Russia has been known for its love of champagne since production began in earnest in the 18th Century. At the Three Emperors Dinner in Paris in 1867, King William I of Prussia ordered Champagne Louis Roederer to be served. A few years later Roederer Champagne became the champagne of the Tsar’s court and in 1876 Cristal was born. All this and more will be discussed at the Pushkin House Wine Club on Thursday 13th February. The tasting will be exclusively devoted to champagne and there will be a maximum of 20 places available, so book early to avoid disappointment.

It is said that the very first vineyard in Russia was planted in 1613 by the first Romanov tsar, Mikhail, who ordered the creation of a “garden of the tsar’s court”. Since then, many tsars and governments have come and gone but the fascination of Russia with wine has gone from strength to strength. So come to the Pushkin House Wine Club to talk about and taste some of the styles of wine from all over the world Russia has enjoyed drinking over the centuries. And as usual, someone will go home with a prize wine after winning the mini-quiz.

Tolstoy’s ideas, novels and life are still highly relevant in the modern world. War and Peace remains one of the greatest novels ever written. “Greatest” is a word which Tolstoy does not take lightly. As he himself said, “there is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness, and truth.” So come to the Pushkin House Wine Club on the 10th October, 19.00–20.30 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of War and Peace and the life of its author with wines he might have drunk and enjoyed.