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Bespoke Wine Tastings Crafted Exclusively for Your Private Gathering
I provide bespoke in-person wine tastings throughout the Central and North Okanagan—an engaging and refined way to celebrate special moments or elevate an intimate evening with friends and family.
Amor Towles beautifully described wine as “the ultimate distillation of time and place; a poetic expression of individuality itself.” While wine language can sometimes feel abstract or distant from the liquid in your glass, I invite you to discover how to truly decode this “expression of individuality” in a welcoming and relaxed setting—your own home.
Gather your friends for a captivating and educational journey through carefully selected wines, where stories, sensations, and shared discoveries come to life.
I bring everything you need: thoughtfully curated wines, elegant glassware, and insightful stories that bring each bottle to life. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience promises to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of wine.
These personalized tastings also make exceptional gifts for the wine lover in your life—an invitation to explore, savor, and celebrate together.
Wine 101
$50
per person
Perfect for those who are new to wine. I will guide you through 5 wines so that you can get to know your preferences, how to describe them and feel confident in shopping for wines that you will love.
Wine Comparison
Starts at
$60
per person
Ideal for new or experienced wine enthusiasts to improve their tasting skills by comparing wines. Choose from one of my suggested tasting themes or we can build a custom theme that interests your group. 5 wines are included.
Wine Icons
Starts at
$80
per person
Designed for experienced tasters who want to learn more about iconic wines or winetasting regions. 4 wines are included.
Guided wine experiences
Wine 101
Perhaps you’re just beginning your wine journey, wondering, “How is wine made?” “What are the main styles?” “How do I select a good bottle?” or “How can I describe the wines I enjoy?” I’m here to guide you through these questions—and many more. The most enriching way to learn about wine is to taste it, and I’ll take you beyond the classic five “S’s” of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor.
Together, we’ll explore five distinct wines, uncovering the language and techniques to identify what delights your palate—and what doesn’t. Wine tasting is a personal experience, with no right or wrong answers—just discovery and enjoyment.
This relaxed and engaging experience unfolds in the comfort of your own home, where every question is welcome. As Charles Proteus Steinmetz wisely said, “No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.”
Priced at $50 per person (minimum charge of 6 people)*.
guided wine experiences
Wine comparisons
One of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to deepen your wine knowledge and refine your tasting vocabulary is through guided side-by-side comparisons.
In this experience, I’ll lead you through two thoughtfully paired flights of wines, followed by a blind tasting of a fifth wine—an opportunity to apply your newfound skills and sharpen your sensory awareness.
Whether you’re looking to fill a gap in your wine knowledge, explore a specific region, or dive into one of the curated themes listed here, we’ll collaborate to create a tasting experience tailored perfectly to your group’s interests and curiosity.
Prices starting at $60 per person (minimum charge of 6 people)*
guided wine experiences
Icon tasting
Some wines—and the regions they hail from—have achieved legendary status. From Italy’s Super Tuscans, Barolos, and Amarones, to the Grand and Premier Crus of France, Germany’s finest Rieslings, and California’s iconic Meritage blends, these wines are celebrated, collectible, and often elusive due to their prestige and price.
But what truly sets them apart? As author David McRaney observed, “Expensive wine is like anything else that is expensive: the expectation it will taste better actually makes it taste better.” Is he right?
Why not gather a group of friends and explore the answer for yourselves? I’ll guide you through a comparative tasting featuring one of these iconic wines alongside lesser-known neighbours or similar varietals—served blind. Without knowing the price tag, can you identify the most expensive pour? The results may surprise you—and the journey will certainly delight.
*Prices include the following
01
A 30 min pre-consultation
I will work with you to create a personalised tasting session to help you achieve your winetasting goals.
02
Wine
I provide 4 or 5 wines to explore the theme that you prefer. 1.5 oz tasting servings will be poured. Contact me if you want to add additional wines to the package. Average wine prices will determine the final cost.
03
Wine glasses and spittoons
I supply ISO INAO wine tasting glasses and encourage you to spit rather than swallow. You are responsible for providing water glasses and water.
04
Wine tasting scorecard, placemat and other aids
I will provide material to guide and assist you in taking wine tasting notes.
05
Knowledge and experience
Each 1.5-hour guided tasting is designed to help you explore and refine your wine tasting skills. Drawing on my background in viticulture and wine education, I will guide you in discovering your own ability to describe and appreciate wine with confidence.
I will arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to set up the tasting and ensure a seamless experience.
Should you wish to include additional wines in your tasting, extended guided time is available at a rate of $50 per additional 30 minutes.
06
Ideas for snacks and decor to accompany wines
I’ll bring neutral crackers to help cleanse the palate during your tasting, and I’m happy to suggest snack and décor ideas that match your chosen theme—just let me know!
You’ll be responsible for providing any plates, cutlery, and decorative touches like table coverings to help set the scene for your event.
Wine tastings are available throughout the Central and North Okanagan. Travel beyond a 50 km radius from Vernon, BC may incur an additional fee, based on distance and time. Please inquire when booking, and I’ll provide a clear estimate.
Invoice, payment, and cancellation policy
Once we have settled on your package and theme I will invoice you. At that time I will require a deposit of $150. Final and full payment is due on the day of the event. e-transfer is preferred, but Square payments are accepted.
Plans change—we understand! Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to your scheduled tasting will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 3–6 days will receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of the event.
If you need to reschedule, I’ll do my best to accommodate a new date with at least 72 hours’ notice.
