After last year’s success in London, Rhône in White comes to Edinburgh for the first time. From expert-led tastings to a summery dress code, db previews the event.
With the UK enjoying a run of hot weather, thoughts have turned decisively to white wines, and Rhône Valley Vineyards is poised to take advantage. After a successful London event in 2024, Rhône in White is taking over Edinburgh’s rooftop SKY Bar on 4 June for a day celebrating the region’s white wines.
Rhône Valley Vineyards is offering a comprehensive walkaround tasting of the region’s white wines from 12–5pm: a fantastic chance for Scottish wine trade professionals to reacquaint themselves with the region.
The day will see more than 100 wines opened, spanning appellations such as southern stalwarts Côtes du Rhône and Gigondas; northern crus including Condrieu and Hermitage; and off-piste selections like Muscat de Beaumes de Venise and Clairette de Die.
To help visitors get the most from the selection, the wines will be organised by style profile rather than appellation. These are Fresh & Lively, Fruity & Round, Rich & Complex, Sparkling and Sweet & Fortified. Given the region’s huge diversity, it means visitors can easily find the wines they need in the selection.
Work hard, play hard
For those looking to delve deeper into the region, Rhône in White is offering masterclasses on the day. These will take place at ‘Le Verre Blanc’, the Edinburgh tasting’s pop-up wine bar, and will have two of the UK’s leading Rhône experts hosting them.
Matt Walls is an award-winning writer and judge, whose book Wines of the Rhône was shortlisted for a 2021 André Simon Food & Drink Book Award. Alistair Cooper MW has written extensively on the region and has market experience all over the world.
Titled ‘Appellation and Natural Spaces - Environmental Influences on Wine’, the first masterclass promises to explore the region’s geographic diversity. From Costières-de-Nîmes, close to brushing the Mediterranean, to the inland ‘roasted slope’ of Côte Rôtie, nature and geography are indivisible from the Rhône’s winemaking prowess. It will take place at 12:30pm, in an informal format, with food pairing and canapés highlighting the food-friendly and accessible styles of Rhône wines.
The second masterclass will dig down into one of the most famous areas you might see on a bottle of French wine. ‘Exploring the Crus of the Côtes du Rhône – From South to North’ will begin at 2:30pm and examine the individual crus behind the popular wider appellation.
Registering in advance is advised for both masterclasses to ensure a spot. Efforts will be made on the day, however, to accommodate as many visitors as possible.
Of course, once the serious tasting is complete, the serious fun can begin. Although an essential date for buyers, Rhône in White is also an excuse for wine professionals to converge in Edinburgh for a fun, social occasion.
With no staining red wines to worry about, the dress code is white – not strictly enforced as a door policy, we are assured, though organisers hope to see a parade of summer fashion.
Once the tasting is done, the evening extends into an after-party open to the public with select bottles, canapés and music. Great wine, great company and (hopefully) sunny views – squint, and you might just believe you are in the south of France.
Visitors can register to attend the tasting on 4 June through this link.
