Plumpton launches UK’s first Wine Sensory Symposium

Wine education specialist Plumpton College will host the UK’s first Wine Sensory Symposium next month at Denbies in Surrey, which will focus on the perception of new wines.

Due to take place at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking on Monday 20 April, the symposium will bring together leading lights from the UK wine industry and researchers from the fields of modern applied sensory and consumer sciences.

Dr. Maria Pilar Saenz-Navajas from the University of Zaragoza will report on recent advances in the understanding of taste and mouthfeel of red wine

The event will explore the perception of new wines and new wine regions, with a focus on how to convey quality to help the wines excel at export and in the UK trade.

“It is extremely important for the wine industry to know more about the perception of wine quality among consumers and its influence on their preferences,” said Dr Heber Rodrigues, Plumpton wine division MSc programme manager.

“This is particularly important when it comes to decision-making and the consumption of non-traditional wines,” he added.

Kicking off at 9am, the symposium will be chaired by Plumpton wine division’s Dr Gregory Dunn and Dr Heber Rodrigues.

Among the speakers at the event will be professor Barry Smith from the University of London, who will explore the perception of aroma and flavour in‘novel’ wines.

Professor Wendy Parr from Lincoln University in New Zealand will look at the psychological aspects of wine appreciation; while professor Dominique Valentin from the University of Burgundy will offer a cognitive perspective on wine typicity.

Dr. Maria Pilar Saenz-Navajas from the University of Zaragoza will report on recent advances in the understanding of taste and mouthfeel of red wines; while Tony Milanowski from Rathfinny Estate will explore the impact of different dosage styles on English sparkling wine.

Tickets cost £149 and are available through the Plumpton website. The symposium will finish at 5:30pm.