The best of the best: The Golden Vines® Masterclasses
The Golden Vines® attract a diverse and international audience, but the people who joins us in our fabulous host cities are united by one thing: a shared appreciation for the best wine, and an insatiable curiosity when it comes to learning more about a field where, luckily for all of us, there’s always something new to try. With so many master winemakers gathered in one place, this is a unique opportunity to mix with the great and good of the industry, and learn directly from some of the most respected winemakers and producers in their field. 2024 is no exception, and our team has worked tirelessly to provide attendees with a luxurious selection of unique and exclusive masterclasses over the course of the weekend.
Here are just some of the incredible opportunities available to attendees:
Dom Pérignon Masterclass
California Masterclass
America's Golden State is famed for rich, ripe, fruit-laden wines and California is renowned for producing wines with big personality. A must for anyone wanting to learn more about some of the state’s iconic producers, this intimate masterclass will introduce you to vintages from BOND, Opus One, Ridge Vineyards, and Vérité, all currently making waves in the USA’s much lauded wine scene. Taking place at Madrid’s luxurious Santo Mauro Hotel, this guided tasting will introduce you to the very best of the West Coast.
Dom Pérignon Masterclass
A Champagne that needs little by way of introduction, each bottle of Dom Pérignon is a singularly luxurious experience that speaks to the year of its production. Much more than a simple sparkling wine, these are moments in time with an unparalleled legacy. Hosted by Daniel Carjaval Perez, Oenology Heritage Manager and Winemaker at Dom Pérignon, this masterclass will take you on a journey through time and introduce you to rare and highly sought after vintages from a winemaker synonymous with excellence, including Dom Pérignon Vintage 1995-Plénitude 2.
Italian Icons Masterclass hosted by Gabriele Gorelli MW
A convivial masterclass showcasing six stellar wines from Italy presented by Tuscan Gabriele Gorelli MW in the presence of the producers. Gabriele can trace his wine roots all the way back to his grandfather, the smallest renowned producer of Brunello di Montalcino, and his passion for Italian wines is intoxicating, matched with incredible expertise. Joined by the producers themselves, Gabriele will lead guests through a tasting of Argiano, Borgogno, Casanova di Neri, Il Marroneto and Roagna and Passopisciaro, with the chance to try some exceptional vintages and speak directly with the people who make them.
Château d'Yquem Masterclass & Lunch
Hosted by Château d'Yquem President Pierre Lurton, Estate Manager Lorenzo Pasquini and Mathieu Julien, this masterclass is a must for those with an interest in Sauternes. Château d’Yquem is the leading estate in the Sauternes appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. It has long been reputed for making one of the world’s great sweet wines. Taking place in the refined surrounds of Spain’s French Embassy, this is guaranteed to delight the gourmands amongst us.
Burgundy Masterclass
Burgundy is the home of big, bold, elegant wines and this is your chance to explore some of the greatest examples from the region. Hosted by Théo Dancer of Domaine Vincent Dancer, Thibault Jacquet of Domaine Bonneau du Martray, and Maxime Cheurlin of Domaine Georges Noëllat at Madrid’s beautiful Four Seasons Hotel.
Maison Krug hosted by Chef de Cave, Julie Cavil
Spanish Masterclass with Marqués de Murrieta, Vega Sicilia, Commando G, Clos Mogador + Epicure
We couldn’t come to Madrid without capitalising on the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the country's very best producers. Join us at The Ritz where Spain’s leading winemakers will but on a show for you, taking you through some incredible bottles from Marqués de Murrieta, Vega Sicilia, Commando G, Clos Mogador and Epicure Wines, including Castillo Ygay 2012, Castillo Ygay Blanco 1986 and El Mago Rancio.
Maison Krug hosted by Chef de Cave, Julie Cavil
Joseph Krug had a dream: to create the very best Champagnes possible. Since then six generations of winemakers have produced world-beating bottles, maintaining an unparalleled legacy across the decades. With respect paid to the particulars of both time and terroir, each glass is a sensory journey and an unmitigated pleasure. Julie Cavil holds the storied position of being the first female Cellar Master at Krug, and her expertise and enthusiasm are unrivalled. She will lead guests through an exclusive masterclass covering key Krug Champagnes which have come to define the brand and set the standard throughout the Champagne world.
New World Masterclass: Catena Zapata X Penfolds X IWA
The innovation currently on display in New World winemaking is enthralling, with winemakers innovating, pushing boundaries and embracing the freedom to explore new expressions. The results are some of the most exciting wines to emerge in recent years. Hosted by Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Adrianna Catena from Catena and former Dom Pérignon cellar master Richard Geoffroy from IWA, whose latest venture includes a new experiment in premium Sake, guests will be guided through signature bottles from each brand in the beautiful surroundings of Madrid’s Club Vinos de Amazonico. With just 25 spaces allocated, this is your chance to get up close and personal with producers and explore the best the New World has to offer.
New World Masterclass with Catena Zapata X Penfolds X IWA
With more details to be announced the weekend once again promises to be truly spectacular. The Golden Vines® are about so much more than celebrating our winners. They are about coming together to celebrate an industry we are all passionate about, meet fellow enthusiasts, and create some unforgettable memories over three very special days in Madrid.