We’ve always been big fans of Caprice for its amazing wine list and fantastic cheese selection. When we learned that they are introducing a wine club for guests at all levels of wine proficiency, we had to find out more.
At the kick-off event, we were treated to an intimate experience that left us feeling as though we had been invited for fun (yet classy) aperitifs in the wine cellar of a knowledgeable friend who we don’t get to see enough and who had thoughtfully paired some of his favourite wines and cheeses. An added bonus was the venue, with the Cheese Cellar at Caprice located behind the kitchen, where guests are afforded a view into the looking glass while the staff are busy prepping for dinner (eg shaving large amounts of truffle!).
The evening began with head sommelier Sebastian Allano at the head of table as the gracious host. Each tasting course consisted of a pair of wines thoughtfully selected to compare and contrast, with Allano taking part in the tasting and sharing the wines’ history and culture through personal stories and anecdotes. The relaxed, intimate setting made us feel comfortable about sharing our own thoughts and feedback on the wines.
Beginning with a personal favourite, the tasting kicked off with champagnes including Pierre Gimonnet Millesime de Collection Blanc De Blancs 2006. Sommelier Allano then took us on a personal journey through the Loire Valley, from the unforgettable Saumur L’Insolite Dom Des Roches 2014 to a classic, heavy Bordeaux from Château Clarisse. Ending on a sweet note with universal sommelier fave Château-Chalon from Dom Pichet and a late-harvest muscat from the Rhône, it felt as though we had gone on a world tour of wine in only an hour.
Despite the sophisticated setting, the experience never felt over the top or intimidating. The small group-to-sommelier ratio made it easy to ask questions and swap stories, with Allano being honest about the wines that he personally loved and those that he didn’t like as much but felt deserved a place at the tasting. Each wine had a story and reason to be there, which made the tasting and experience even more enjoyable. No tasting notes were shared during the tasting, allowing for an informal, open and relaxed discussion on what each of us thought about the wines instead of thinking too hard about how they should taste.
Verdict
With this kind of host in an unforgettable yet cosy setting, we’ll definitely be returning to Wine Club at Caprice with friends to continue our wine exploration and education.
Wine Club at Caprice begins in April with head sommelier Sebastien Allano of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong hosting an intimate one-hour wine appreciation class once per month at two-Michelin-starred Caprice. The first Wine Club class, Syrah vs Shiraz, will be held on Tuesday, 11 April 2017. Guests will have the chance to explore how the differences in the climates of various countries bring about contrasting characteristics of the same type of grapes used.
Classes are open to beginners and aficionados alike and run from 6–7pm, either in the Cheese Cellar or Caprice Bar. Each class is priced at $850 per person, including all wines. Guests can book by phoning 3196 8690 or sending an email to boutique.hkg@fourseasons.com.
Wine Club at Caprice
When: 11 April, 9 May, 6 June, 11 July, 1 August, 5 September, 10 October, 7 November, 5 December 2017
Time: 6–7pm
Venue: Caprice Bar or Cheese Cellar , 6/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central
To book: Call 3196 8690, email boutique.hkg@fourseasons.com for the themes or refer to the Events and Promotions page on the Four Seasons website