Wine takes flight in Mayfair

The Chesterfield Mayfair has recently launched an innovative addition to their wine program, and the idea is really taking off. A Flight of Wine consists of a small glass of three different wines, all similar in style, served side by side to allow guests the opportunity to compare, select, and enjoy their favourite with their meal.

Reflecting the arrangement of the wine list by style – with, for example, Sauvignon Blancs listed under ‘Fresh & Lively’ and robust Bordeaux under ‘Big & Bold’ – there is a flight to highlight each category of wine, with eight in total.

Sommelier Tara O’Leary introduced the concept to encourage guests to try something different and experiment with varietals and regions they may not have come across before, and the flights have been selected to showcase some more unusual grapes, such as Grüner Veltliner from Austria and Merlot from Brazil, that she feels deserve greater exposure. “It’s not often you have three bottles of wine open at home, so this is a fun way to experience three similar wines and hopefully find a new favourite along the way” said Tara.

Unsure of what to expect, smiles of delight are the usual response as the stand, resembling a winding grapevine, is delivered to the table with three glasses of wine seemingly floating in air, with the wines presented in the order Tara suggests they should be tasted. The guests are responding to the opportunity with enthusiasm. “My husband and I enjoy wine, but don’t know much about it”, said a recent diner, “and this was such a fun way to experience something new. We discovered a new favourite, and thoroughly enjoyed the bottle we ordered for our dinner.” As a further incentive to experiment all of the wines featured on the flights are also available by the glass.

Tara organizes monthly wine tastings at The Chesterfield Mayfair on the first Thursday of every month, and in collusion with the executive chef hosts several multi-course wine dinners throughout the year.

For more information visit Chesterfieldmayfair.com.