BREAD & WINE

The Bread Course

Using only naturally occurring wild yeasts we will make classic sourdough loaves mastering the techniques for making, shaping, and baking this marvel of ancient alchemy with just flour, water and salt. Over the course of the three days we will explore the nature of wild yeasts and get hands on with the dough

The Wine Course

The Level 1 WSET course is a beginner level introduction to wine suitable for all those who enjoy wine and would like to deepen their knowledge. This qualification provides a hands on introduction to the world of wine, it is a globally recognised wine certification - the starting point for those looking at a career in the winetrade, yet equally essential to those for whom wine is an integral element of their lives and knowing more about it would be very helpful/useful/life enhancingl!

You will explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wine accurately, make food and wine pairings and feel confident in spotting a faulty wine.

Because we are teaming this course with bread-making, it makes sense that we also take a look at the action of yeast in winemaking - comparing wines made with cultured yeasts and wild yeasts (touching on some of the ‘natural wine’ conversation) and having a taste test of a range of Champagnes and ‘traditional method’ sparkling wines from England, Spain and Italy so as to be able to bandy the word “autolytic” around in pretentious wine company. Fortunately we will have plenty of bread to soak up all these samples!

Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

What you will learn about WINE:

• The main types and styles of wine

• Common wine grapes and their characteristics

• How to store and serve wine

• The principles of food and wine pairing

• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

What you will learn about BREAD:

• You will receive instruction on the techniques involved in bread-making, all the while working with our fresh, additive-free and locally-sourced ingredients to put what you're learning into practice with plenty of hands-on experience. 

• How to care for your organic starter,

• How to master the art of kneading the high hydration (ie wetter than normal) dough

• How to shape and score your sourdough to achieve consistently good results in your own kitchen. A longer than average day is needed to allow the slow-rising sourdough to take its time. We think you’ll agree, the flavour, crust and crumb achieved will be worth the wait.

• You can expect expert tips and tricks from Helen--she loves to share the knowledge and passion for bread-making she's developed over her time as a professional baker. ​You'll leave with all the skills and enthusiasm you need to make delicious bread in your own kitchen!

The Baker

Helen Underwood is a Helen Underwood is an award winning artisan baker specialising in sourdough.

Helen founded White Cottage Bakery  in 2013 to put into practice her belief that delicious and wholesome bread should be accessible to all. She believes passionately that absolutely everybody can make great bread—and now spends her time running workshops that aim to help bread-lovers to do just that.

Whether you're a complete beginner or a real bread buff, Helen's expertise and enthusiasm will help you along the way on your very own bread journey. ​Each student will leave their workshop with the skills they need to produce their own beautiful bread to share at home.

Accommodation

Kingston Barns is an exceptional barn conversion that offers well appointed luxury accommodation with uninterrupted views over the Cambridgeshire Countryside just a short drive from the bustling City of Cambridge. The barns are located on the edge of the small peaceful village of Kingston.

PRICING

• Residential - Full board - Ensuite Single - £845

• Residential - Full board - Ensuite Double/Twin Room (price per person, based on two people sharing) - £745

• Non Residential - £595

What is Included:

• WSET Course Level 1 Tuition and all course materials, study guide, stationary, food and wine samples (over 20 wines from around the world will be tasted including the wines of Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Barolo) and exam.

• All Sourdough Breadmaking sessions with Helen

• Welcome breakfast Tuesday 19th May at White Cottage Bakery

• Lunches and light snacks and hot drinks during coffee breaks on Tues 19th and Weds 20th

• For RESIDENTIAL GUESTS: Evening aperitvo and meals with wine Tuesday 19th May and Wednesday 20th May and Breakfasts Wednesday 20th May and Thursday 21st May.

  *For those who have not booked accommodation at Kingston Barns but would like to join for drinks and dinner, this can be organised with Helen and costs £30 per person per meal including wine.

HOW TO BOOK:

Email either myself emily@emilyoh,wine to register your interest, or visit Helen’s website www.whitecottagebakery.com and book directly through her online shop. We very much looking forward to meeting you, making and breaking bread, and raising a glass or two with you!

LOCATION

White Cottage Bakery and Baking School

Church Lane, Kingston, Cambridge CB23 2NG

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 - Tues 19th May

09:30 Welcome breakfast in the bakery 09:30 before Breadmaking begins at 10:00.

11:30: Coffee break and then the WSET Level 1 course begins, “Introduction to wine”

12:00: Sourdough making

14:00 Lunch prepared for us by Helen, served in the cottage or outside in the cottage garden if weather permits.

15:00 Wine sessions continue: “Types and Styles of wine and the Principal Grape Varieties” 

17:30 Check in and free-time for those who have booked accommodation.

19:00 Aperitivo and Evening meal with wine at Kingston Barns.

 
Day 2  - Wednesday 20th May

Breakfast 08:00-09:30 at Kingston Barns for those booked into accommodation

10:00 at the Bakery: The wine course continues with a food and wine workshop: “The principles of food and wine matching”

11:30 - 13:00 Coffee break followed by breadmaking session

13:00 Lunch prepared by Helen served in the cottage or outside in the garden, weather permitting.

14:00-15:30 Wine session “The characteristics of the Noble Grape varieties.”

15:30 Coffee break followed by wine session: “The Common wine faults, service and storage”

17:30 Free time

19:30 Drinks and dinner at Kingston Barns

Day 3 - Thursday 21st May
08:00-09:30: Breakfast at Kingston Barns

10:00 - 11:00 WSET Level 1 Multiple Choice exam (45 mins)

 11:00 Coffee and departure