Part two of the BBC Oxford wine tasting challenge. Andrew is aiming to teach BBC Oxford mid-morning presenters Danny Cox and Louisa Hannan everything about wine in just three days - a lost cause some would say, especially as, until now, Danny doesn't drink!

The general idea, aprt form to have a bit of fun, is to see if some rapid fire wine tasting can teach Danny Lou the basics of wine, and then test which has become the better wine taster.

Today is red wines, and like yesterday, it is set-up in two parts.

BBC Oxford wine challenge, red wines. Part 1

We have out up a list of the red wines tasted today if you would like more information.

BBC Oxford wine challenge, red wines, part 2

This is the first part of our wine tasting challenge for BBC Oxford mid-morning presenters Danny Cox and Louisa Hannan. Today we are focusing on how to taste wine , and putting that into practice with white wines.

BBC Oxford wine challenge, white wines. Part 1

Each of segments is split into two pieces of audio (yes, Andrew just can't stop talking about wine!) The audio here went live straight after broadcast - thanks Danny for a very easy way to grab the audio. It then got uploaded straight away to our new podcast system here on surf4wine, where it will have a permanent home!

BBC Oxford wine challenge, white wines. Part 2

If you would like to see a list of the wines tasted in today's session, please go here.

We will blog/podacst each of the three days wine tasting training here, and then the taste off on Friday 30th May to see who is the best wine taster - good luck Danny and Lou!

A wine school? That sounds like going back to school, but with wine!

Well, school was never like this - at least not mine! The idea of our very own wine course has been one that we have had for a while now; finally we have got it off the drawing board and ready to fly. We hope you like the idea, and can join us over six weeks to taste some great wines, learn some interesting stuff about the wines and the people who make them... and above all, have fun.

The idea is that, each week we will taste at least six wines, and as we taste them we will talk about the wines, how they are made, who makes them and where they come from. The people behind the labels.

The whole idea is to do this in a relaxed and friendly way so that everyone learns a bit more about what goes into their favourite wines - whether they are a white wine fan or a red wine lover, this course will give you an insight into what makes wine taste the way it does, and hopefully to explore new wines and tastes.

If you don't like New World Chardonnay but do like Chablis, find out why. If red wine is not your thing, well, maybe you haven't tried the right ones. This course will give you chance to taste a whole barrel- load of different reds. If the mere thought of Sherry at Christmas makes you think of Great Aunt Maude asleep in the chair, then you are missing a trick - Sherry CAN be fun and taste great!

How much does Our wine course cost?

£135 per person, or £210 for two - this can be a couple, or just two friends or work colleagues.

What do I get for my money?

At least six wines every week, so a total of 36 wines. Plus 2 hours of talk and information from Surf4Wine's very own Mr. Wine, Andrew Chapman. Course fees include tasting sheets for each session and a copy of 'Wine four Dummies', an excellent introduction to wine and where it comes from and how it is made (pls. not, book title may change as we are still finalising) book. All other equipment/things necessary for a good wine tasting will be provided by us: glasses, spittoons, water etc.

Where is it being held?

very generously our friends at Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons have agreed that we can hold our wine school at their superb high-rise offices on the edge of oxford. Great views over the City!
Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons
Seacourt Tower
Botley
Oxford
OX2 0JJ Click here for where to find opur venue, including a map.

What day and time does it take place?

Course starts on Thursday 1st May at 7.30pm until 9.30pm, and every Thursday at same times for six weeks in total

What will be covered each week?

Week one: Sauvignon Blanc - there is more to this than meets the eye
Taste Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Australia and France -plus other aromatic grape varieties like Riesling, Viognier and Gewürztraminer

Week two: Chardonnay - So, you think you know your Chardonnay?
Like Chablis, but don't like Australian Chardonnay? Find out why! Taste Chardonnay's from around the world, plus a bit of Semillon and Chenin Blanc too.

Week three: Cabernet Sauvignon - All by itself, plus with friends
Taste Cabernet Sauvignon, plus see how it changes when blended with it's old friend Merlot. Includes Bordeaux, and New world Bordeaux-inspired blends.

Week four: Pinot Noir, Syrah and a little bit of spice...
Pinot Noir, the Holy Grail of winemaking, plus Shiraz and Syrah - one and the same? Perhaps a bit of Rioja too...

Week five: Port, Sherry and Madeira - not just for Christmas!
What's the difference between Ruby Port and Tawny - why is vintage Port so much more expensive? Sherry can be a great food wine and not just for trifle. Maderia has hidden depths.

Week six: Champagne and sparkling wine
How do you like your bubbles? The perfect way to end our wine course with a bang!

To book places please follow the links below:

Book single places at Surf4Wine's wine school, starting Thursday 01.05.08 - click here

Book double places at Surf4Wine's wine school, starting Thursday 01.05.08 - click here

If you would like more information about our wine school, please do not hesiate to contact Andrew on 01235 821539, or by email: andrew (at) surf4wine (dot) co (dot) uk.

"Having practised as a solicitor for 12 years, I started off my wine career with multi-award winning wine merchants Oddbins in 2000. I’ve since literally steeped myself in wine knowledge and struck out on my own in 2005 as The Wine Detective to present tastings and write about wine. I regularly write for specialist wine magazines including The World of Fine Wine, Harpers (the Wine and Spirit Weekly) and Wine & Spirit and have contributed to the wine publications The World Atlas of Wine, Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book and Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Book.

Hands on experience includes working at wineries in Spain (Bodegas Torres), South Africa (Boekenhoutskloof) and Australia (Cullen) [which explains part of the order!] and an introduction to winemaking course at Plumpton College, Sussex. "