How we taste Wine

Welcome to Similar Minds tasting! Here’s how we keep things fun, fair, and flavourful.

What to Bring:

• Two bottles of wine to take part.

• Bottle #1 is for the blind tasting. Please wrap it ahead of time and make sure it’s ready to pour (chilled or decanted if needed).

• Bottle #2 is for the bottle exchange at the end. It’s best if it ties into the theme — whether by grape variety, region, style, or spirit.

How the Tasting Works:

Step 1: Hand Over Your Mystery Bottle

Check in with the moderator and submit your wrapped bottle. They’ll handle the lineup and keep it anonymous.

Step 2: Sip & Socialize

While the wines are being organized into flights, feel free to mingle, catch up, or talk shop.

Step 3: Taste the First Flight (3–4 Wines)

• Swirl, sip, and take notes.

• Share your thoughts. Discuss, debate, agree or totally disagree — that’s half the fun!

Step 4: The "Options" Game

• The moderator reveals one bottle and the person who brought it.

• That person gets to ask up to 3 (or 4) multiple-choice questions based on the wine’s facts (region, grape, vintage, etc.).

• Everyone answers. Points are awarded for correct guesses.

• Then it’s on to the next wine!

Step 5: Rinse & Repeat

• Pour the next flight and start again.

• Taste, discuss, reveal, quiz — you know the drill.

Spare & Share — The Grand Finale

Once all wines are revealed and points are tallied, the exchange begins!

• Those with the most points pick first from the bottle swap table.

• Everyone goes home with something new to try — a little reward for sharp tasting (or lucky guessing).

Tips for First-Timers:

• Spittoons are available — use them as needed.

• Bring your own water bottle to help reduce waste.

• Dress in layers — tastings often happen in cellars, and temperatures can shift.

• Food pairings are welcome (and appreciated), but not expected.

• Pitching in with cleanup earns you eternal gratitude — and maybe bonus karma for the next bottle pick.

Looking forward to tasting with you! 🍷✨