We rounded off our Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations this week with one of our hugely popular evening tasting events – with guests sampling a wide range of Fairtrade Wine and Chocolate.
Taking place in our Chelmsford Quadrant department store, a packed restaurant came to experience an evening of delicious drinks and well matched chocolate flavours, all under the expert tutelage of Neil Bull, owner and Chief Tutor at the Essex Wine School. Amongst those in attendance were the Deputy Mayoress Susan Sullivan, her consort John Piolo, and key members of the Fairtrade Committee who were instrumental in Chelmsford becoming one of the first cities granted “Fairtrade City” status.
Although a light-hearted event, the importance of Fairtrade – now thirty years in existence – was made clear. A quiz between rounds proved hugely inciteful, whilst a video at the halfway point was informative and made the purpose of the evening all the clearer. You can watch the 3 minute film, about how Fairtrade Wine saved a village in Argentina, here.
Pairings on the night included Co-op Fairtrade Torrontes Chardonnay with Co-op Fairtrade Chunky Salted Caramel and Pretzel Chocolate, Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda Malbec with Co-op Dark Chocolate and Raspberry, and Don David Fairtrade Cabernet, matched with both Co-op Fairtrade 85% dark chocolate AND Co-op Irresistible Aberdeen Angus Steak and Peppercorn Sauce crisps. Co-op’s award-winning Irresistible Prosecco also made a guest appearance, being matched with Co-op Fairtrade Dark Chocolate and Orange.
Guests said, “Absolutely brilliant evening!” , “Knowledgeable, great camaraderie” , “loved the participation and engagement, excellent explanations” , “Neil’s pairings were wonderful and great support from the background crew”. A raffle saw one lucky winner walk away with one of everything sampled.
We’ve held a large number of Fairtrade events over 30 years, many including presentations from Fairtrade beneficiaries coming from overseas. Tasting events have always proved popular, and we try to hold at least two a year with different themes.
If you’re interested in a future tasting event, potentially a Cheese and Wine evening next Spring, please let us know.