24th June 2015

Exploring Viscount Fairfax’s cellar

Viscount Fairfax, like any self-respecting Georgian gentleman, prided himself on the fine cellar he maintained. Providing an ample supply of the finest wines was an essential part of eighteenth-century elite entertaining, and the surviving cellar records we have for Fairfax House show how seriously the Viscount took his duties in that respect.

As part of our continuing series of events “Exploring Lord Fairfax’s cellar” we will be offering you the opportunity to learn about and taste the hock, burgundy and madeira that were essential to the miscellany of wines Lord Fairfax kept in his cellar for the enjoyment of his guests – and, of course, himself!

At Exploring Lord Fairfax’s Cellar: A Miscellany of Wine for the Georgian House on Wednesday 8 July, wine expert Richard Goodacre will explore just what wines were available to polite society, and the reasons why they fell both in and out of favour. To illustrate the talk six modern day examples will be tasted.

The tasting begins at 7:00pm on Wednesday 8 July, and tickets are £18 (£16 for Friends of Fairfax House and York Civic Trust members). To book telephone Fairfax House on 01904 655543.