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The Tasting Class has had a front row seat to how the alcohol industry in the UAE operates for over a decade. However, we only recently got a front-row seat to see its first “port of call” in the UAE—pun intended. I’ve spent years explaining to guests at tastings why provenance and storage in restaurants — and how to care for your wines at home — matter. But this was the first time I was properly stepping behind the scenes to see how transportation, importation, and warehouse

Now that Dubai’s weather has finally cooled down and everyone is back from their summer travels, it’s the perfect season to gather friends, family, or colleagues for a unique evening at home. And what better way to connect than with a private wine tasting in Dubai—brought straight to your door by The Tasting Class? Why Choose a Home Wine Experience in Dubai? When you book with The Tasting Class, a professional sommelier in Dubai comes to your home fully equipped with premium

July brings with it two wonderful reasons to pop a bottle of wine, Father’s Day and International Chenin Blanc Day, so why not celebrate both with a grape that’s as versatile and full of character as dad himself? Here are some of The Tasting Class picks from Dubai Duty Free, exploring a trio of South African Chenin Blancs that showcase how dynamic this grape can be. Though French in origin, Chenin Blanc has truly flourished in South Africa. It was the first grape variety that

At The Tasting Class, our mission has always been simple: to deliver the best possible wine education experience in the UAE. That means every detail of our courses is designed to inspire, engage, and immerse our students in the world of wine. When you join us for an in-class course, you’re getting more than just a qualification—you’re getting: •Exceptional Wines – Carefully curated to reflect the diversity and quality of each region and style we study. •Talented, Highly Qua

We had the most incredible night out at Dinner by Heston, trying it again since Chef Chris Malone took over the helm. This Aussie chef has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, including the three-Michelin-star Eleven Madison Park in New York! He’s also been crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Young Chef of the Year’ in Australia. While you can order à la carte, we went for the full experience with their degustation and wine pairings. It only makes sense

Love cheese? Enjoy wine? Even better—love both? Join us for an indulgent evening where delicious meets educational. In this Wine & Cheese pairing Masterclass, we’ll uncover why some pairings sing in harmony while others fall flat. It’s a flavour-packed crash course designed to help you get more joy from every bite and sip. Why Pair Wine and Cheese? Every taste transforms your palate—just think of the magic of cookies and milk… or the horror of orange juice after toothpaste. P

As we cheer on our current WSET Level 3 students heading into their exams, it’s the perfect time to share some of our top tips for success in this challenging and rewarding qualification. It’s also the perfect moment to announce that enrolment is now open for our next WSET Level 3 course, running on the following Sundays: 11, 18 & 25 January, 8, 15 & 22 February 2026 This six-day advanced course is ideal for anyone serious about their wine journey, whether you’re in the in

This November, Dubai Duty Free delivers a little taste of France — just in time for Beaujolais Day, that joyful celebration marking the end of the grape harvest in France. We’re talking about three delicious wines that capture the spirit of French winemaking: two from Burgundy’s iconic Maison Louis Jadot, and a beautifully refreshing rosé from Provence. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or simply love discovering new wines, this month’s selection has something to make you p

Choosing the perfect wine for a wine lover can feel intimidating, and it’s easy to reach for the familiar bottle of Champagne. While premium bubbly is always appreciated, many other wines can truly impress and show how much thought you put into your gift. Here are some standout options that will delight the wine enthusiast in your life and make them feel extra special. 1. Premium New Zealand Pinot Noir Go beyond Marlborough and explore Pinot Noir from Martinborough or Central

Christmas Gift Guide for the Beverage Connoisseur in Your Life Have you got to find the perfect gift for a wine, whisky, or beer enthusiast in your life? Well, your local beverage pros have compiled this list of great options from unforgettable experiences to unique accessories, there’s something here for every palate and preference. A Seat at the Whisky Origin Stories Program For the whisky aficionado, this is a must-have experience! Hosted at BOCA, this immersive evening be

