On the evening of 18th July, over 40 guests gathered at the Lansdowne Hotel for a celebration of French flavour, finesse, and friendship. A French Wine Pairing Dinner which was Melissa’s first evening since taking the helm of Pop n Pour and was based on her tour around France in June. From sparkling beginnings to a decadent sweet finish, each wine was selected to reflect the character of a French region and perfectly paired with a seasonal, French-inspired menu.
We welcomed guests with a glass of Champagne Yveline Prat—elegant, crisp, and celebratory—paired with a duo of canapés: Goat’s Cheese & Red Pepper, and Smoked Salmon with Dill. The bubbles cut beautifully through the creaminess and richness, setting the tone for what was to come.
Next, Cuvée Minette Côtes de Provence Rosé was served alongside Grilled King Prawns Provençal with Mediterranean Vegetables, or a Vegan Grilled Cheese alternative. The rosé brought freshness and delicate red fruit notes, enhancing the herbal, sun-drenched flavours of the dish—a true taste of the South of France.
For the main course, we explored the heart of Burgundy with the Bourgogne Rouge 2023 ‘Escargot’ by Damien Martin—a light, expressive Pinot Noir full of red berry and spice. It paired effortlessly with a comforting Coq au Vin, served with pomme purée. The vegan version, made with French green lentils, was equally flavourful and hearty.
Guests enjoyed a glass of AOP Coteaux de l’Aubance, Château Princé 2024, a luscious overripe, sweet Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Paired with a golden Tarte Tatin, the wine’s honeyed fruit, fresh acidity, and hint of minerality balanced the richness of the dessert beautifully.
As the evening drew to a close, tea and coffee were served with a Marc de Champagne white chocolate truffle—supplied by the wonderful Deliciously Sweet local chocolatiers. It was a delicate and luxurious bite that brought a sparkling end to a truly memorable evening.
The room buzzed with conversation as guests explored new pairings and learned about the stories behind the bottles. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us—it was your warmth and enthusiasm that made the evening truly special. We’re also delighted to share that the evening’s raffle raised £210 for our chosen charity, The Children’s Respite Trust—a fantastic result for a wonderful cause.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was your warmth and enthusiasm that made the evening truly special. And of course, thanks to the Lansdowne Hotel for their flawless hosting and to their kitchen team for a beautifully executed menu.
If you missed this one, don’t worry—more events are on the way! Check our website soon for details on:
Until next time—santé!
Come and join the wine lovers wine club, make and meet friends, discover treats!