TheMerode Cellar Society: Wine Styles & Grape Varieties

In the secrets of slow hours, join us in the wine cellar, for a wine tasting of long-gone seasons.

We are shaping a circle of true wine enthusiasts - a growing community brought together by shared curiosity and a taste for discovery. TheMerode Cellar Society invites you to step closer and take part in bespoke wine tastings and dinners, where each gathering reveals something new.

Discover the fascinating world of wines through an introductory tasting designed as a foundation for those who wish to better understand and explore wine.

This session offers a guided journey through the main wine styles and some of the world’s most emblematic grape varieties, providing participants with the essential tools to approach wine with confidence and curiosity.

From sparkling wines and fresh whites to rosé, elegant reds and sweet wines, each style reveals a unique character shaped by grape variety, terroir and winemaking tradition. Through a curated tasting selection, participants will discover how these elements influence a wine’s aromas, structure and balance.

Special attention will be given to the fundamentals of wine tasting — observing the wine’s appearance, exploring its aromas on the nose, and understanding its texture and harmony on the palate. Practical insights will also be shared along the way, such as ideal serving temperatures, when decanting can enhance a wine, and how to identify the key markers that define both a wine style and a grape variety.

This tasting is conceived as an accessible learning experience, ideal for those beginning their wine journey or wishing to strengthen their understanding in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

The session will be hosted by Benoît Lambillotte, Curator of The Merode Cellar Society.

The Stables Brasserie will remain open in the evening. If you wish to enjoy dinner after the program, you are welcome to reserve your table through this link: https://bookings.zenchef.com/results?rid=372692

speaker

Benoît Lambillotte, Curator of The Merode Cellar Society. Driven by a lifelong passion for wine and sparkling wines, Benoît has spent more than 30 years exploring vineyards across the world, developing a refined and intuitive approach to tasting — from the robe to the nose, through to the palate and its lasting impression. As Chevalier du Tastevin, he holds a particular affinity for Burgundy while embracing a broad and eclectic perspective. Beyond technical knowledge, Benoît is known for his ability to translate individual preferences into meaningful discoveries, guiding participants with authenticity, balance and generosity. At The Merode Cellar Society, his ambition is to create moments where time slows down — where wine, sparkling wines and selected spirits become a gateway to connection, conversation and inspiration.

speaker

After training as a chef, he graduated from COOVI, where he developed the foundations of his culinary career. Following his studies, he gained experience in several restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Michel, before eventually opening his own restaurant. Through his training and work in the kitchen as a chef, his passion for flavors and aromas has always been central to his approach to gastronomy. This natural curiosity gradually led him to develop a deeper interest in wine. During his years in the restaurant industry, he began importing champagne together with his father-in-law to supply their restaurants. This initiative soon expanded to include a broader selection of wines, which ultimately became the foundation of Wijnen Michel. Since 2012, he has continued to expand the wine portfolio of the company, constantly seeking refined wines that clearly express the character of their terroir.

TheMerode Cellar Society: Wine Styles & Grape Varieties

Benoit Lambillotte

Antony Cnudde

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TheMerode Cellar Society: Wine Styles & Grape Varieties

Benoit Lambillotte

Antony Cnudde

Become a member

Reach us

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