Tasting With The Hens

On Saturday Trevor was lucky enough to be invited to Munden House, Sherborne to run a tasting for a Hen Party of 14 very lovely ladies!

Alongside Annie's food we tasted 5 of Ricco's fine Italian wines; Chloe Prosecco, Albana di Romagna, Giocheremo Pecorino, Sangiovese di Romagna, L'Intruso and Visciola. All were very well received, but after a show of hands, the Chloe was declared the winner - a great example of a dryer style of Prosecco from the Althea cantina.

Not only was this group a great pleasure to be with, but I was highly impressed with the diversity and quality of their collective palate. The views and feedback made this a truly thought-provoking and special tasting for me, highlighting once again the individuality and excellence of modern Italian Wine.

Colin and Annie's presence and level of service make Munden House a very warm and intimate environment, spoiling quests with their attention and quality of accommodation. The package is rounded off with fantastic food, wine (sourced from Ricco) and a wonderful location - Ricco highly recommend a visit.

Ricco's Winter Tastings

Heading towards the Christmas period, Ricco is set for a busy session of tastings.

On the 27th October Ricco is off to the The Purefoy Arms at Preston Candover for an evening with Hampshire's Women In Business group. Guests are set to enjoy a 2 course meal accompanied by a tasting of Ricco's Wines. The excellent food, ambiance and service found at The Purefoy is due to the husband and wife team of Andres (chef) and Marie-Lou (front of house), who have recently scooped Hampshire Life's Pub of the year 2011. A great country pub venue; so if you require good food, ambiance and some of Ricco's Wines I strongly suggest you pay them a visit.


Next, on the 29th of October Ricco will be at Munden House in Sherborne, Dorset; A hen party will enjoy Trevor's undivided attention for a lunchtime tasting of Ricco's Wine. A top quality Bed and Breakfast owned and personally run by two of Trevor's great friends, Colin and Annie. For a quiet, quality break, Munden House is perfect - as is Colin's front of house and Annie's cooking! A good range of Ricco Wines can be found on the wine list here.


November begins with a trip across the border to Welsh Wales on the 8th, for an Italian wine tasting and supper at the Hardwick at Abergavenny. Accompanied by winemaker Alberto Longo, Trevor will present five of Alberto's wines, accompanying a superb five course Italian menu, courtesy of chef / owner Stephen Terry ably assisted by his wife Jo. The whole team here are rightfully very proud of their achievements and it is venue that I personally find very difficult to leave.


The 18th of November finds Ricco at the Unicorn Inn, Heyshott. New to Ricco, the Unicorn commands a good reputation locally for its food, wine and hospitality. Head chef, nicknamed 'Bird' will provide a tasting menu to match Ricco's Wines. Tickets are available, call 01730 813486 for more information. We look forward to being there.

Topping off November Ricco will be hosting its annual Winter Wine Tasting on Saturday 26th of November at Grayshott Village Hall. As always, guests will enjoy a sit-down four course meal, preceded by a Prosecco reception and then a tasting of 10 red and white wines, in the company of guest wine makers. A great chance to catch up on some new wines and vintages, a perfect occasion to stock up for Christmas and New Year - a 5% discount will be offered on purchases of 12 or more bottles. Tickets are £27.50 per person and are available from our shop on 01730 894751 or Email trevor@riccowines.com.

On the 10th and 17th of December (10am-8pm), Ricco invites customers to join us for an informal tasting of our range of wines; wines for your Christmas and New Year, gifts and advice for perfect food and wine matching - achieve top marks, even from the mother-in-law!

Early greetings for the season,

Trevor and the team at Ricco.

Friends of Ricco - Munden House

Munden House, Luxury B&B

Having known Colin and Annie for 10 years it was a pleasant surprise to hear of their new venture at Munden House, a beautiful collection of old farm cottages just 3 or so miles from the Dorset town of Sherborne. As well as excellent accommodation, Colin and Annie can provide you with a great venue for a family party, small wedding or gathering.

Together they provide a warm and personal service and during a stay here you would be wise to take advantage of Annies' delicious home cooking. Utilising the freshest local produce, Annies' constantly rotating menu wont fail to please.

The quality of the food at Munden is complimented perfectly by Colins' wine list, providing excellent matches for Annies' food; wines of interest, versatility and exclusivity. From this concise list, Colins' expert choice of wines can accommodate anything - from an aperitivo on the patio, to a superb desert wine to share with your friend, partner or lover.

From £95 to £140 per room, (including breakfast), Colin and Annie provide a warm, hospitable and relaxing experience. A perfect location from which to explore the coast and hinterland of Dorset and Ricco are very proud to be associated with them.