Newcastle Wine School
Newcastle Wine School
4.5
Full view
About
The Wine School has regular wine courses on weekday evenings and at weekends, based at Blackfriars in Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar Experiences
Newcastle Wine School
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsContribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
59 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
3
nicola e
Durham, UK9 contributions
Sept 2021
superb day out, full day of wine tasting, started with a glass of champagne.
Louise the tutor was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot during the day.
we had a lovely 2 course lunch in the restaurant, 6 white wines and 6 red wines to try, no scrimping on the size of each glass of wine, thoroughly enjoyable day, friendly people, would definately recommend to anyone who enjoys wine and would like to learn more.
Louise the tutor was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot during the day.
we had a lovely 2 course lunch in the restaurant, 6 white wines and 6 red wines to try, no scrimping on the size of each glass of wine, thoroughly enjoyable day, friendly people, would definately recommend to anyone who enjoys wine and would like to learn more.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie Hill
Durham, UK21 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited Newcastle Wine School as a large group for part of our work xmas night out, and it kicked our night off brilliantly. It was a fantastic combination of being very informative (but not too detailed), with plenty of time for us to chat in between and enjoy the experience as a group. The wine was delicious, we tasted plenty of different types, and had some snacks with it too. The evening was run as a quiz as we went on, so there was an element of competitiveness between our groups which fun. Plus the environment is gorgeous, above the oldy-worldly Blackfriars restaurant, so very atmospheric.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and I am delighted you guys had a great night. Leaning about wine should be fun!
Written 28 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LauraJayneBaker
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK22 contributions
Mar 2020
The variety of wines were great, accompanied by the wealth of knowledge shared. Our host answered every question with enthusiasm and detail, in a beginner-friendly manner. There were a mix of levels of 'experience' in the room regarding wine tasting and everyone clearly enjoyed it and were able to participate as well as received insight.
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review Laura delighted that you enjoyed the experience
Written 31 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Englands
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK17 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We were bought a voucher as a Christmas present so thought we’d make the most of it and go all out with the option to add some food (It was Blackfriars restaurant so knew it would be nice food too)
We were quite surprised on arrival when we were escorted to what was the conference room upstairs. The tables were set out classroom style, and the lights were so bright it really did make you feel you were in a classroom, so not a pleasant environment at all. We did attend during the Pandemic so maybe this had something to do with it but after reading previous reviews I believe the wine tasting events have always took place in the conference room.
The French Lady who did the course was very friendly and informative so this review has no bad merit against her.
The samples of food from the restaurant were also very good.
We felt at £40 per head it was extortionate for what we got, would much rather have spent this on a nice meal in the lovely restaurant downstairs, (we felt quite envious of the customers eating their meals in the cosy restaurant when we left!)
Unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend Newcastle Wine school to anyone.
We were quite surprised on arrival when we were escorted to what was the conference room upstairs. The tables were set out classroom style, and the lights were so bright it really did make you feel you were in a classroom, so not a pleasant environment at all. We did attend during the Pandemic so maybe this had something to do with it but after reading previous reviews I believe the wine tasting events have always took place in the conference room.
The French Lady who did the course was very friendly and informative so this review has no bad merit against her.
The samples of food from the restaurant were also very good.
We felt at £40 per head it was extortionate for what we got, would much rather have spent this on a nice meal in the lovely restaurant downstairs, (we felt quite envious of the customers eating their meals in the cosy restaurant when we left!)
Unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend Newcastle Wine school to anyone.
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michelle
I am sorry that your evening with us didn't live up to your expectation of a restaurant meal.
The experience that you purchased was a class based Food and Wine Workshop in which we pair seven different wines with five or six tapas sized portions of food to demonstrate in a practical setting the principles of food and wine pairing.
This experience requires a certain level of lighting, for example, to appreciate the appearance of the wines. And under the current Covid restrictions we are required to exercise social distancing between tables in the workshop set up.
I am pleased that you enjoyed the food sampled and found your tutor friendly and informative.
Kind regards
David and the Newcastle Wine School Team
Written 29 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nedt014
5 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Attended the wine and cheese tasting. Positives, the presenter was knowledgable enthusiastic and the wine / cheese pairings were thoughtful. On the flip side, for the price, the wines chosen were disappointing and an Aldi Sauvignon Blanc did not inspire at £7.99 a bottle. The cheeses were “OK”, however, they could have been more inspirational and again felt more on the low budget spectrum.
Overall, for £45 a head, and probably 20 people in the room, i feel they should have raised their game and given us something in line with the cost of the evening.
Overall, for £45 a head, and probably 20 people in the room, i feel they should have raised their game and given us something in line with the cost of the evening.
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul
Ponteland, UK14 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Fantastic day at Newcastle Wine School and what fantastic value for money. Such an informative day delivered by the very learned David, we learnt so much.
12 glasses of wine and a 2 course meal in the Blackfriars Restaurant.
5 stars from us without hesitation. 👍👍🥂🍷
12 glasses of wine and a 2 course meal in the Blackfriars Restaurant.
