5 Reasons You Should Go To A Wine Tasting

It’s all the rage and all the cool big kids of legal age are doing it, but what’s the fuss about? Even if you’re not into wine (yet), here are 5 excellent reasons to work a wine tasting into your schedule.

1. It’s Social

Want to make more friends? Need to break out of your current bubble? Tired of the same boring networking meet ups? A wine tasting is just what you need to shake up your social circle. Infinitely superior to meeting people in a bar or a networking event, a wine tasting offers a safe environment to interact with new people.

First of all, a wine tasting will attract like minded people that you might not otherwise meet at a random bar or party. Chances are you won’t find yourself across the table from the scrappy guy who just wants beer and tequila shots after a long day of playing video games. (Hey dude, no judgement, k? We also love beer and tequila.) Don’t worry about being stuck for conversation, a wine tasting has a ready-made topic: wine! You have an automatic conversation starter, even if your introduction is something like: I don’t know anything about wine, but I wouldn’t mind refining my palate. So what got you into wine?

2. Be a Constant Learner

We get it, the idea of wine tasting almost inherently accompanies a sense of intimidating snobbery. OR… you could look at it like this: the only reason some people know so much about wine is because they’ve put a lot of work and practice into it, and if you’re going to “study” anything for a hobby, wine is a damn good option.

There are so many intricacies in wine that any sommelier worth her salt will be the first to admit she still has more to learn. You’ll be surprised that learning just a few key points will drastically up your wine knowledge game. Sure, there are bull-shitters and wine snobs who will look down on you for now being in the know about some cult label that you can’t pronounce, but you’re much more likely to meet people who just want to know more, like you. Pass the glass, time to start studying!

3. Impress Your Friends

What, you’re not so shallow as to do something just to impress your friends? Yeah right. You don’t have to pontificate about the subtle nuances of slightly tanned leather and crushed marjoram and we’re not endorsing claiming to know more than you do. But the ability to go to a restaurant or wine shop armed with some knowledge to apply to the wine list is sure to get you at lease subtle positive recognition in your company’s view. Out with a client, your employer or a date? Even better.

4. Refine Your Palate

Now let’s get into what should be the most obvious reason- actually appreciating the wine itself. When you’re just starting out, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the cheap glass you had at your friend’s home on Saturday from the nice bottle you had at your parent’s anniversary dinner on Wednesday. The key is to try different wines side by side to distinguish the difference, and decide which one you like better. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. The goal is to figure out what you like, and there’s no better way to do that then to try and compare multiple wines at a time.

5. Save Money

The first way to save money with a wine tasting is that, well, it’s often a cheaper form of entertainment than going to a restaurant and ordering a bottle, or if you’re in Singapore, than going to a bar and having a few glasses there. If you keep your eye out (ahem… by looking at our Ultimate Wine Events Calendar…), you can find events for less than $50 or even free.

Once you’ve saved money on your night of going out, you can then save by learning which wines you love and what’s not to your taste. If you discover you prefer a rich, bold taste, why waste money on a bottle of Burgundy just because someone else claims it’s the best? Know your tastes and you’ll be able to make an informed decision on what to buy, saving your wine- and your money- from going down the drain.

Convinced yet? Browse through our Ultimate Wine Events Calendar to sign up for your next tasting!