The first of The 2012 Tesco Wine Fairs kicked off in Manchester last weekend to a roaring success. The Wine Tipster was once again presenting at the Tesco Workshops and as ever we had full sessions, packing plenty in to our 30 minute themed  tastings. This year in my Campo Viejo Rioja masterclasses, which included their impressive Tempranillo 2010,  we really had everyone thinking they were in Logrono (well , almost)  with manchego, delicious Gordal olives and moreish Salted Marcona Almonds from the wonderful Brindisa in Borough Market – you can buy online, so get ordering.  In the Jacob’s Creek sessions, strawberries were the perfect match to their fruity, light and lower alcohol Cool Harvest range, whilst in the New Zealand workshop Brancott Estate’s quality Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs were bang on form as ever.In this session The Wine Tipster also featured one of the best easy drinking and completely underrated reds around: Brancott Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011, £36.00 per case of 6 x 75cl down from £65.94 per case, Tesco Wine Club which is a steal at this price.

Away from the workshops there was an opportunity for everyone to have a go at a new, fun competition where you could become the guest pundit for the Tesco Wine Community and win a year’s supply of wine. To enter visit the Tesco Wine Community at each of the fairs and also remember whilst you are there to download the new Tesco Discover App.

Thank you Manchester and see you in Bristol 22nd/23rd September , Brighton 29th/30th September, Edinburgh October 20th/21st October or London 27th/28th October.