What a Beginner Wine Workshop covers
Each workshop is set up for people who are new to wine or just want a clearer way to talk about what they are tasting. We keep it practical and relaxed, with enough structure to teach the basics and enough time for questions so no one feels rushed. Sessions are hosted in Franschhoek village and also arranged in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg and Durban, depending on the booking.
The focus is on South African wines and sparkling wines, with simple guidance on colour, aroma, sweetness, acidity, tannin and body. Guests learn how to compare styles side by side, how serving temperature changes the experience, and what to look for when choosing a bottle for a braai, a seafood supper or a birthday table. We also cover glassware, storage and how to read a label in a way that makes sense.
- Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Group size: 8 to 30 guests for private bookings
- Format: seated tasting with guided notes and discussion
- Wines: 4 to 6 samples, usually a mix of still and bubbly
- Add ons: cheese, snacks or a simple pairing menu
How the session runs from first enquiry to final pour
Clients get in touch through the enquiry form on our contact page and we come back with a few workable options based on date, venue and group size. After that, we confirm the style of session, the wine mix and any food or glassware needs. For corporate teams or private hosts, we can adjust the tone so it is more social, more educational or a bit of both.
On the day, our team arrives with the tasting line up, printed or digital tasting notes and any agreed extras. The session is led by a host from the team, often with support from our Wine Selection Lead or Tasting Events Coordinator for larger groups. The setup is simple and tidy, which matters when you are using a home patio in Durban humidity, a conference room in Johannesburg or a cellar venue in Franschhoek where space may be limited.
- Step 1: Send your enquiry with preferred date and location
- Step 2: Confirm group size, budget and tasting theme
- Step 3: We recommend wines and pairing options
- Step 4: Final booking and delivery planning
- Step 5: Workshop delivery and follow up notes if needed
What is included in the workshop price
Pricing is quoted according to the number of guests, the venue, travel distance and the wines selected. We do not use a one size fits all rate because a small family tasting in Paarl is very different from a 25 person team session in Somerset West or a hosted evening in central Johannesburg. The quote will clearly separate the tasting fee, wine supply, any food pairing items and delivery or setup costs where relevant.
As a guide, the pricing approach is based on per person tasting costs for standard sessions, with larger groups often receiving better value per head. Premium bubbly, rare bottlings or custom pairing menus will change the total. If you need a simpler option, we can build a basic introduction session with fewer samples and a shorter format, which keeps the cost manageable for first time guests.
- Transparent quotation before booking
- Options for entry level, mid range and premium tasting sets
- Travel and delivery included where applicable within main service areas
- Food pairing priced separately unless agreed as part of the package
Why beginners find these tastings useful
A lot of people know what they enjoy but are not sure how to describe it. That is where these workshops help. We teach guests to notice the difference between a light, crisp white and a fuller style, or between a fresh sparkling wine and one with more mature yeasty character. The aim is not to test anyone, it is to build confidence and make the next bottle choice easier.
We also show how to match wine with everyday food, from roast chicken and grilled fish to spicy noodles, bobotie and creamy dishes. Simple pairing rules are easier to remember when you can taste the effect for yourself. Guests usually leave with a short tasting sheet, a few useful terms and enough confidence to order wine for a table without second guessing every choice.
Maintenance, refresh cycles and ongoing club support
For repeat bookings, especially in corporate settings or club programmes, we recommend a refresh interval every 6 to 8 weeks if the same group wants new themes and updated tasting notes. Seasonal sessions work well too, particularly around summer entertaining, Easter trade periods and year end functions. We can rotate the tasting line up so guests are not repeating the same lesson each time.
For clients who join our monthly club boxes, beginner workshops can be matched to the wines in the current box, which helps people keep learning at home. If you are hosting at a venue with limited refrigeration, poor power supply during load shedding or outdoor service near the coast, we will advise on storage and service timing so the wines are opened at the right moment and kept in good condition.
- Recommended refresh: every 6 to 8 weeks for repeat groups
- Seasonal themes available for summer, harvest, winter and festive periods
- Storage guidance provided for homes, offices and event venues
- Support for indoor and outdoor tastings in coastal or inland locations
Local coverage and venue fit
We host beginner workshops across Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, with regular bookings also in Paarl, Somerset West and Constantia. Each area has its own practical considerations. In the Cape Winelands, many clients want something intimate and wine focused, while in Durban the main concern is keeping bubbly cold and service times tight because of heat and humidity. In Johannesburg, corporate groups often want a neat, efficient format that fits into a business dinner or staff function.
Our village base in Franschhoek gives us quick access to cellar venues and private homes across the region. For home tastings, we advise on table layout, glass count, ice buckets and a quiet space for pouring. If the venue has municipal noise rules or shared access times, we plan the timing carefully so the workshop runs smoothly and neighbours are not disturbed.
Key facts
| Service type | Beginner level wine and bubbly workshop |
|---|---|
| Typical duration | 90 minutes to 2 hours |
| Group size | 8 to 30 guests |
| Wine samples | 4 to 6 wines or bubblies per session |
| Coverage area | Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Paarl, Somerset West, Constantia |
| Booking method | Enquiry form on the contact page |
