Guided Tasting Experience
A progression from clean white wine into traditional Georgian amber wines
Explore the TastingEvent Overview
This tasting moves from a clean Georgian white baseline into transitional, semi-dry, and fully traditional amber wines. Guests will feel and understand what changes when skin contact is introduced, how structure evolves, and how qvevri tradition shapes flavor.
Tone: Relaxed and conversational — guided discovery, not a lecture. Guests are high-novice and experiencing these wines for the first time.
Experience Arc
Before We Begin
Follow this sequence for each wine. There are no wrong answers — just pay attention.
The Lineup
Ordered from clean white through to traditional amber. Each wine answers a question about what amber wine is.
Glass Strategy
Each guest has 3 glasses. As new wines are poured, the oldest glass is removed — keeping a maximum of 3 wines visible for side-by-side comparison.
Food Pairings
Each pairing performs one specific job. Food is served on shared boards after the initial wine tasting, never at the same time as the pour.
Portions per guest: Cheese 0.5–1 oz · Meat 1–2 slices · Nuts a small pinch · Fruit 1–2 pieces · Crackers 1–2. These are tasting bites, not snacks.
Host Guide
Follow this timeline. Each round runs about 12–15 minutes. Wine first, food second. Ask questions before explaining. Let silence happen.
Setup & Preparation
Later wines need more air. Open bottles early on a counter — never pre-pour into glasses.
| Wine | Open | Temperature | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine 6 — Vazisubani | 90 min before | 50–58°F | Most structured; needs time to soften tannin and earthiness |
| Wine 5 — Kisi Qvevri | 60 min before | 50–58°F | Qvevri wines can be tight at first; air reveals complexity |
| Wine 4 — Teliani Blend | 30 min before | 50–58°F | Spice and dried fruit aromatics improve with air |
| Wine 3 — Georgian Sun | 20 min before | 50–58°F | Light skin contact benefits from gentle oxygen |
| Wine 2 — Alazani | 10–15 min before | 45–50°F | Optional; minimal structural needs |
| Wine 1 — Marani | Just before start | 45–50°F | Fresh and delicate; pre-pouring flattens it |
Shopping List
Tap items to mark as purchased. All items are store-accessible with minimal prep.
Your Tasting Notes
Select a wine and fill in your notes. Notes are saved locally in your browser.
Print Materials
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