Chenin Blanc is taking centre stage at our next guided wine tasting event — Wine Wednesday! Join us in Aberdeen’s west end on June 10th 2026 at SugarBird Union Grove, where we’ll toast to Drink Chenin Day with an exploration of one of the world’s most versatile and expressive grape varieties. From bright and fresh to richer expressions, you will have the chance to taste five Chenin Blancs, each with its own distinctive style. Taking place in our cosy Aberdeen bar and led by one of our resident wine gurus, our relaxed Wine Wednesday tasting events are the perfect midweek activity to help you to build your confidence through curiosity. Forget the pretentious, intimidating wine tastings you’ve seen on TV — at SugarBird Wines, we’re all about helping you create a fun and welcoming wine journey.
Why Chenin Blanc?
If we asked you to think of a white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay would likely be the first to come to mind, and these are favourites for a good reason! However, if you’re looking to branch out, Chenin Blanc is a wonderful next step in your journey of discovery.
Known as Steen in South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the country’s most widely planted white grape, but it was originally native to the cooler climate of the French Loire Valley. Wine Wednesday is an opportunity to explore how this change in temperature creates true flavour versatility, ranging from zesty citrus to tropical melon and pineapple. As you sip your way through our focused selection, our wine expert Euan will talk through these flavour changes and dive into the winemaking techniques that slide the scale from dry to sweet.
The variety of styles available makes Chenin Blanc an intriguing addition to any dinner party, pairing beautifully with seafood, pastas and fresh salads, but also curries, pork dishes, spiced lamb and vanilla-based desserts like crème brûlée. Crisp orchard flavours mingled with bright acidity and honeyed fruit uplift the senses, opening the door to just how expressive white wine can be. It truly is a wonderful exploration for those new to the world of wine tasting and wine enthusiasts alike.
What to Expect From the Wine Tasting
From old world French fizzes to the bright, tropical flavours of new world South Africa, Wine Wednesday will give you a taste of how Chenin Blanc adapts across different climates and winemaking techniques. Diving into some of our favourite sips, our Wine Wednesday tasting selection deliciously demonstrates the shape-shifting potential of Chenin Blanc:
- Château des Cossé Réserve NV, Crémant de Loire
- Radford Dale Vinum Chenin 2023
- Inevitable Wines Chenin 2023
- Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2024
- Moulin Touchais 1986
With so many great options available, it was tough to choose only five! We opted for this selection as each of these wines showcases something unique about Chenin Blanc. The Château des Cossé Réserve is an exquisite traditional method sparkling. The Radford Dale explores the creamy texture and subtle spice flavours that come from the Old French Oak ageing process. Inevitable Wines is one of our favourite creative winemakers, and their Chenin Blanc is nothing short of art. Alheit Vineyards’ Cartology is a Western Cape flagship wine that perfectly encapsulates the South African vibe. And, for something extra special, the Moulin Touchais is a 40-year-old vintage with a complex nose of toffee apple and honeyed fruit. With it being an anniversary year edition, it is also the perfect gift for celebrating milestone 40th birthdays, so we’re excited to share this one with you.
Booking Your Spot
Ready to explore the expansive world of Chenin Blanc? We’d love for you to join us for Wine Wednesday this June! Our intimate, guided tastings are the perfect opportunity for you to try a new experience or expand your existing knowledge.
Visit our events calendar to book your place at our SugarBird Union Grove Chenin Blanc wine tasting experience. Tickets include the guided tasting of five international Chenin Blancs with light nibbles.