Anyone bought this gift?

[Dulwich_newbie]

I'm looking for a present for my partner who likes wine but doesn't really know which ones. Anyone tried this? Worth the money?

https://www.honestgrapes.co.uk/taste-lab/

[sheilarose]

Have you considered The Wine Society? The oldest and the best. http://www.thewinesociety.com/joining-the-society

[Dulwich_newbie]

I have seen that before - looked a little stuffy? But I might be wrong. My OH likes wines but doesn't know that much that's why I liked the idea of the taste kit.

[Loz]

If don't mind spending more (like a few hundred) I really recommend the WSET Level 2 course (don't bother with the Level 1). It's actually an industry course, but open to all. Teaches you so much about wine, including countries/regions, grapes, techniques and a structured way to taste a wine. You also get six wines a week (of wildly differing value) to taste and discuss and the course is one night a week over nine weeks.

I thought I'd come out with an awfully expensive taste in wine, but they do teach you to appreciate value in the lower end of the scale as well.

[Dulwich_newbie]

That looks great but this is for more of a stocking filler present. I have already got the big one sorted. I do love the idea of the WSET course though, wouldn't mind trying that myself too.

What did you both think of the tasting kit - worth it?

[Loz]

I've not seen it before, so I'd be guessing as much as you. It looks a little gimmicky, so if you are looking for something that will actually teach your OH something you'll probably be disappointed.

For your ?30, you could buy a really decent bottle of something different to expand their usual buying horizons. A few spring to mind: maybe a nice German Beerenauslese Riesling, a Canadian icewine, an Aussie sparkling red or an Italian Amarone. Perhaps introduce them to a few new grapes? Torrentes (Argentina), Gruner Veltliner (Austrian), Nebbiolo (Italian Barolo), Viognier (French Condrieu) are all interesting.

[Dulwich_newbie]

Thanks for the advice Loz, really appreciate it.

[numbers]

Agree with Loz! I'd be really disappointed to receive test tube samples of wine.

Don't majestic provide this sort of tasting note service for free?

[CocoC]

I recommend Wine Society membership - bought it for my husband last Christmas. He has discovered some really interesting (and often inexpensive) wines through his membership.

[Dun]

I did a wine tasting at ToastED with my sister and it was great. We tried 6 wines from Spain and the guy (sorry forgot his name) giving the tasting was very good. The group was small, 6 ppl, and interesting. A great stocking stuffer voucher!

[Seabag]

I like wine

Can't remember which, comes in a glass