The Walking Wine Course: Bermondsey Wine Experience

Hi, I’m Carl I’m a wine educator, musician and host, and I specialise in creating relaxed, sociable experiences where people learn something new without ever feeling out of their depth. My workshops are about curiosity, confidence and connection, whether that’s through wine, singing, or a joyful mix of both.I came to wine through people, not pretension. I’ve always loved how wine brings people together around a table, in a pub, or at a celebration, and I became fascinated by the stories behind what’s in the glass. That curiosity eventually turned into formal study, tastings, and then teaching. The pivotal moment was realising that so many people want to learn about wine but feel intimidated by it. I knew I could help change that by making wine feel welcoming, playful and human rather than technical or exclusive.Teaching has always been at the heart of what I do. Before working in wine, I trained and worked as a primary school teacher, which gave me a deep appreciation for how people learn best through encouragement, clarity and a sense of fun. That background still shapes everything I teach today. I love breaking down complex ideas into something approachable, building confidence step by step, and creating an atmosphere where people feel safe to ask questions and trust their own instincts. My work as a choir leader has only reinforced that inclusive, people-first approach.Most people don’t realise how similar wine tasting and music are. Both rely on listening, pattern recognition and confidence, and both get better the more you relax. I often weave these ideas into my sessions, helping people tune in to flavours in the same way they would tune in to harmonies. One myth I especially enjoy busting is that you need a “good nose” or fancy vocabulary to enjoy wine.I’ve been teaching and leading groups for over 15 years, working with hundreds of students across schools, community choirs, workshops and events. I currently run multiple choirs across London and regularly lead large group sessions, socials and team-building events. In wine, I’m studying towards the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and have professional experience working within the wine trade. I host regular tastings, private workshops, corporate events and creative collaborations, always focused on approachability and quality.I’ve taught in established schools and community venues, worked with well-known local businesses, and designed experiences for both intimate groups and larger teams, from relaxed social tastings to more structured learning sessions.What you can expect from my classes is warmth, clarity and plenty of interaction, with absolutely no snobbery. My goal is that you leave feeling more confident, more curious, and excited to keep exploring. Wine should be fun, learning should feel human, and everyone deserves to feel welcome at the table.