The Fun of Learning and Socializing with a Wine Tasting Society!
Live and Learn... At A Wine Tasting Society
The aim of a wine tasting society is to pass on knowledge about wine and its appreciation to interested people in the community. It is slightly different from a wine club, in that its mission has more to do with fun and education than business.
If you are planning to join a tasting society, the first thing you should do is check out what is available in your area. For example, the Tasters Guild of America has local chapters all over the country, and there are many other interesting options both in America and around the world.
Wine For All
The tasting society you choose will have a lot to do with who you are.
Some wine societies are designed for a special social group. For example, there is an African American Wine Tasting Society and there is one for students and staff of Oxford University, called the Bacchus Society, in honor of the Roman God of wine. Cambridge University also has a blind wine tasting society; one of the most fun options as far as wine tasting is concerned. :-)
The formerly elitist model of the tasting society has evolved into a much more fun and open environment.
In spite of some of the examples I've given you here, there is a large number of tasting societies which do not require you to be a member of any group or institution, in order to participate.
Cost & Benefit
Depending on which of the wine tasting societies you choose, it will typically offer training sessions and presentations by wine experts, the occasional trip to the nearby wine country, and, of course, wine tastings, blind tastings, food and wine tastings, and tastings as far as the eye can see, and the palate can savor... :-)
Most wine tasting societies charge either no membership fees at all or only a small one. However they normally do charge a ticket to attend special tasting events.
Members usually get a special price, but guests are also welcome in most cases, so this can give you great opportunities to treat your loved ones to an entertaining wine tasting or a fancy dinner.
Joining In
If you are considering joining one of your local wine tasting societies, it is a good idea to first do some research.
While some of them provide only a social network where it is up to members to create interesting events and meetings... others offer plenty of well organized events where you don't have to do much more than show up (and pay a fee for the privilege!).
Created to encourage learning and socializing, wine tasting societies can be a source of endless pleasure and enrichment for you as a member.
All you have to do to get started is browse our ever growing list of wine tasting societies that cater to your area. If your interest in wine goes beyond the desire to buy and enjoy it, and if you are ready to move on to the next level, I think you will be fully satisfied.
