Small Town Winery, 4 Horton Street, Blenheim, Marlborough
A casual wine tasting club where you can bring along a bottle of wine of your own to enjoy and share with friends in our space. Everyone brings a wine, and we mix them up and pour them blind. It’s a great chance to hone your tasting skills and get together with like-minded wine enthusiasts here in Blenheim.
How it works:
You bring a bottle of something interesting to contribute to the tasting, and our team will arrange for blind pouring of all of the wines that our guests have supplied (as well as a few we have added in). There is a $15 cover charge as corkage to cover pouring and food costs (as we will provide a few snacks for the table). We also have a little collection of interesting wines you can purchase to contribute if you don't have a bottle. This wine tasting can be as social or as serious as you like. We will have tasting forms available for you to take notes. If you are coming as a group, you don’t all need to bring a bottle, though the more bottles there are, the less likely you are to easily identify your own wine! This is a social event where you can meet other local wine enthusiasts. All are welcome, but you must be 18+ to participate.
FAQs
What food is included?
Cheese, charcuterie, sourdough, crackers and other snacks. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you arrive,
How many wines will there be to try?
It depends on how many people attend but we have had between 6-18 wines at previous blind tasting nights.
How much do I have to spend on the bottle I bring?
There is no minimum and we have had wines ranging from $10-200. You can bring something from home, the supermarket or pop into a local bottle shop or cellar door to find something interesting to share.
Can I take my wine home after?
Absolutely, there is usually plenty left over and you are welcome to take them home.
How serious is it?
As serious as you like, many attendees just like to drink the wine and relax. Some of our regulars take a few notes and talk about the wine as we try and guess variety, origin, vintage etc.
I'm coming with a friend, do we have to bring a bottle each?
No, one per group is enough but you are welcome to bring more if you want.
Do I have to book?
No, but if you are coming with a big group it is recommended.
Do I have to book tickets online?
No, many attendees just pay at the bar at the end of the tasting.
I'm on my own, can I still attend?
Yes! We always welcome new members and there is a friendly group of regulars who like to meet new people and talk about the wines as we taste them.
I don't have a wine to bring, can I still join in?
Yes, we have a few bottles of interesting international wines on hand that you can purchase at cost price and we will add them on your behalf.
Can I attend if I don't know much about wine or wine tasting?
Absolutely, that's what this tasting club is all about! Learning more about what different wines taste like and how to identify them. We have people of all experience levels join in.
Will you still be open if I just want to come in to enjoy the wine bar?
Yes, we are open as usual for the duration of our wine club tasting. It's held at one of our large tables and we always have other groups enjoying our regular service while we run the tasting. We do recommend booking if you are coming with a large group so we can make sure there is space for you.
