A Taste of Terroir: An Exclusive Wine Masterclass with Darrel Joseph
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 18:00 | ELSA Spa Apartments Tux
We invite you to an evening of discovery, flavour, and conversation. For the very first time in Tux, internationally renowned wine writer, judge, and lecturer Darrel Joseph will host an exclusive Wine Tasting Masterclass for the guests of ELSA Spa Apartments Tux – a rare opportunity to journey through the world of wine with one of its most respected voices.
Discovering Wines of Austria
This masterclass is more than a tasting — it’s a guided tour through Austria’s rich wine heritage and beyond, showcasing styles and stories that will delight both casual wine lovers and dedicated connoisseurs.
You’ll explore:
- A full spectrum of wine styles, including sparkling, white and red, rosé, orange and dessert wines.
- Austria’s flagship grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Blaufränkisch, and Zweigelt — and even special appearances by very rare varietals.
- Organic and biodynamic wines, with a look at Austria’s global leadership in sustainable viticulture.
Darrel’s masterclasses are known for their depth and storytelling. Supported by a dynamic presentation, he will share insights into the history, terroir, and climate of Austria’s wine regions, as well as introduce the featured wineries. You’ll leave not only with your palate delighted, but with a richer understanding and appreciation of what makes an excellent wine – and why.
Hear from a Winemaker
In addition to the masterclass with Darrel, you’ll also meet Chris Sciacca, a passionate sustainable winemaker and founder of Kapitel Zwei (Chapter Two) in Krems. After a career in corporate communications, Chris embarked on a bold new journey — launching his own organic vineyard and experimenting with French varietals aged in amphora. You’ll hear first-hand what it’s like to start your own wine production — and what it means to be a sustainable winemaker.
What to Expect
- A guided tasting of premium wines from across Austria’s diverse regions and styles
- Live Q&A with Darrel Joseph and Chris Sciacca following the tasting
- Opportunity to purchase selected wines featured in the tasting
- Post-masterclass food & wine available for purchase on site
Special Offer for ELSA Guests
Book your stay at ELSA Spa Apartments Tux for the weekend and unlock an exclusive opportunity to attend the wine tasting masterclass:
- Special early bird rate: €70 per person (valid until May 31, 2025)
- Includes free breakfast on Sunday, July 13 (value of €15 per person) and late check-out until 12:00 — so you can savour your stay a little longer
Please note: the masterclass will be held in English.
How to Reserve
When booking your stay at ELSA through our direct reservation system, simply select the Wine Tasting Masterclass as an add-on during checkout. Limited places available — early booking is recommended to secure your spot at this unique event.
In case of any questions, feel free to contact us: info@elsa.tirol, +43 676 3836 888.
We are honoured to welcome Darrel Joseph with his special masterclass – on this, his first visit to Tux – and to offer you this authentic experience as part of your stay at ELSA Spa Apartments Tux. Join us for an unforgettable evening of craftsmanship, conversation, and the joy of wine and life.
About Darrel Joseph
Darrel Joseph is an international wine writer, competition judge, presenter and lecturer based in Vienna, Austria, with a focus on the wines and wine regions of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus countries.
His written work has appeared in numerous prestigious wine publications, including Decanter and Decanter.com in the United Kingdom, Meininger’s Wine Business International in Germany and the US-focused online platform wine-searcher.com. He has also contributed to the Wine Spectator in the United States and Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book in the UK.
Darrel has contributed his discerning tasting skills to numerous renowned international wine competitions: this includes 16 years for the Decanter World Wine Awards in London – for which he also served as Joint-Regional Chair for Central & Eastern Europe in 2022. Other key international wine competitions include Mundus Vini and the Berlin Wine Trophy in Germany, Vinistra and the Kvarner International Wine Trophy in Croatia, the Asia Wine Trophy in South Korea, the AWC in Austria and numerous others in Georgia, Sweden, Albania, Switzerland, Russia, China, France, Italy, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria.
Furthermore, he conducts engaging wine tastings, masterclasses and presentations for wine clubs, wine schools, businesses, and private clients across Europe. His numerous masterclasses have been held from London to Stockholm, Budapest to Zagreb, Copenhagen to Vienna, Moscow to Yerevan, and Bucharest to Berat.
Darrel is also a part-time lecturer in the International Wine Business programme at IMC/University of Applied Sciences in Krems, Austria.
Beyond his writing, judging and teaching, Darrel provides valuable support to wineries and wine organizations through international communication activities. This includes translating PR and website texts from German to English and crafting native English content.
With a professional voice-over career spanning more than three decades, Darrel lends his distinctive voice to narrate films, documentaries, corporate identity videos, and advertisements. Notably, his narration talents have been featured in films about wineries and wine regions. Darrel is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers in the United Kingdom. He also holds the title of Vranec Ambassador, showcasing his expertise and enthusiasm for the Vranec/Vranac grape variety. Additionally, he is a member of the Confrérie de Tokaj in Hungary.