You know that moment when you’re walking through an airport, making sure you’ve got all your luggage with you, and popping in for a quick stop at Dubai Duty Free — because the selection is huge, the prices are great, and the speciality products are always tempting… and you’re there anyway. You know you’ll kick yourself if you miss the chance to stock up. That was me at Dubai Duty Free the other day when I spotted the Johnnie Walker City Lights display. I knew I had some work

Baoli at Dubai’s J1 has built its reputation on glamorous nights that blur seamlessly into high-energy parties, but its recently launched lunch service reveals a softer, more relaxed side of the restaurant. Visiting during the day feels like discovering a new personality altogether — one that’s elegant, social, and perfectly suited to long lunches, beachside afternoons, and easy conversation. From the moment you arrive, Baoli’s scale and design stand out. The venue is expansi

On a recent trip to New Zealand, I woke up on New Year’s Day with a mild hangover — but there was no way I was going to miss my one chance to explore the wines of Martinborough. This tiny wine village at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island has earned an outsized reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated Pinot Noir regions, and it doesn’t take long on the ground to understand why. Martinborough is compact, calm, and quietly confident. Vineyards sit just out

Some wines ask for a special occasion. Others fit effortlessly into everyday life, without ever feeling ordinary. That’s where Bread & Butter shines. These California wines are made with a clear focus on balance and bold flavour, but with none of the intimidation that can sometimes come with wine – the kind of bottles you can open with confidence, whether you’re hosting friends or winding down at home. After all, Bread & Butter themselves say right on their website that they

If CQ French Brasserie feels familiar, that’s because… it is. And that’s very much a good thing. The much-loved French bistro has just opened a new location in Barsha Heights at the Grand Millennium Hotel, bringing with it all the things that made its JLT outpost such a favourite — comforting French food, a buzzing atmosphere, great-value deals, and a wine list that doesn’t make you wince when the bill arrives. You might also recognise CQ as the evolution of Couqley, a brand

Life in the UAE moves fast. One week we’re in a far-off city for work, the next we’re barefoot somewhere tropical, and before we know it we’re back home. We’re used to movement here — and we thrive on it. But fine wine does not. One of the things we teach at tastings is that great bottles are alive. They grow older. They evolve while resting. Over time, they develop the complex, layered characters that can only be achieved with patience. They mature beautifully in the right e

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the few celebrations of a single nation that truly transcends borders. On March 17, everywhere in the world that the Irish diaspora has touched turns green — and it’s also the perfect moment to raise a glass to Ireland’s remarkable drinks culture. At Dubai Duty Free, travellers can explore an impressive range of over 50 Irish products available across whiskey, gin, liqueurs, and beer. While the culture of enjoying a drink or two is deeply ingrained

Love cheese? Enjoy wine? Even better—love both? Join us for an indulgent evening where delicious meets educational. In this Wine & Cheese pairing Masterclass, we’ll uncover why some pairings sing in harmony while others fall flat. It’s a flavour-packed crash course designed to help you get more joy from every bite and sip. Why Pair Wine and Cheese? Every taste transforms your palate—just think of the magic of cookies and milk… or the horror of orange juice after toothpaste. P

As we cheer on our current WSET Level 3 students heading into their exams, it’s the perfect time to share some of our top tips for success in this challenging and rewarding qualification. It’s also the perfect moment to announce that enrolment is now open for our next WSET Level 3 course , running on the following Sundays: 11, 18 & 25 January, 8, 15 & 22 February 2026 This six-day advanced course is ideal for anyone serious about their wine journey, whether you’re in the

This November, Dubai Duty Free delivers a little taste of France — just in time for Beaujolais Day, that joyful celebration marking the end of the grape harvest in France. We’re talking about three delicious wines that capture the spirit of French winemaking: two from Burgundy’s iconic Maison Louis Jadot, and a beautifully refreshing rosé from Provence. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or simply love discovering new wines, this month’s selection has something to make you