We take our senses for granted, we savour fine wine and fine food and when we can take time to smell the roses. Imagine a world without smell or taste, without these senses how flat the world must seem.

Fifth Sense is the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders. Significant numbers of people in this country are affected by a smell and taste disorder which impacts their physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety. Often ignored and unheard, people living with impaired smell and taste can often experience mental distress through feeling disconnected from their loved ones and cut off from simple pleasures such as enjoying a meal or wine.

In Exeter, on Thursday 15 December we are planning a special fundraising event, a wine tasting led by Rebecca Mitchell, certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and certified educator for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Rebecca’s career in the wine trade started at Bordeaux University where she wrote her dissertation on the Terroir of the Médoc wine region. She is also a wine judge and panel chair for a number of wine competitions including the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) and is a regular contributor to Devon Life.

As we come into Christmas, Rebecca has chosen a selection of festive wines to inspire us including a sparkling wine, white, rosé, red, a dessert wine and finally a fortified wine expertly paired with a selection of West Country cheeses. The evening will consist of a tutored presentation of six interesting festive wines from around the world. An epicurean delight and educational experience with which to impress friends and family over the Christmas table with your knowledge of wine!