Wine Club

I belong to a social group that gathers to sample wines, as well as food pairings, under a theme. I am not a wine expert by any stretch but my wife has a better palette. I have found it to be a very good way to be introduced or become more acquainted with different wines.

How it works is that every two months, and every month in the summer, someone hosts a wine tasting. So far it has been by type (like chardonnay ) or region (like beaujolais). The host then provides the food that goes best with the wine and a bottle. Everyone else brings a bottle, couples can bring one from the two of them but should be more expensive than one. We use $20 as a single and $30 as a double. We start at 2pm and a bottle is opened with light appetizers and finger food. A bottle is opened about every five to ten minutes and comments and conversation had by all. Once all the wine has been sampled, its a free for all and the more substantial food is brought out. People talk, converse and have a chance to sober up. The event generally ends at 6pm.

We have twelve people in the club, which is a good variety. Even though my palette has not improved by an amount I do enjoy the food.