Tasting Group FAQ | The Grape Grind

FAQ

1. Do you have to be a student or can this just be done as a fun monthly activity?

Although this was created with students in mind, it’s not an exclusive group. It’s ideal if you are studying for a blind tasting portion of an exam, but it’s also open to those who want to sit in and learn the ins and outs of blind tasting…or just get started! Whatever your situation, you are welcome!

However, I should also note that this is NOT a class or blind tasting 101.

We will have a great time, but also follow the typical structure of a blind tasting group, breaking down what’s in the glass! Ideally, it will challenge everyone, but also be an enjoyable experience, and most of all a safe space to learn and ask questions!

2. Is payment month-to-month or recurring?

You have the choice to order a one-time bundle each month OR you can set a subscription to pull monthly for 3, 6, or 12 months. The 6 and 12-month options are discounted so I’d recommend choosing that if you plan on hanging out for 6 months to a year!

If you choose the ‘one time’ – you will be charged once and will have to re-enter your information the following month to continue with the group monthly

If you choose a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription (option below that) – your payment information will be held and will pull every month for however many months you choose. After that allotted time, your subscription will end, and if you’d like to continue, you’ll just need to re-subscribe!

3. How large will the tasting group be?

In order to be interactive and allow everyone a chance to more easily talk/connect, we’ll start out as a large group but then form into breakout groups of around 6-10.

4. Can I get a bundle but not join the call?

Although there is huge value in tasting with a group, you are absolutely welcome to join the group without joining the call. All Zoom calls will be recorded and sent out to every member after we meet as well!

5. Can I purchase my own bottles and join the call?

We do have an open-label option. It won’t be quite the same experience, however.

Blind Tasting with a group doesn’t work well unless everyone is able to compare the same bottles. Also, there are so many styles of a variety and for exam purposes, it’s important for a wine to be fairly classic/benchmark. (Not because these are the only “good wines”…but having a baseline of what is classic is helpful because it’s what they pull for exams).

However, if you are looking for more of a budget option let me know here!

6. Where do the bottles come from?

Bottles are curated by Accent Wine Parlor, out of Columbus Ohio. I also work with a small number of wine retailers across the US to be able to supply wines for most harder-to-ship states!

I choose bottles from inventory based on what I think would be the best representation for that month, and these partner retailers then curate the bundles and send them directly to you!

7. Can I use my CMS/WSET tasting method?

Absolutely.

You are welcome to follow whatever grid or format that mirrors your certification (if you have one)! If you are self-study, I will email you a basic grid.

*This group is not affiliated in any way with The Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or any other certification group, however

8. Can you join from any of the 50 states or outside of the US?

At this time, orders from the following states are unable to be fulfilled:

Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah

***If you are in any of these states OR Canada and are still interested in joining, please go HERE and fill out the form, I do have additional suppliers I can work with in some harder to ship to states!

There is not an option for countries outside of the US …YET.

9. What if I’m still unsure if this is for me?

Join us for a call, no charge to you!

I’m happy to extend a one-time sit-in for you to hang out on the call with the group and see what you think! I promise it’s a welcoming environment and I’m happy to let you check it out before you decide to join! GO HERE to drop your name and email for a link to the next meetup!