Decadence, in its “self-indulgence” sense does have an application but it's personal.
All of the above refer to Claridges. It seems almost unnecessary to qualify it as that renowned gastronomic destination in London's Mayfair.
For first-time visitors the intuitive service element is uncanny but just for a while, until you are suddenly aware this is what lesser establishments aspire to provide but seldom succeed.
It's a thrill just to instruct your cabbie: “Claridges”.
They have designed a series of exclusive “wine dinners” for this year (now until October at least) which will be attended by the winemakers themselves from France, Australia, South America and South Africa.
“Each evening is tailored to discerning wine connoisseurs and fine-dining devotees and is a unique opportunity to both celebrate a shared passion and enjoy the company of remarkable wine makers,'' our girl on the inside whispered.
Claridges’ expertly selected wine list and extensive champagne menu, together with its culinary excellence, is well documented.
This year they invite diners to educate their palate while enjoying an evening of convivial discussion amongst like-minded wine enthusiasts, in one of the world’s finest establishments.
Overseas visitors can combine the wining and dining experience with the total Claridges experience by booking into a range of suites designed to satisfy all tastes and oozing style and character.
The wine dinners begin at a civilised 7pm with aperitifs and an informal introduction to the wines of the evening from the winemaker. Guests will be given an insight into the wine making process, the origins of the grape and the character of the wine makers as they expound on their industry expertise and passion.
Dinner itself is served from 7.45pm in the Reading Room, a place of art decor fireplaces, leather columns, rich cushioned chairs and banquettes.
Menus have been crafted to perfectly complement the wines selected for the evening with each of the five courses paired with a different wine, selected by the celebrated wine-maker of the evening.
Space is limited and reservations are recommended via +44 (0) 7107 8842.
Claridges is part of the Maybourne Hotel Group which includes other icons of the great capital, The Connaught and The Berkeley.
To help you plan your wine dinner at Claridges, this is the program:
♦ Bordeaux, May 14: Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateaux and Vineyards represented by director Edouard Thouvenot who will introduce the wines of the evening.
♦ Australia, May 18: Grant Burge, Barossa Valley, represented by Grant Burge, a fifth generation Barossa vigneron and winemaker.
♦ Argentina, September 24: Chakana, Lujan de Cujo, represented by director Gonzalo Perez Cerini.
♦ Burgundy, October 22: Domaine Monnier, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet & Pommard, represented by grower, M. Xavier Monnot, grandson of Rene Monnier and 11th generation winemaker.
♦ South Africa, November 12: Thelema, Stellenbosch, represented by Gyles Webb who directs all farming and winery operations. | 
