BARE 2: Understanding Flavour, Palate & Pairings

Following the success of our first BARE session, we’re back with BARE 2 — a relaxed and interactive introduction to the art of food and wine pairing.

This session is designed for anyone who wants to better understand how flavours work together. Whether you’re in hospitality, curious about wine, or simply love good food and drink, this is a welcoming, hands-on experience that will help you build confidence in tasting, describing, and pairing wine with food.

Hosted at Lubber Kitchen, the evening will feature five carefully selected wines, each paired with a bespoke canapé, designed to explore contrast, balance, texture, and flavour intensity. Guided by two outstanding sommeliers from the North East, you’ll learn how to identify flavour profiles, understand your own palate, and discover why certain pairings work so beautifully.

Expect an easy-going, sociable session with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share impressions, and develop practical tasting skills that can be applied both professionally and at home.

Your hosts:

Ailsa Samuels – House/Assemble
Specialising in natural wines and known for her approachable, friendly tasting style.

Vanessa Stoltz – Sommelier at Pine, Northumberland
Bringing fine dining expertise and insight into what makes a truly memorable pairing.

What’s included:

• Five wines
• Five paired canapés
• Guided tasting and pairing session
• Take home resources

No prior wine knowledge is needed — just curiosity and a love of flavour.

About The Table Project

The Table Project is an initiative that celebrates and supports women in hospitality through training, events, and community.
For more information or to support this event, contact: info@tableprojectnortheast.com