm
Join us on Saturday as we start a month celebrating the wonderful wine of New Zealand. This wll be an informal shop tasting of some of the best examples from this iconic wine country.
The crisp tropical and gooseberry fruit flavours of its Sauvignon Blancs , the dry honied & citrus Rieslings and the light and fruity Pinot Noirs are perfect wines for the summer.
This tasting is a must for all wine lovers.
Vins Auvigue Wine Tasting & Supper
with Jean-Pierre Auvigue
Thursday 14th May 2009
The Auvigue winery is located in the south of Burgundy in the Maconnais region, run by two brothers, Jean-Pierre and Michel Auvigue.
Only white wines from the sole Chardonnay grape are produced at this award winning estate, a grape which finds its origin in this particular region. They produce mostly Pouilly-Fuissé, but also Saint-Veran and some Macon-Villages. They also produce some Bourgogne Rouge from Pinot Noir.
This tasting will be a revelation for those who have had awful experiences with poorly made New World examples. For those who don’t drink Chardonnay this is a must! It is a perfect opportunity to taste great examples of this classic grape the way they should be made!
NB: The wines at this tasting will be predominately white.
Italian Wine Tasting & Supper
with Michael Palij M.W
Tuesday 5th May 2009
Michael Palij MW is one of the world’s leading experts on Italian wine as well as one of the UK’s leading wine educators. For 20 years he has been visiting and working in this remarkable country on a regular basis and has forged relationships with some of Italy’s finest producers.
Michael is no stranger to DWS and his discussions on his beloved Italy are ‘theatrical events’. He pulls no punches on his views about what does or doesn’t’ make good wine.
We hope that Michael and many of the DWS team will be able to remain standing for the whole evening, as they will be running in the Belfast Marathon the day before!
Come along and join our recovery with some fabulous Italian wine.
Spanish Small Growers
Wine Tasting & Supper
with David Geary, Axial
Thursday 23rd April 2009
DWS is delighted to welcome back David Geary, native of Dublin but now ensconced in Gallicia, to Belfast for another fascinating tasting. He will be looking at wines from 'traditional' as well as 'up and coming' regions.
Over the past decade Spain had been one of the world's most dynamic wine producers, with innovation, experimentation and creativity leading to many exciting new wines. We will taste wines from various regions including: Calatayud, Bierzo, Campo de Borja, Rioja, Cariñena and Ribera del Duero.
Mangetwo Wine Tasting & tapas
Friday 20th March 2009
Want to learn more about wine?
In association with Mangetwo - Ireland’s premier social networking site for gourmet guys and girls - the team at Direct Wine Shipments will introduce you to the classic red and white grape varieties from around the world. This fun and interesting evening will also include a blind tasting to test your new found skills and a tapas supper!
Online: www.mangetwo.com Email: claire@mangetwo.com
Wine Tasting & Supper
with Ciaran Rooney
Thursday 12th March 2009 7.30 pm
Domaine des Anges, in the Cotes du Ventoux, is situated on a hillside facing Mont Ventoux, 'The Giant of
Provence' which rises to 1912m in altitude. The mountain has a profound influence on the climate of the vineyards with cool evening breezes refreshing the vines in summer after the day's intense heat, enabling the vines to maintain high natural acids and elegant tannins.
Owned by Kilkenny man, Gay McGuiness, the wines are made by master craftsman, Ciaran Rooney. A native of Dublin, Ciaran's family moved to South Africa whilst he was still at school. He studied Oenology and Viticulture at Stellenbosch University before going on to gain international experience in Lafite Rothschild, Tim Knappstein Wines, Tyrells, New Kumeu River, Argyle Wines, Cakebread Cellars and Thelema, among others.
We are delighted that Ciaran will be joining us on his first visit to DWS. This will be an exciting opportunity to taste this range of wines first hand from the man who made them, and which Robert Parker called
'The best wines being made in the region' (Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate).
 
Italian Wine Dinner at Bourbon
with Andrew Parkinson
Executive Chef of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant, London
in association with McAlindon Wines
25th of February 2009 at 7.30pm
The Chef for the evening will be Mr Andrew Parkinson, Executive Chef from Fifteen Restaurant London. Andrew will be serving a selection of dishes from his menu at the famous London venue.
Menu
Buffalo Mozzarella, Grilled Conference Pears,
Honey Glazed Almonds, Mint, Winter Salad Leaves & 12 year old Balsamic
~
Raviolo “Al Sole”
Fresh pasta filled with spinach, ricotta,
nutmeg & free range egg, light caper butter broth
~
Slow Roasted Loin of Fermanagh Rare Breed Pork “Porchetta Style”
With Cavelo Nero, Winter Squash Caponata & Salsa Verde
Rosemary & Garlic Roasted Potatoes
~
Bitter Chocolate & Blood Orange Marquis with Hazelnut Crackle
Wines for the evening will be presented by Neal and Peter McAlindon of McAlindon Wines.
Entertainment will follow until 1am.
HUNTER'S WINE TASTING AND SUPPER
WITH JANE HUNTER OBE
THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 2009
We are delighted to welcome Jane Hunter OBE back to DWS, for her first tasting in Belfast since 1998. Belfast has always been close to Jane's heart, as it was the hometown of her late husband and Hunter's co-founder, Ernie Hunter. Since Ernie's untimely death in 1987, Jane has been owner, viticulturist and managing director of Hunter's Wines. After just completing her autobiography, she will have lots of memories of the wine business to share with us.
With a reputation for consistently producing the highest quality wines year after year, Hunter's was one of the first wineries to put Marlborough firmly on the New Zealand wine map. Jane is the driving force behind its ongoing success and, not surprisingly, has been described by the Sunday Times as the 'star of New Zealand wine'.
A great chance to taste the stunning new vintages of Hunter's award winning range with one of New Zealand's most highly regarded wine producers.
Past Events 2008
PAST EVENTS 2010
CURRENT EVENTS
|
