FAQs About TWM Private Wine Tastings
by: Aris Ragouzeos
For some time now The Wine Merchant has helped its customers host private wine tastings, seminars and dinners. Here, in the format of FAQs (frequently asked questions), are the facts you'll need to know about hosting one of these festive yet informative tastings.
- Where are these tastings held?
- Tastings are conducted anywhere in the RTP area the customer desires (e.g. private homes, residential clubhouses). They can also be done at the Raleigh or Cary stores.
- What is the format of these tastings?
- In our experience, most of these tastings are part of a general party atmosphere. Our wine tastings are enjoyable and fun, working within the overall mood and flow of the party, but they are also educational with enough structure to keep events flowing in a timely manner. If you wish a more formal, educational course like structure, we can easily do that also.
- How are the wines chosen?
- This is a joint decision between the host and The Wine Merchant staff member who will be conducting the tasting. It is based on one or more of the following factors:
- The theme of the tasting.
- The taste preferences and experience of the host and guests.
- The foods being served.
- The budget as decided by the host.
- After discussing these factors, the staff member will select the wines and present the selection to the host for approval. Advice in selecting appropriate food items can also be given at this time.
- What about glassware?
- The Wine Merchant will supply up to 36 glasses. We use Riedel's "overture" series 12 ounce glasses, because a proper glass is essential to the enjoyment of fine wine. It should look good, feel balanced, be of an appropriate size for the job and most importantly have a tulip shaped bowl to allow for swirling to concentrate aromas. It also makes sense that everyone should have the same type of glass.
- What does the host have to provide?
- Pitchers of water, bread and/or crackers are essential. A few dump buckets are also necessary. Hors d'oeuvres and mild cheeses are always welcome but not necessary.
- What types of topics will be discussed?
- Deciphering labels.
- Grape varieties and their flavor and structural characteristics.
- The wine's region of origin, winemaking techniques and vintage and how they affect the wine.
- Judging wines by objective standards of regional and varietal correctness, structural balance and flavor concentration as well as subjective standards, complexity, individuality and likability.
- Pairing wine with food.
- Aging potential.
- Any questions guests might have on any wine related topic.
- Will tasting note sheets be provided?
- Always. Although many people do not take notes at a party, the sheets do provide a list of the wines tasted that can be useful in purchasing them later.
- How many wines are tasted?
- No less than four and no more than eight. Four or five wines are appropriate for tastings that are a preamble to a meeting, such as a neighborhood club or sorority alumni gathering. Six to eight wines do nicely for a party or seminar atmosphere.
- How long does a tasting last?
- For a tasting of 4-5 wines, about one hour is needed.
- For a tasting of 6-8 wines, 11/2- 2 hours will be needed (and often a little extra time for questions).
- The Wine Merchant staff member will arrive about 15 minutes before the tasting to set up. We attempt to make our tastings flow with the mood and atmosphere of the gathering while maintaining some structure. We gladly answer all questions but reserve some for after the tasting if the number of questions or the length of the answer will throw off the timing.
- How much wine will be needed?
- This depends on the number of people and nature of the tasting.
- 12 participants / bottle = 2-oz sample.
- 16 participants / bottle = 11/2-oz sample.
- 24 participants / bottle = 1-oz sample.
- To fully judge the wine 1-oz. is minimal, 11/2-oz is preferred.
For wine with food also, 11/2-oz is minimal, 2-oz. is preferred.
If there are many foods to be sampled or the party will continue after the tasting portion, more wine may be needed.
- What are the costs?
- Cost of the Wine:
This can be determined in one of two ways.
- Price per bottle:
The host decides on an average cost per bottle, which will reflect the quality level, desired. In our experience, $8 - $10 is the minimum figure, $12 - $15 is the most popular and $20 is great for special tastings with high end wines. The service charge will be added as a separate item (see below).
- Cost per person or total budget:
If the host decides to specify cost on a per person basis then the host must guarantee a specific number or people will attend at least two days before the tasting so that a total cost can be determined. The Wine Merchant staff member will then choose appropriate wines at prices that will cover (with the service charge added) the total cost specified by the host.
- The Wine Merchant service charge for personell.
- $60 -- For a 4-5 wine tasting scheduled for one hour.
- $75 -- For a 6-8 wine tasting that will last about 11/2 -21/2 hours.
- $30 / hour -- For additional time.
- The Wine Merchant rental charge for private store tastings.
- $50 -- Rental charge for private tastings held at the Raleigh or Cary store after hours.
Go To TWM Home Page
www.thewinemerchantinc.com/PrivateTastings.html
-- revised January 1, 2008 -- by:Aris Ragouzeos
