Wine tasting - two friends having a cheers!

Before we embark on our custom wine-tasting adventure

Planning our experience begins with a simple choice

Do you explore palate or place?

And never fear, intrepid friend - we can always return and take the other road next time!

A sense of place - Nicky with crossing arms with 2 directional signs behind her. Tain Hermitage or Crozes Hermitage.

Place - a sense of provenance and terroir

  • Try a different region, producer, or estate.

    Let’s highlight and showcase your favourite region: Central Otago, North Canterbury, Marlborough, or Hawkes bay. We might also explore with a focus on wineries - Pegasus Bay, Felton Road, Craggy Range.

    Taste a range of wines from the same region or terroir.

  • Okay, so you love Chardonnay. Let’s try some of these wines from different parts of New Zealand and the world. Oaked or unoaked, the choice is yours.

    Central Otago Pinot Noir, compared to Waipara Pinot, could be fun!

  • Contrasting Countries, Regions & Varieties e.g Hunter Valley vs Barossa Valley  — Australian Riesling vs New Zealand Riesling.

  • Let’s compare French Pinot Noir to their New Zealand counterparts.

A sense of palette - a woman appreciates a glass of bubbles

Palate - invigorate and educate the senses

  • Can you tell the difference between Champagne, Cava or Prosecco? Let us take you through a range and see if the mousse/bubbles differ.

  • Have you tried a vertical tasting? This is where you get to try a wine from current vintage through to 10/15 years old.

    Eg: 2024, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008,  2004  (subject to availability)

  • This one is for the boundary pushers - someone who likes something a little different. 

    Natural wines are very hip right now, and if you would like to try some, I can select a few and bring them to you.

  • Consider a sweet or fortified wine for the end of the evening, such as Sauternes dessert wine or Port.

    It's even better to pair it with dessert: Perhaps crème brûlée with Sauternes, or chocolate cake with Port.

  • Consider making the event more mysterious (perhaps competitive) with a blind-tasting format—a game built on collaboration and decision-making.

    Each of your guests will try to determine which wine is which based on experience or textbook clues

Masterclass - close up on a glass of white wine

Are you already a wine aficionado?

Masterclass — for serious drinkers

A sit-down tasting and interactive conversation to explore the world’s great wines.

Country or region, the choice is yours. We can try wines from France, Italy, Germany, North or Southern Rhone, Austria, Tokaj, Greece, Spain, Portugal, USA, Chile, Argentina or South Africa.

Learn more
Wine tasting options - a glass of white wine being poured.

The options available are limitless. Let’s talk about your tasting preference and budget.

Book your wine experience