5 stars from us without hesitation. 👍👍🥂🍷
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny shell
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
I organised a private wine and chocolate tasting for a hen party. Louise was our host and so knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The wines and chocolates were also delicious. Very well organised throughout the booking process. Would highly recommend.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akaziya
Newcastle, UK24 contributions
Apr 2010
I would recomend enyone who is tempted by the sugarcoated reviews of this website to slowly turn around and walk away from this establishment. I bough 2 wine and food tasting vouchers for Newcastle Wine School as a Christmas treat for myself and my boyfriend. I was very pleased with my great value bargain - £30 per person - wine and tasting food at Blackfriars ( I love the establishment)! What a wow treat! and what a bitter dissapointment!!!
When we turned up at the Blackfriers - we were taken, oh no, not to restaurant - we were taken to the dusty, cramped conference looking room at the back (you have to go around restaurant, at the back, into dark entrance, walk up the flight of stairs, turn right and through hall into that, shall we call it- conference room). I tried to remain cheerful at that point, but the first impression was spoilt.
The 2 hours of wine testing were initiated with presentation, which in all fairness was informative and interesting, followed by wine testing. The selection of wines were apropriate, but the distribution was below poor. The self-policing mechanism was not working (there were 2 botles of each wine to try among 20 or so people, that were distributed from either side of 2 tables. which ment if people at the top of the table were filling their glasses generously by the time it got to other end you'll be lucky if there was even a drop left. We didn't even get to try a couple of wines...the same was with food (a spoon full of food). somebody obviously had 2 spoons and it ment the rest had none).
We left the establishment dissappoined.
As I had 2 tickets for beer tasting bought at the same I contacted the company advising that i no longer wanted to attend the event diven the performance of the night before and asked for refund.
My request for refund was turned down as you can only get a refund 4 weeks before the event and I had 2.5 weeks left before the beer tasting. I wrote to the owner explaining the aspects of my dissapointment and insisted on refund.
The reply was the hight of cheek - I was told that I was the first dissapointed customer in 30 years! and I was offered a disount for any future purchases!!!
Bottom line - you can get a much better service and value in other places in Newcastle! It is not worth it sitting in a dusty room at the back of blackfriars fighting for the last drop of wine. and if you happened to complain and ask for refund - I wish you the very best of luck as you will be the first customer in 30 years!
I almost let it drop and moved on, but when I saw Newcastle Wine School as a top atraction in Newcastle I thought I'll have my say
When we turned up at the Blackfriers - we were taken, oh no, not to restaurant - we were taken to the dusty, cramped conference looking room at the back (you have to go around restaurant, at the back, into dark entrance, walk up the flight of stairs, turn right and through hall into that, shall we call it- conference room). I tried to remain cheerful at that point, but the first impression was spoilt.
The 2 hours of wine testing were initiated with presentation, which in all fairness was informative and interesting, followed by wine testing. The selection of wines were apropriate, but the distribution was below poor. The self-policing mechanism was not working (there were 2 botles of each wine to try among 20 or so people, that were distributed from either side of 2 tables. which ment if people at the top of the table were filling their glasses generously by the time it got to other end you'll be lucky if there was even a drop left. We didn't even get to try a couple of wines...the same was with food (a spoon full of food). somebody obviously had 2 spoons and it ment the rest had none).
We left the establishment dissappoined.
As I had 2 tickets for beer tasting bought at the same I contacted the company advising that i no longer wanted to attend the event diven the performance of the night before and asked for refund.
My request for refund was turned down as you can only get a refund 4 weeks before the event and I had 2.5 weeks left before the beer tasting. I wrote to the owner explaining the aspects of my dissapointment and insisted on refund.
The reply was the hight of cheek - I was told that I was the first dissapointed customer in 30 years! and I was offered a disount for any future purchases!!!
Bottom line - you can get a much better service and value in other places in Newcastle! It is not worth it sitting in a dusty room at the back of blackfriars fighting for the last drop of wine. and if you happened to complain and ask for refund - I wish you the very best of luck as you will be the first customer in 30 years!
I almost let it drop and moved on, but when I saw Newcastle Wine School as a top atraction in Newcastle I thought I'll have my say
Written 24 March 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
County Durham, UK418 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
The 2nd time I have been here, bought for me as a birthday present (which is an excellent birthday idea) and really enjoyed the evening.
This was the French wine evening hosted by Alex, a mix of 7 wines to taste, don't take the car!!!!.
20 people in the room, a little crowded, excellent wine and excellent knowledge of wine and wine tasting by Alex.
A very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours and not expensive.
This was the French wine evening hosted by Alex, a mix of 7 wines to taste, don't take the car!!!!.
20 people in the room, a little crowded, excellent wine and excellent knowledge of wine and wine tasting by Alex.
A very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours and not expensive.
Written 21 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry K
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK12 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
I was given this experience as a Christmas present from my daughter, and as I'd never been wine tasting was alittle unsure of what to expect. It was a really relaxed, enjoyable evening, Alex the host,was very informative,and had a very approachable manner, he was easy to interact with and the whole session was excellent. The wines were of a very good standard, and a generous amount to taste, at the end of the evening any remaining wine was shared around the group. The group that we were with were very friendly and that contributed to to the atomsphere and enjoyment of the evening. I was with my daughter and we both came away thinking it's something we would definitely like to do again.
Written 24 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience