The Fosse Wine Society was formed in 1979 when three people, Ken Baker, Les Claxton and Ken Dawson, who lived in the Fosse Road area of Newport and shared a love of wine, came together and undertook to follow a wine course in the Sunday Times by the wine connoisseur Oz Clarke.

As instructed they only consumed wine with a meal of some sort in order to learn how to compliment a meal with the correct wine. 

At first the wine sessions were held in each other’s homes but the membership grew and with the inclusion of Algy Alonzi, whose family owned the Fratelli Italian Restaurant in Newport, the decision was made to hold the wine sessions at the restaurant. 

 In the summer of 2007 following the closure of Fratelli’s Restaurant the Society moved to Ponthir Village Hall. 

Over the years wine from countries all over the world have been consumed and discussed by the members, 

On most occasions a blind tasting session is held in order to enhance members ability to identify the grape or grapes used to make the wine. 

 The object of the society 

The object of the society is to taste and discuss the virtues of wine from all parts of the world, so each member who brings a bottle must research the wine and give a short talk about it on the wine night. 

NOTE

There is of course a slight risk of occasional inebriation but it is a risk worth taking in the pursuit of education and self development.