Explore the sites and stories behind a selection of cheeses, wines and one whiskey that all hail from island locations, in collaboration with the Academy of Cheese.
Event details
Our very own Master of Wine Lydia Harrison has joined forces with cheese guru Patrick McGuigan once again to bring you another delicious, and maybe slightly competitive, evening of cheese and (mostly) wine pairings.
This time Lydia and Patrick will explore the similarities, differences and delights of cheese and wine from islands. From Sardinia to the archipeligo of Azores and to the windswept shores of Ireland, you'll be sure to discover your new favourite pairing.
You'll discover what makes these incredible cheeses and wines so distinct, looking at production techniques and maturation options shape the complexity and quality of the final product.
Wine List:
- Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko 2023, Santorini
- Clos Culombu Vin de Corse Blanc 2023, Corsica
- Can Axartell Vino Rosado de la Tierra de Mallorca 2025, Mallorca
- Henriques & Henriques 15yo Sercial, Madeira
- Barbagia Rosso 'Ghirada Garaunele A', Esole 2022, Sardinia
- Passito di Pantelleria, Sicily
- Green Spot Single Pot Still Whiskey, Cork
Tasting level
Intermediate:Ìý An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.
About Lydia Harrison MW

Lydia is a born and bred Londoner and has spent her entire career in the wine industry, starting in retail at Majestic Wine where she worked for six years, during which time she completed the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Diploma with Distinction and won the coveted Vintners' Scholarship for the highest mark in the UK trade.
Today, Lydia is Head of Education and Events at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø School London, ensuring that our offering is packed with opportunities for you to taste an eclectic range of wines, spirits, sake and now beer.
Lydia is also one of our core educators, teaching about wine at all levels including the Level 4 Diploma in Wines.
She became a Master of Wine in August 2019 after completing a research paper focused on online wine education. She is also a Bordeaux Ambassador for the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) and a Certified Sherry Educator. Read our Q&A with Lydia.
About Patrick Mcguigan

Patrick is a Brighton-based freelance food journalist and cheese writer, who contributes regularly to titles including The Telegraph, The Financial Times, Harrods Magazine and Restaurant, among many others.
As one of the country's leading cheese writers and communicators, Patrick has interviewed many of the world's best cheesemakers, affineurs and mongers, writing extensively on the subject for the Telegraph, among others, and appearing on BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme.
He hosts regular talks and tastings for the public, trade and press, and is a senior judge at the World Cheese Awards and the Cheesemonger of the Year award. He also runs training courses at the School of Fine Food and has studied cheese at the School of Artisan Food, the Cheese Guild and the Academy of Cheese.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note:ÌýThe sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.

