15 people; private home

These ladies were tired of cake and silly games. They had a bit of Champagne and mingled before I arrived. I told them about wine tasting in general and a bit about the area they were going to visit. We tasted the first wine together, and then I let them chat. I wandered from group to group offering the next wine and as little or as much information as they wished. After 4 wines, they were ready to open presents and I was on my way. I left them a list of the wines and a few places in Sonoma to visit.

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50 people; college art gallery

As new teachers arrived in the student art gallery, they were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and a jazz trio playing contemporary standards. The more experienced staff made a point to introduce themselves to the "rookies", while I invited the new colleagues to taste different sparkling wines from four different countries. They sampled, chatted, and enjoyed a light buffet as they traded hints for successful classrooms.

Open House for Designers and Contractors
250 people; kitchen & bath store

The goal of this event was to attract potential large buyers to this flagship facility. I arranged three tasting stations throughout the store so that guests were encouraged to explore the entire sales floor. Each station had a different theme - Italy, France, Spain with nibbles to compliment. Customers were encouraged to ask questions at each station and sample a bit of each wine. Most chose to enjoy a glass of their new favorite and wander the store. Salespeople mingled at each station and had an instant ease of conversation with these influential buyers.

Special Meeting for a Book Club
10 people; private home

These ladies decided to take a short break from reading and treat themselves to a wine class. The last book they had discussed was set in the South of France, so I created a tasting for them that featured the wines of Provence and the Southern Rhone valley. As I described the topography and climate of the individual areas, they tasted, and recalled scenes from the book.

20 people; conference room

This group wanted to learn about wine during their lunchtime speaker program, but they were not allowed to drink on company time. I brought in four different wine menus, and explained all of the wine jargon involved. We talked about ordering for a large group, how to taste, and what to tip the sommelier. While they ate box lunches, eager diners inquired about wine etiquette, and food pairing. I recommended a few good beginner wine books and wine bars for folks who wanted to learn more.

Elegant Meal for a Gourmet Group
6 people; private home

This hostess wanted to really treat her gourmand friends to something special. She brought me a ten-course menu of rich and intricate dishes she planned to serve. My challenge was to choose just the right wines to compliment he hard work. We met a week before the event to taste a trial run of the more exotic dishes. I brought a selection of wines from France to New Zealand to taste with her handiwork. We chose the wines together and I prepared a printed menu for the big night. I served Champagne as she put the finishing touches on the first course. Once seated for dinner, I served as sommelier and spoke a bit about each wine as it was served. The Chef received a standing ovation.