Deepen your wine knowledge - join our Masterclasses
We are a group of wine enthusiasts who organize 5-10 curated tastings per year with the goal to deepen our understanding of wine and the regions they come from. Through the power of comparison – whether it’s appellations, vintages, or grape varieties – our Masterclasses provide a unique opportunity to learn, compare, and contrast wines. It’s how we’ve grown in our own wine journey, and we want to share these experiences with you. While we take tasting and note-taking seriously, we also cherish the camaraderie and ‘convivialité’ that wine brings.
In addition, we will also report from the road (link) when we visit wineries or write educational pieces.
2026 Event Calendar
Azelia – Tasting across single vineyards
Azelia has mastered a Barolo style that balances classic structure with lovely perfume and softness.
Thur, XXX. February 2026, 1900h
Fully Curated 250 .- Fr
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
Jura - Burgundy's wild mountain cousin
Once obscure, Jura has become a sommelier’s favorite – explore these soulful wines with us.
Thur, XXX. March 2026, 1900h
Fully Curated 250.- Fr
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
California - 50 years after
The Judgement of Paris
How are California Cabs/Blends fairing today? We will taste the finest, vintage 2015 or older.
Thur, XXX. April 2026, 1900h
BYO: 140.- Fr.
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
Gantenbein Chardonnay
vertical 2010-2023
Switzerland’s cult white – will it stand the test of time in our extensive vertical?
Thur, XXX. May 2026, 1900h
Fully Curated 350.- Fr.
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
Krug Grande Cuvée
vertical 2007-2016
Champagne’s benchmark for uncompromising craftsmanship, 120 wines are blended each year into their Grande Cuvée.
Thur, XXX. June 2026, 1900h
Fully Curated 350.- Fr.
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
July / August – Summer Break
Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
2015 or older
Chambolle is know for its elegant wines. We will taste the best 1er Crus from top producers
Thur, XXX. Sept. 2026, 1900h, BYO 140.-Fr.
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
Bordeaux 2016 - 10 years on
Back to classicism – 2016 is often regarded as the best vintages in the 21st century, so far. We will taste Grand Crus from the best Chateaux.
Thur, XXX. Oct. 2026, 1900h, BYO 140.-Fr.
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
La Paulée de Zurich 2026
Our grand BYO Burgundy year-end bash
Limited to 150 pax
Sat, 07. Nov. 2026, 1200-1800h,
Report from last year
Chez Smith, Grubenstrasse 27, Zürich
Modus Operandi:
- Most of our events are BYO, but in some instances we curate all the wines of a Masterclass. If so, we’ll publish the exact line-up. The price always includes a 3-course menu matching the wine theme, water, coffee and corkage fee, suitable glasses and sommelier support. In addition, as hosts, we will bring aperitif and “encore” bottles – so be surprised.
- BYO details: Everyone brings a suitable bottle according to the theme. To avoid duplicates, let us know your wine choice upon registration so we can react if necessary. Make sure that the temperature of your bottle is correct on arrival, this will greatly help with serving logistics. If you feel your bottle needs aeration, please do so before arrival e.g. via double decant, slow ox, etc. It will help your wine to show at its best.
- Anyone who would like to join but does not have a matching bottle is still welcome. When registering, just let us know that you need a bottle. We will be happy to help you out with one from our cellars and email you a suggestion.
- The number of participants is typically 10-15 people, which allows a good tasting pour for everyone.
- At the beginning of the tasting we will introduce the wine theme. We have a dedicated room for us, in the wine shop at Chez Smith.
- Wines are served blind in flights of 3. At the end, a “group ranking” of the wines of the evening the will be drawn-up and we’ll write a short report on this site.
–> See past events.
Cheers and see you soon!
