Who we are
Oxfordshire Wine Tastings was formally set up in 2026 by Natalie Cross DipWSET.
Who is Natalie?
Natalie spent almost a decade in hospitality and retail (up until 2021) when she pivoted her career into the impact sector. Although she never stopped following her love of wine, completing her WSET Diploma in 2022 and still doing tastings for friends, family and colleagues.
Whilst her toe was firmly still in the wine trade, and regularly attending Champagne Academy events since 2019, she came across more and more people who lacked confidence and understanding around wine - and this is where Oxfordshire Wine Tastings steps in!
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Oh, I mean I would have to say Champagne, and choosing just one is impossible!
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Completing my WSET Diploma - I still wake up and forget that I have actually completed it. I have the occasional dream (or is it a nightmare) that I have another exam to complete…
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I was lucky enough to have been successful in joining The Champagne Academy in 2019 for a week in Champagne hosted by the 16 Grand Marque houses - this was by far my most memorable week ever (sorry Husband!) as it was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn’t be able to do again [photo on the right is me receiving my certificate signed by all the houses].
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This is either ‘fake’ offers on wine in retailers - it is a true art to work out what is really a good deal, and people who brag about their wine knowledge without reading the room first - we know, we get that you love Bordeaux and have a family friend that owns a vineyard!
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I have found some truly wonderful wines in the ‘bin end/clearance’ of a supermarket - I once paid £70 for Krug, found some stunning English Sparkling wine at nearly half price and so many more!
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I love seeing someone’s face light up when they try a wine they love for the first time! I also truly love surprising people when they say they hate a certain grape (particularly Chardonnay), region, style or producer and then seeing how their feelings change when I can show them options they do really enjoy….I love a challenge…
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Having spent years in hospitality and retail, I saw so many people struggle with choosing wine off a supermarket shelf, picking a wine from a restaurant list (by default picking one up from the cheapest), showing a blank face when a sommelier pours a splash in a glass or any other scenario.
I wanted to change that, I want to empower people (especially women) to own those moments, to know what to say or what to do, to be able to act with confidence around wine.
This is why I dedicate time at your tasting to debunk those wine myths, to allow a space where you can ask the burning questions that you have always wanted to ask and to feel comfortable with knowing it is answered honestly and within judgement!
